Sketchbooks are places of safety and freedom, where artists can do whatever they please: play with ideas, explore unproven paths, go against the grain, experiment with unfamiliar techniques, document the world in deeply personal ways or just doodle without any pressure that out of this engagement a masterpiece will be born. From working in sketchbooks regularly, artists develop a habit of engaging with the more experimental side of their practice, and from the lack of pressure new directions and bodies of work may be born. Using a range of materials and approaches, students will explore the creative possibilities of working with sketchbooks. Hands-on work will include binding our own sketchbooks using a number of different book forms (coptic, accordion, Hedi Kyle’s pocket and blizzard books, etc), responding to weekly prompts, experimenting with materials and processes (digital fabrication using Co-Works, experimental printmaking, sewing, embroidery, collage, papier machée, natural inks/dyes) working individually and collaboratively, visiting a local book bindery, artist visit, and proposing and executing a final independent project. We'll also examine artists' sketchbooks and notebooks including those of artists from non-Western traditions
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Illustration majors: required sophomore studios
Non-majors & Brown students: instructor permission