Step 4 – constructing the design
We had another wonderful weekend sharing the Organic Armor Arts with new artists.
There were five students, including the winner of the contest – Rachel. She was actually the runner up because the winner was unable to come this time (but he’s going to come to the next one in January). Two students, Rick and Whitney, drove from the Raleigh/Durham area (about 4 hours) and made an Asheville weekend out of it. With the leaves starting to turn and all the yummy beer and food options here, it’s a sweet way to spend a couple of days. Julie and Melanie are locals, whom we know already from the stiltwalking fairy troop and Asheville Mardi Gras. A very creative and fun bunch. All of them love costuming and were excited to expand their skills sets to include latex arts.
We took them through the seven steps of making Organic Armor, following the same format as the online course. The advantage to being there in person is you can stop and ask questions, get hands on help, and also wander around our studio packed with weird and wonderful things.
Being a small group we get to know each other quickly. I love to see people exchanging contact info after a workshop, knowing we helped facilitate creative collaborations and friendship.
Step 6 – dry brush painting
The students learned about the amazing material of latex rubber and in the process made beautiful armbands, all so different from each other’s. See the pics below. They were happy with the results and all expressed eagerness to go on and make more cool stuff.
Rick sent us this wonderful testimonial when he got home. It says it all.
Rick checks out his armband
“When I signed up for the weekend workshop, I was more than a little intimidated. I told myself these were serious artists. I’ve seen Organic Armor incorporated into many costumes, and marveled at how amazing the work is. I do a lot of “arts and crafts” and have made quite a few costume pieces, but nothing at this level. When I got there and walked the long halls to their studio, past all the other paintings and photos, and professional artists studios, I thought I was way in over my head. “What have I got myself into” But after the first few hours, It was simple steps,simple materials and explained in plain terms, by the end of the day I was blown away on my first work. By the end of the 2nd day, my finished bands, were astoundingly similar to the real deals made by the pros them selves! They were gracious and constructive all the way along, answered all the never ending questions I asked, and the excitement and love for the process was infectious. I cant wait to try some of my own ideas, and share with them, that their hard work teaching their process, will not go unrewarded!”
See more student work here.
