I recently attended a MassArt New England (MANE) weeklong workshop at Keene State College. Taking an art workshop can be good for the soul. Whether it’s learning a new technique, working in a new medium, or taking a deep dive with a favorite material, getting out of the studio, meeting new people and spending all day on art can’t be beat.
The workshop, The Mark and Beyond, was guided by Timothy Hawkesworth and Lala Hull Zeitlyn. I say “guided” because this was not the typical “here’s a technique we’re going to learn” or “here’s the final product you’re making” type of workshop. Tim and Lala, literally, guided us to dive deeper into our individual art practices. There were morning chats to set the day’s intention, reading of poems to reinforce the intention, a figure model for inspiration and individual conversations between each student and Tim and Lala.
We set about working on the projects we brought with us. Some of us had particular themes in mind. Others had an inkling of an idea. Either way, we dove into our work for several hours each day. It is pure bliss to spend the day making your art. Especially when someone else is preparing your meals each day. (The staff in the dining commons at Keene State College were great, by the way. Friendly and helpful.)
The overarching intention of the work that Tim and Lala do with artists is to help us find a way into the soul of our practice. To work from our hearts and not our heads. To listen to the inner voice that says “Try that color” or “What if I add this element?” And not the other inner voice that inevitably pipes up to criticize, to question, and cast doubt. (Tim had a great anecdote. When you go into your studio, put your doubts in a suitcase. Tell them they can’t come out until you’ve worked for a period of time. I’d add that after a period of time, they can come out. But they aren’t allowed to say anything.)
There is great freedom in working this way. To release expectations and simply create a piece of art that comes from the heart and soul. No pressure. No striving for perfection. The end result can sometimes be bigger and better than we, um, expected.
Here are two pieces that I made during my week away.
