Instructor: Josefa Vaughan
July 2003, Richmond District YMCA
Day Camp, 12 students
Summary: This class introduced students to the work of a
variety of important photographers. New vocabulary was learned to discuss
subject matter. We made collages and studied how artists use photography to
plan, alter and arrange pictures with text. Cameras, received as part of the
class, provided students with the experience of guided shooting and critique. On
a field trip we developed camera-less pictures in a darkroom.
Part 1: After a brief introduction of the basic principles of
photography and a discussion of various students’ experiences with
picture-taking we looked at several home-made pin-hole cameras. Then students
were each given a different book on the work of photographers such as Imogen
Cunningham, Andres Serrano, Michelle Vignes and Hiroshi Sugimoto. After
spending a few minutes perusing its contents and making written notes as to
distinguishing features or questions each student presented their impressions
of the work to the class. New vocabulary was learned to discuss subject matter
such as Portraiture, Landscape and Still life and a discussion of composition
involved arranging a given clipped image in a frame to take home. Students were
given their own cameras to keep, loaded with a roll of film. We practiced
individual and group portraiture along with still life arrangements of objects
with attention to indoor lighting concerns. Then we walked to the park taking
pictures of scenes and details of the landscape.
Part 2: Documentary photographer, Jennifer Cheek, presented slides
of her work describing the children and culture of Haiti and Cambodia.
Discussion of poverty, beauty and community followed. She explained the
fundamental components of a manual camera and critiqued the developed
photographs students had taken during the previous class. Then students made
posters and greeting cards using duplicate cut, pasted and arranged photos,
transfer type and watercolor. We discussed composition and archival aspects of
picture making.
Part 3: On a field trip to the Photography Center in the Harvey
Milk Recreational Arts Building in San Francisco executive director, Clarence
Towers introduced us to camera-less photography with a tour of the facility and
hands-on activities. First the chemistry and principles of photographic image
making was explained. Then we were given light sensitive paper on which to
arrange objects. After a few minutes exposure to the sun, we removed the
objects, immersed the paper in developer and watched the image reverse its
light/dark contrasts. These “sun-grams” were thrilling! And we got to make as
many as we liked. Finally, we toured the darkroom and after having the enlarger
explained along with the timer and various tubs of liquids for developing and
fixing a image, we made photo-grams. These are like sun-grams only the
light-sensitive paper with arranged objects is exposed to an electric light.
Contrasts and subtleties are more possible in photo-grams than they are in
sun-grams. We looked at each other’s work and commented on the varieties of
temperament reflected in choices each student made.
Selected comments from student evaluations follow: “I wished we could
see really old cameras.”– Rosie; “I wished that we could develop color
photographs.”– Megan; “I liked taking pictures and I also liked looking at
Sugimoto’s photos. I loved making posters. Thank you!” – Helen Lee; “I loved
going to the darkroom. I shared my experiences with my family.”– Jozie; “I will
use these skills when I come back to do another one.”– Christopher.
Reimbursed expenses: Walgreens, 12 cameras, each with 24-frame film
development – $112.57
Photography Center admission with
instruction and materials for 12 students, 4 adults – $60.
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan
June 2003, Richmond District YMCA
Day Camp, 25 students
Summary: This class introduced students to the fundamentals of
drawing, painting, and collage.
Part 1: We discussed basic
elements of drawing such as line,
shape, texture/pattern, light/dark contrast and color. Using a variety of
papers students described their own imaginary worlds. New vocabulary was
learned to discuss subject matter such as Portraiture, Landscape and Still life
and a discussion of composition introduced concept such as symmetry,
foreground, background, foreshortening and perspective. Emphasis was given to
the placement of the horizon line in out-of-doors pictures. Demonstrations of
cartoon and realistic rendering of faces was followed by instructions on how to
use shading to suggest the play of light on an object. We discussed the
contrast between geometric with organic objects and, using charcoal, color
pencils and markers, we drew them from memory and from life (things we could
see in the room.) At the end we listen to students show and explain their
works.
Part 2: After putting on smocks and reviewing some fundamentals of
drawing composition students received paints, pallets and brushes. A brief
history of painting and what makes it different from drawing followed.
Discussion of color included learning primary, secondary and complimentary
colors. Large reproductions of works by Paul Gauguin’s paintings were examples
of how flesh tones can be made from mixing primary and complimentary colors. A
brief biography of this artist opened up questions about why people need to
make art. Students exhibited a fascination with color mixing and the
juxtaposition of contrasting shapes. Practicing various techniques with acrylic
and tempera paints (dry brush, wet-on-wet, scumbling and glazing) students were
introduced to the properties of the media. Some paintings showed an interest in
recognizable forms while others were concerned with abstract qualities. At the
end we listened to students show and explain their works.
