Ready to build artwork from the inside out?
Would you like to create beautiful armature forms with fiber & wire?
Would you like to learn how to skin these forms with fabric, paper or gut
but you're not sure where to start?
Discover the intersection of structure and surface in "Skin & Bones"- a unique five-week workshop co-taught by acclaimed sculptural basketry artist Matt Tommey and award-winning mixed-media artist Helen Dannelly.
During 5 live 90-minute sessions,
Matt and Helen demonstrate how to transform:
- natural fiber
- wire
- gut (hog casings)
- silk habotai
- paper
into expressive forms as is - or ready to accept a variety of surface treatments.
Once your armature is complete, you'll learn to "skin" your sculpture using evocative materials like gut (hog casings), and/or silk, or paper - each lending its own aesthetic and meaning to the final piece.
This is more than just a technique class - it's an invitation to expand your creative vocabulary, push the boundaries of your practice, and work alongside two dynamic, seasoned artists in a fun, collaborative environment.
This course is for you if you:
- Have an interest in working three-dimensionally
- Want to learn how to create linear structures using various types of fiber and wire
- Are an adventurous beginner, skilled artist, or anywhere in between
- Want to expand your creativity while honing your critical thinking skills
No prior basketry or sculpture experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Get ready to weave, wire, wrap and transform!
As an instructor, Helen draws upon her formal art training to add richness and depth to the classroom experience, incorporating fundamentals of composition, color, and form.
I am interested in the drawn line. Working with various types of wire is like creating a three dimensional drawing in space. I am attracted to both the "bones" of the sculptural skeleton - they can speak for themselves visually - as well as the incredibly unique translucency of gut. After getting past what the material is, you can become mesmerized with the applications! The materials have so much potential! Students get excited when they realize the possibilities. For those not interested in working with gut, silk organza and silk habotai offer a lovely alternative.
~Helen Dannelly
FEATURES:
- Five live online 90-minute sessions with time for Q&A.
- Live demos.
- Prompts and exercises tailored to students’ needs.
- PowerPoint presentation & discussion exploring artists working similarly for inspiration.
- Access to the recordings of the live sessions. Now you can be fully present soaking up the demos instead of frantically taking notes.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your practice.
Helen and Matt have partnered together for the first time to offer collaborative, dynamic dynamic instruction as they support you in realizing your vision.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
REGISTER TODAY!
FAQ:
Q: Do I need sculpture experience?
A: No, this is a class for artists new to working three-dimensionally. And for those with some experience, you will learn additional techniques to expand your practice.
Q: I work in mixed-media. Will my imagery translate?
A: Yes! Anyone working two-dimensionally can benefit from this course. We will discuss various surface treatments, so if you are already used to working with multiple materials, all the better!
Q: I have more questions. How do I reach you?
A: You can email me at [email protected]
Helen Dannelly draws on over 30 years of professional experience in helping you realize your artistic goals. Helen’s teaching is informed by a unique combination of training that she utilizes in guiding you conceptually and technically. She received a BA in Women’s Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She studied painting at San Francisco State University (working with Bay Area photorealists) and sculpture at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Moving easily between drawing, painting, and sculpture, Helen has developed unconventional ways of mixing mediums that create emotionally evocative pieces. Helen’s work focuses on metamorphosis both personally, in natural phenomena, and of the materials. Her organic sculptures are inspired by the natural world, a nod to sea life and plants. Complex surfaces and engaging forms invite viewers to explore the impact of climate change--a metamorphosis of decline.
Matt Tommey is an American basketry artist and teacher from East Texas. His sculptural basketry work is collected nationwide and has been featured in various magazines.
He teaches online basket weaving classes, leads a global artist mentorship program called “Created to Thrive” and was recognized as one of the Best Art Mentors in 2018 by Professional Artist Magazine.
In 2010, Matt was included on the registry of American Artists Under 40 by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery.
