OVERVIEW: Charcoal Drawing, Readings, Discussion & Tea
SEEING IS BELIEVING is a study course for the curious, the one who ponders, the person who wants to stretch their way into perceiving in an open observation-based structure. Through observing deeply, we can learn to draw what we truly see. The class supports observation through drawing what is around us, beginning with curated still life setups using charcoal, rag drawing paper, soft lead pencils, and erasers. Discourse and tea will happen as well, as will discussion of the readings and experiences during the drawing process. The objective here is to slow down, truly see what is in front of us, both in drawing and in life.
The course is designed in a salon format with directed readings and discourse, modeled after the Black Mountain Instructor Hazel Archer, whose class "Perceptions" inspired many artists and thinkers in Santa Fe in the 1980's and 1990's. In this current course, we add drawing from observing as a tool into perception. Olive Rush, in her 1947 speech at Earlham College’s Graduation, recommended the student-focused art program at Black Mountain College as a model for Earlham.
There are three independent salon sessions for this class: Jan 31, Feb 21, and March 7. Students can register for one, two or all three sessions. Each salon will be supplied with directed readings, sent before the class date — usually two per meeting. On March 7th at 4 PM there will be an exhibition of artists’ work from all three sessions, with a reception. Students from the earlier sessions are welcome to attend at 4 PM that day.
COST: Cost is $90.00 per session with a $20.00 materials fee to be collected at the class. If you register for all three classes, the cost is $300.00 with no materials fee.
MATERIALS: Students will bring their own 11 x 14 sketchpad. Basic art supplies are included as needed for each salon's subject. Drawing boards, pencils, charcoal and erasers will be provided.
TEACHER: Shelley Horton-Trippe moved to Paris after graduate school to study video with Nam June Paik, and exhibited in the first International Women in the Arts exhibition at UNESCO. In 1978, she settled in Northern New Mexico to continue her interdisciplinary art practice. Horton-Trippe has exhibited in the Paris Salon d’ Autumn, Edinburgh Festival, Site Santa Fe Biennial and many other national and international exhibitions. She was awarded arts grants: five from National Endowment for the Arts, four from New Mexico Arts, two Witter Bynner in Poetry, and one each from New Mexico Women and Gottlieb and Rauschenberg. She has also taught art for over forty years. She began the Children’s Art Studio School in 1981 and went on to teach at the College of Santa Fe, University of New Mexico and Institute of American Indian Art. Her art, whether it be paintings, drawings prints or installation, is most allied with the interdisciplinary workings of the 1970’s Feminist movement and often reexamines history to expose inconsistencies. Questioning the dominant motive is the root of the inquiry and exploring the innate dualities of existence — rich/poor, dark/light, Woman/man — remains at the core. Locally, her work can be seen in the New Mexico State Art Collection State Capitol Roundhouse, or through the Lewallan, G2 and Philspace galleries.