Workshops

Basketry, paper making and book arts today offer a wonderful link between the ancient craft of many cultures and the ongoing search for creative expression. These invite explorations in craft - using materials to construct practical containers, paper and books - and art - an infinite opportunity to stretch one's imagination to produce something that is provocative and new.

Join me for a stimulating and rewarding workshop. All workshops except for "Explorations In Basketry Forms" are for the beginner. I am available to teach small groups by appointment and to travel to your location. All workshops can be adapted - condensed or expanded to fit a day, a weekend or longer. Contact me for scheduling, fees, class sizes and materials.

Guest Speaker

With an impressive collection of slides of her own work and others, Cynthia is available for hour long presentations. She will discuss the progression from traditional to contemporary basketry, different weaving techniques and sources of inspiration for basketry and art making. Sample baskets from a varied collection are available as show and tell following the slide presentation.

Upcoming Workshops

Sculptural Basketry
June 30 through July 4, 2008
Metchosin International School of the Arts
www.missa.ca
1-800-667-3122

Sculptural Basketry
July 21 through 25, 2008
Red Deer College, AB
www.rdc.ab.ca/continuingeducation/visual_arts
1-888-886-2787

Available Workshops

1. Wicker Bowl Workshop for Beginning Basket Makers

Working with rattan, (a jungle vine) you'll make one or more small bowls and learn methods for constructing a basket with integrated base, sides and border. The characteristics of rattan are excellent for shaping, controlling tension and creating patterns. We'll incorporate some indigenous plant materials and consider embellishment and design. You will complete a basket from base to rim and have the skills to develop and further explore the process. Although these methods stem from tradition, the emphasis will be on personalizing the creative process using basketry as the tool.

2. Making Cordage

Cordage making is an easy technique to learn and a wonderful way to turn fragile grasses and leaves into sturdy cords that can be worked into a basket or used in a multitude of other ways. We will make ropes of varying thicknesses and lengths from a wide assortment of natural materials.

3. Gathering Basket Workshop

In this workshop, we will make a sturdy rib-construction gathering basket, based on the Appalachian tradition. The handle, rim and framework will be constructed form woody vines, either wisteria, grape or wild honeysuckle, and the basket will be woven from rattan and cordage materials. At the end of the process, you will have a beautiful gathering basket for years of use!

4. Explorations in Basketry Forms: New Approaches

This workshop is designed to take basketry beyond the realm of craft, stretch perception and abilities and assist those looking to work at an experimental level.

Using ordinary things, found objects and natural materials, we'll work through a series of stimulating exercises, looking at interior areas created by containing space as well as their surfaces. We'll discuss how to enhance and how to simplify ideas, and sources of inspiration as artists.

The focus will be to explore, challenge and stimulate observations, thereby opening up the possibilities of non-utilitarian 3 dimensional forms.

5. Basic Paper Making

Save a few trees and learn how to make paper! In this introductory workshop, participants will learn the basics of pulp preparation and Western methods of sheet formation using simple tools. We'll work with scrap papers and other pulps and paper making with plant fibers will be demonstrated. Techniques covered will include laminating, embedding, making envelopes and pockets.

6. Introduction to Making Simple Books

Handmade books are a delight and a pleasure to make! In this workshop, you'll be introduced to several styles for which there are many variations. We will construct a basic concertina or accordion fold book. We'll also look at other folded variations that can be made with a single piece of paper. Hard covers, using beautiful handmade and commercial papers, complete with ribbon ties and embellishments can be added. Journal style books with single pages stitched between a hinged cover can also be taught.

7. Undercover - Creating an Artist's Book with Cynthia Minden & Karen Wallace

This workshop combines Introduction to Making Simple Books and Mixed Media Collage, taught by Victoria artist and art therapist, Karen Wallace. Minden and Wallace are a dynamic teaching duo - both share an excitement for exploration of new ideas. Minden will lead the book-making workshop and then Wallace will guide participants into the pages of these beautiful books to create new collages using imagery and text.

8. Present Yourself Well

Learn about the components of a successful and creative promotional package. This important tool must represent the fine work that you do as an artist and forms a vital part of your work.

Cynthia Minden was the founder and director of Cadenza - Counsel & Services in the Performing Arts for 10 years in Toronto and has created many press kits for freelance artists.