Riffing with Repetition:

creating unity and rhythm in abstract design

TUTOR: BRENDA GAEL SMITH

Explore the power of repetition to create unity and rhythm in abstract design. This 4-day master class is for students looking to stretch their creative muscles and to explore abstraction in-depth both in concept and practice. The workshop includes:

  • an overview of abstraction in the visual arts;
  • case studies of the art of repetition exploring jazz as a metaphor for visual rhythm and illustrating different types of rhythm;
  • an introduction to the elements and principles of design;
  • opportunities to develop and practice your art vocabulary to communicate more effectively about your own work and the work of others;
  • design exercises using non-sewing tools including an optional introduction to digital sketching tools (iPad/iOS);
  • palette-building and creating pattern;
  • compositional options and approaches to construction;
  • bringing it all together: converting ideas into cohesive compositions integrating repetition, variation and improvisation;
  • the value of self-critique, reflection and celebration; and
  • ways to continue riffing with repetition in personal practice.

Approaching Equinox

Zig Zag Pizazz1 – Pulse

Integrifolia 7 Emergence

Wrasse

Students will develop at least one 50-100cm composition in class. The beauty of a 4-day format is that there will be opportunities to actively explore possibilities to refine and enhance your design(s) beyond the design wall and construction.

Skill level: All levels of design knowledge including beginners. Intermediate to advanced piecing skills (or your preferred techniques).

Brenda will provide guidance on trouble-shooting construction/piecing issues. However, this design workshop does NOT include detailed technique instruction. Students are welcome to use other techniques if they prefer but note that class machines will be set up for piecing.

Images are indicative only and represent what can be achieved using the power of repetition.

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CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Riffing with Repetition with Brenda Gael Smith 

Four-day Class: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 09, 10, 11, 12

Class times: 10am to 5pm on Thursday-Friday; 9am to 5pm on Saturday-Sunday

Materials fee: None

You will need to bring:

For Warm-Up/Design Exercises:

  • Eight A4 sheets of white paper + 10 sheets coloured paper (black preferred)
  • Paper scissors
  • Gluestick (make sure it is not dried up!)
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Fine-medium tipped black marker (eg Artline 210 Medium 0.6, Pigma pen or similar)
  • Sketchbook/notebook
  • Digital camera or smartphone
  • L framing tools (see diagram below)

Optional: iPad/iPhone loaded with the SketchClub (iOS-only app)  www.app.sketchclub.com

For Sewing (Piecing)

  • One fat/skinny quarter each of black and white fabric
  • Assorted fabrics to make a composition 50-100cm. As a guide, at least 10 half metres in solid colours (five darks and five lights).
  • Rotary cutter with a SHARP blade
  • Cutting mat and ruler
  • Chalk pencil (Brenda likes Clover Chaco liners)
  • Neutral-coloured thread for piecing
  • Pins
  • Batting/flannel & pins to use as a design wall (or pin into the carpeted walls)
  • Anything extra you require for your preferred technique – eg. fusible webbing for fabric collage

For completion in class or at home:

  • backing, batting, quilting thread for 50-100cm composition
  • binding/facing fabric

Sewing machines will be provided.