Penland Week Session I October 30

Rory Sparks, Coleoptera (stiff leaf binding), book

cloth, charcoal drawings, 8 x 8 x 2-1/2 in.

We will explore the versatility of two sturdy book structures. We will start with drum leaf binding, which is an ideal structure for two-dimensional art, as it provides a page with unbroken imagery and no gutters. We will also build several stiff leaf and board books. The use of windows and wells will provide a wealth of opportunities for incorporating artwork and flat objects into our books. We will focus on technique and good practices while exploring sculptural ideas and alternative materials for working with stiff leaves. All of the structures in this class are perfect for small editions. Come prepared to invent and push the boundaries of your book forms. All levels. Code FO2B

Bookbinder and printmaker; instructor at Oregon College of Art and Craft; other teaching: Museum of Contemporary Craft (OR), Portland Art Museum (OR), Minnesota Center for Book Arts; founding director of Em Space Book Arts Center (OR); Oregon Arts Commission grant for work at the Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum (WI).

Thomas Allen, Loaded, chromogenic print, 20 x 24 in.

“Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be.” –Duane Michals

This workshop is for those who wish to hand-fabricate subject matter for the camera. Everything in this class, from the tiniest tabletop construction to a full-blown altered landscape, will be imagined, crafted by hand, properly illuminated, and carefully framed within the viewfinder before the picture is made. We will be purists and ignore the urge to apply post-camera effects so that what we see is what we will print. Bring your digital camera and get set to document your visit to a not-so-real world. All levels. Code F01P

Studio artist; work published in Harper’s, Field and Stream, O Magazine, GQ, Newsweek, Wall Street Journal, Telerama (Paris); representation: Foley Gallery (NYC), G. Gibson Gallery (Seattle); author of the monograph Uncovered: Photographs by Thomas Allen (Aperture Foundation).

Sylvie Rosenthal, Out to See, poplar,

mahogany, paint, mixed media,

49 x 13 x 29 in.

In this fun, fast-paced class we will explore simple, classical, and experimental construction for sculptural and furniture-based woodworking. We will dissect, transform, and manipulate traditional techniques as we cover joinery, construction, shaping, texture, and form. Students will jump right in and build a small sculpture on a functional stand. Using additive and subtractive processes, students will cut, glue, join, shape, paint, sand, break, and fix this first project. Then each student will design and build a project of their choice using what was learned during their experimentation. We will look both to the natural and the mechanical world for inspiration. Open to woodworkers of all ages and skill levels who want to try something new and have fun.
All levels. Code F02W

Studio artist: teaching: Anderson Ranch (CO), Arrowmont (TN); Windgate Fellowship, North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship; exhibitions: Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Del Mano Gallery (CA), Blue Spiral I (NC), Signature Shop (Atlanta); collection: Museum of Arts and Design (NYC).