Enter the extraordinary world of SEED DIVERSITY through a lively 3-day intensive art program designed to bring together an eclectic list of art materials and processes in combination with potent new ideas assembled from an artist's ongoing encounter and investigation of seeds over the past decade.

Together we will share what we understand about the importance of seeds and current loss of species whilst participating in a highly enjoyable 3-day exploration of art making that will be sure to arouse your curiosity and inspire new directions in your art-making!

PLEASE NOTE : students of all levels are welcome.

 

MATERIALS PROVIDED:
Inks, paints, varied mixed media, brushes, simple mark-making & printing tools and a large range of papers specially selected for a unique series of exercises to be explored each day.
Seed material for your inspiration collected in varied habitats. Books, artist journals for show and tell etc.

 

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:
A smart phone.

Journal or sketch book.

Black pens like Artline.

 

YOU CAN BRING:

If you wish you can add to the materials provided … bring favourite seed material you have found, a few of your preferred mediums eg. colour pencils, watercolours, pastels, crayons, inks, a few brushes you like to use, simple handy tools, mark-making or small printing objects, needle and thread if you like to stitch… and assorted papers/surfaces/recycled bits/ small bits of fabric or collage items if you have those at home. If you make your own ink or paints from soil, plant material or such you are welcome to bring them!

Over three days you will have a chance to forage and add to things you may wish to try so no need to bring things on Day One if you are travelling light.

REMEMBER … materials are provided… the above list is only a prompt… not a necessity.

 

HERE'S AN IDEA OF WHAT WE'LL COVER:

Mornings we will work fast, draw, make marks, experiment with gathering information visually and finding forms and ways to capture material.

Afternoons will expand ideas into layered visual processes in a painterly fashion realised in panels and pages that can gradually become books in varied forms. The afternoons will be dedicated to shaping ideas into thematic or personal narratives, whether you choose to do this in a simple visual way or bring text, researched information or poetic notes to add to your book. Each day there will be a question to contemplate or discuss with others… some thoughts to step off from.

 

WHO IS THIS FOR?

PROFESSIONALS from highly diverse sectors ….

Scientists, horticulturalists, ecologists, conservationists, avid gardeners, nature enthusiasts, seed collectors, architects, designers, chefs, writers... professionals and passionate, active people interested to see how a visual artist will approach the world of seeds in order to take something really fresh, vital and 'on theme' back to their work/ creative lives.

ARTISTS, ART STUDENTS & ART ENTHUSIASTS

Professional artists, lecturers, art teachers, art students of all ages seeking new stimulus / methods, ideas and approaches to the visual.

CURIOUS PEOPLE NEW TO ART

looking to start exploring their creativity … seeking an experience that is inviting, intriguing and not so focused on a traditional approach to art techniques. Part entertainment, part desire for a new experience… without the pressure of professional/serious agendas.

 

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER & GUIDE:

Visual Artist Sophie Munns's fascination for seeds increased dramatically following a 2008 move from NSW to Queensland to recover from serious illness, putting an end to the life that was, including MFA research at Newcastle University. In subtropical Brisbane keen desire to learn about seeds collected on daily walks led to volunteering at the SeedLab at Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Despite this quiet start, 6 months later the Homage to the Seed project was proposed & subsequently selected for the 2010 Brisbane Botanic Gardens Artist in Residence Program. Further residencies followed, a highlight being a 3 week KEW Millennium Seedbank UK Residency in October, 2011. SeedArtLab was set up in 2013, home of the artist's Brisbane art practice which is “relocated" from time to time to other parts of the country & OS for residencies & teaching purposes.

Trained as a secondary art teacher in an unpromising era for female artists Sophie nevertheless kept exploring the visual, a well established habit from her Clarence River childhood, gradually shaping her practice in the changing environs & communities as she moved around, in NSW, Victoria and now QLD (with a vibrant 2 yr stint in London 86-88). She has been a grateful recipient of opportunities resulting in part from early risks and brave solo endeavours as well as later, more conventional awards, grants, commissions and residencies. The slow struggle to find a voice as an artist, trust unfashionable ideas & inner promptings to bring forth a unique vision has often been a more engaging challenge to this artist. Exhibiting when possible in solo and group exhibitions, having work represented in public and private collections, the recent experience of having a case study of her Art Practice included in the new textbook CREATIVE ENQUIRY: Visual Art for Queensland Senior Secondary Students published by Cambridge has been a personal honour for one with a long-sustained interest in ideas, education and the future for the young in a world slow to address our shifting climate and future possibilities. Seeds matter!
www.sophiemunns.weebly.com
IG: @sophiemunns

Keen for more details?

Day 1: where have we come from…

OPENING DISCUSSION: Looking back to appreciate the landscapes of our years growing up through to now. What landscapes, habitats, climate and weather shaped us … what seeds did we notice? Where did we respond to nature? Quick notes made of things remembered and mentioned as we introduce ourselves to each other at the start of our 3 day experience.

The afternoon session will provide the time to bring cherished memories to light in the artwork undertaken. What sustains us as we look back. What is worth celebrating .

Day 2: where are we now…

10AM DISCUSSION: where are we now with the elements of nature, what habitats & landscapes matter to us … what seeds do we notice now. How do we feel for the natural world at this time?

Using the afternoon session to weave thoughts from the morning into the artwork/books. Finding a key theme to explore and build on… in words and image… or visually.

Day 3: to where are we heading…

10AM DISCUSSION: Over the previous two days we will have reflected on our sense of being at home in nature… the things we remain perennially interested in.
On Day 3 we'll ponder a seed story we wish to take with us… finding inspiration in the cyclic nature of a seed and its symbolism for life… or perhaps through a personal story explored in an artist’s book in the afternoon. What have we be prompted to notice about the seed realm over 3 days that we wish to further explore, pay homage to or simply better understand … what thoughts on the matter of seeds will we take away with us.