May 28, 2014
Vancouver Island School of Art Newsletter

Colour as experience

Imagine if you took away everything from a painting except colour and a single form, what would that look like? Joseph Albers was an artist who devoted his life to teaching new theories colour at the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College and eventually Yale. Albers theories are still used in colour teaching today. He published an iconic book on colour in 1963, called the Interaction of Colour. Albers didn't start painting the work he is most well known for, Homage to the Square (image right) until he was in his sixties. Albers' work is currently the subject of an exhibition in Spain: Minimal Means, Maximal Effect. When you are looking at a painting where colour is the subject, the colour takes on a complex meaning. Colour instigates both physical and psychological responses so it awakens both our body and our imaginations.

Colour is used in a very different way in Olafur Eliasson's Weather Project that was installed in the Turbine Hall in the Tate. Eliasson created a circular disc made up of hundreds of monochromatic lamps which radiated yellow light. The ceiling of the hall was covered with a huge mirror, in which visitors could see themselves as tiny black shadows against a mass of orange light. It was reported that in six months this installation attracted more than two million visitors. The fascination around this work was in part a response to the colour of the floating shape standing in for the sun.

The intent of Albers and Eliasson are completely different, with Albers the focus is on colour as abstract form, and Eliasson uses colour to represent weather (in particular, the sun). However both works instill specific physical and psychological responses in the viewer based on use of colour.

If you are curious about experiencing the sensation evoked by colour, do check out the current exhibition (Paradise Lost) by Xane St Phillip in the Slide Room Gallery. Xane is giving a talk on June 1 at 2pm in the gallery. Exhibition closes on June 2 at 5pm.




MAKING YOUR OWN SKETCHBOOK
Sunday, June 1,  1-4pm
 
You will learn to bind your own sketchbooks, notebooks, zines and journals in this afternoon bookbinding workshop. Two non-adhesive types of binding will be covered: the pamphlet stitch and the long stitch. You can use the basic pamphlet stitch to bind zines, booklets and pamphlets (hence its name). The long stitch is great for making notebooks, sketchbooks and journals. With these two techniques, you will be able to make sketchbooks using drawing or watercolor paper and recycled materials such as book covers, record covers, sandpaper or cereal boxes. Handmade books make great gifts so you can make some for yourself and your friends. No previous skills required. Suitable for complete beginners.

Instructor: Natali Leduc
Cost: $65 (all materials included)
To register online 
Xane St Phillip: PARADISE LOST
Artist Talk: Sunday, June 1,  2pm
 
Xane St Phillip will talk about his current work in the Slide Room Gallery. Xane has spent the last two weeks building a fantastical installation that addresses the architecture of the gallery, colour theory, gardens and the idea of Paradise. Also of note are the spectacular stained glass-like paper cuts Sarah Cowan has installed on the windows.
 
Gallery will be open from noon-5pm on Sunday. Exhibition closes Monday June 2 at 5pm.
Slide Room Gallery is located on the lower level of VISA, 2549 Quadra.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS

Register 10 days before the start date of any workshop and receive a 10% discount

 

In honour of our upcoming 10th Anniversary we are offering a 10% discount on any workshop that you register for 10 days before the start date of workshop.

 

To receive discount you need to phone (250-380-3500) or email school and mention 'early bird discount'. Unfortunately the discount is not available to people registering on-line via Paypal. Early Bird Discount is not valid with any other offers or coupons.

 

For a full list of upcoming workshops:

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

 

If you have registered for a summer workshop prior to seeing this discount offer, we will give you a 10% coupon for any upcoming workshop or course. Unfortunately we cannot issue cash back for transactions already completed.

 
For more info contact the office.
SUMMER STUDIO SPACE
Book now to reserve a creative space for yourself this summer.
 
To encourage early bookings we are also offering an early bird discount for summer studio space if you register before June 15.

Large spaces, brightly lit, lots of wall and floor space

One week, 9-5 pm access = $100 
 
One week, 24 hr access =$135

Further discounts available for rentals of 4 weeks or more.
 
For more info contact the office.
COLLAGE: Studies in Composition
June 14, 1-4pm
 
Want to have a fun, no-stress afternoon of creativity with all supplies included? 
 
In this workshop you will make a few small scale collages while learning some basic design concepts. 
 
Beginners welcome.
 
Instructor: Wendy Welch
 
Cost: $65 (includes supplies)

 
Diploma of Fine Arts Exhibition
Sunday June 8, Opening Reception 4-6 pm


 




 


Call for Entires from Metchosin Arts & Cultural Association
 
Art on the Walls Visions of Metchosin Art Show: JULY at the Community House
Theme: How living in Metchosin has influenced or inspired my artwork. One piece per artist. NOT juried. For more info: Betty Hildreth or 250-474-1865.

Art  Festival  Exhibition - Sunday, July 13. To be outdoors at Community House
Application deadline: June 30. Participants, be ready to demonstrate your art forms and techniques! (All forms/media welcome.) Not juried. A $20 fee will be charged for a 3x 3 metre (10 x 10 foot) space. 
Queries/applications by musicians/performers: 
Queries/applications for space rental at festival:
Art Brendon 

and the Metchosin Community Association (MCA) 
For more information contact Linda or Laura in the office