Ongoing Educational Activities
The currents of Primitivism run through contemporary art. The term ‘Primitive’ can be interpreted ethnographically, as a reference to the artifacts of tribal people; and it can be viewed in a derogatory manner, a reference to works that are somehow less sophisticated than those created in the modern world. But once Primitivism was embraced by the great artists of the 20th century - Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Klee, Giacometti, amongst others, it came to be viewed with great respect, as an aesthetic designation.
Central to this current is what might be called the “Primitive impulse” in creating art, which is paralleled by a largely unconscious impact on the viewer. This impulse manifests in various ways - mark-making, the use of mass or scale, ritualistic or ceremonial aspects, and the unschooled nature of naive art with its direct approach to form. Although these approaches differ, they are all aspects of Primitivism.
There is much to suggest that mark-making is inborn, an evolved propensity that has somehow been essential to our survival. The evidence dates back before the emergence of Homo sapiens - with lines, abstract markings, and geometric shapes scrawled on rocks and the walls of caves. Today, children take to the activity prior to learning the basic skills of drawing recognizable forms or writing. The creation and experience of mark-making is a driving force in approaches to painting such as Abstract Expressionism - deeply felt, even when transcending explanation or understanding.
In this workshop, led by Kevin Wallace, director of the Center, participants will explore the currents of Primitivism and its relationship with contemporary art. Following a PowerPoint presentation, drawing upon the recently published book Intersection: Art & Life, participants will work with pencil, paint and clay to create drawings, paintings, figures, and objects that explore the potential of Primitivism.
Kevin Wallace, Director of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts & Happy Valley Cultural Center, will lead this workshop. As a curator and writer, Wallace works with museum curators and collectors to place works of art in the permanent collections of leading museums, is a regular contributor to numerous international publications, and regularly speaks on the subject of art and craft.
Kevin Wallace Teaching at the Center
Wallace has guest-curated exhibitions for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles, the Long Beach Museum of Art, the Cultural Affairs Department of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles International Airport, and the San Luis Obispo Art Center.
Books include Celebrating Nature: Craft Traditions/Contemporary Expressions; Transforming Vision: The Wood Sculpture of William Hunter, 1970-2005; River of Destiny: The Life and Work of Binh Pho; Moulthrop: A Legacy in Wood; Every Exit is an Entry: The Life and Work of Liam O’Gallagher, The Cutting Edge: Contemporary Wood Art & The Lipton Collection, and Shadow of The Turning.
Wallace has also co-authored a number of books, including New Masters of Woodturning: Expanding the Boundaries of Wood Art; The Art of Vivika and Otto Heino; Michael Peterson: Evolution/Revolution; Contemporary Turned Wood: New Perspectives in a Rich Tradition; Baskets: Tradition & Beyond; and Contemporary Glass: Color, Light & Form.
“Our educational programming at the Center is concerned with sharing knowledge and opening people up to the wonderful world of creative expression,” Wallace says. “Everything I know I learned from others and I have been fortunate to know and work with so many fascinating artists, collectors, dealers, curators and writers.”
Please contact the Center for more information.
For workshop registration, please contact:
The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
Tel: 805-646-3381 or email us at BeatriceWoodCenter@gmail.com.
Our workshops and classes all take place at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts (driving directions).
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Please call 805-646-3381 or email BeatriceWoodCenter@gmail.com for more information on our exhibitions, workshops, and performances. |