Part 3: Students hunted and gathered images of landscape, still
life and portraiture from the pages of National Geographic Magazines. In
addition, they were to find and remove examples of abstract (patterned) images
and conceptual (map or chart-like images. With these five kinds of visual
material students arranged compositions that required them to juxtapose and
superimpose a variety of images. Using scissors and glue they learned how to
apply their own tactile intelligence to the problems of manipulating tools to
get specific effects from materials. We also considered design questions
including balance, legibility and context. Black taped lines allowed graphic
and framing options. This kind of collage art brought out the best in those who
lack confidence in their drawing skills. However, some drawing was integrated
to the manipulated readymade images in the compositions. At the end we listened
to students show and explain their works. Some of them were quite humorous!
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan
June 2003, Richmond District YMCA
Day Camp, 25 students
Summary: This one-day class introduced students to the basic
features of and facts about insects while giving them a chance to manipulate a
variety of materials into three-dimensional objects. Diversity was the theme as
they examined photocopies of various species and explored various ways to put
together diverse materials to create a bug. Our
objective was to create 3 dimensional insect sculptures from a variety of
recycled objects and art materials. Each student received pins, colored paper,
fancy tape, brass fasteners, toilet paper tubes or corks, clay, and scissors.
Terms discussed included sculpture, constructions, fasteners, (insect parts:
thorax, antennae, legs, wings, abdomen). Students looked at and colored
pictures of insects for ideas. The teacher then demonstrated how to make a bee
from the materials available. Students were encouraged to experiment with the
materials and find new ways of combining those materials. Students then worked
independently while teachers came around with additional supplies and advice.
We made paper pockets to put our bugs and cocoons in. At the end we listened to
students show and explain the process of making their works. Bees and
butterflies were the most popular critters!
June 23 – August 11, 2003
Drop-in Art Studio for all ages
9am – 10am and 11am – Noon,
$5./hour per student
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan,
Assistants: Steven Chin and Bonnie Kirkland
Summary: These two hours were a time for YMCA members and
other Richmond District neighbors to explore art-making in a supportive and
unstructured environment. All art supplies were provided though guests were
welcome to bring any of their own materials as well. Teaching artist, Josefa
Vaughan and two artist assistants were available to introduce visitors to a
variety of materials and techniques. Questions were answered and guidance was offered
as needed or desired on an individual basis. Every day held exciting surprises
as totally different materials and ideas surfaced. There was always a wide
range of choices for each participant to make as he or she encountered clay,
fasteners and miscellaneous found objects such as corks, toilet paper rolls,
balsa wood, felt, nails, straws, beads and glitter. We made accordion books and
other folded paper things. Some
aspiring artists combined three-dimensional components with drawings made with
charcoal, graphite, markers, oil pastels, color pencils or transfer type (this
was a favorite!) Many greeting cards were made, as were bookmarks and small
pieces for refrigerator or framed display. Some days we brought out smocks and
rolled up our sleeves to paint with watercolor, acrylic, tempera or ink. At
certain times we mixed our media and referred to art history and contemporary
art books for examples of various approaches. Some days everyone wanted to make
ink blot images. Others focused on rubbings, cartooning or finger painting.
Professional grade supplies and hardy hand-made, acid-free paper made this an
exceptional opportunity for beginners. Some more committed artists used the
drop-in time to warm up for or practice what they learned in the two other hours
of classes.
10am – 11am, $10./hour per student
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan,
Assistants: Steven Chin and Bonnie Kirkland
Summary: This class introduced standard approaches to
rendering a head and getting a likeness. It also encouraged more experimental
methods. Classical reference materials combined with teacher/assistant
demonstrations gave students a base from which to explore their own approaches.
We worked from photos, live sitters and from our imaginations. Sometimes we
played with humorous aspects of cartooning using transfer type to build funny
characters. Students learned the
various angles such as profile, three/quarter and frontal views. They had
access to painting materials and mixed flesh tones learning the primary,
secondary and complimentary colors. We learned to use text and build a picture
story to describe the special people in our real and imaginary worlds.
Noon – 1pm, $10./hour per student
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan,
Assistants: Steven Chin and Bonnie Kirkland
Summary: Still life painting was introduced with its
historical references to mortality, material wealth, social status and
celebrations of the earth’s bounty. Every session we arranged fresh flowers, a
loaf of bread, a glass and bottle of wine on drapery to inspire us to observe
the play of light and color on these objects. Students learned to compose
pictures that reflected their own unique temperaments. They were taught to
consider the negative shapes (areas around objects) as well as the shapes of
the objects themselves. Large, generalized areas were indicated before details
were described. We noticed how some edges are sharp and hard while most others
are soft or almost indistinguishable as edges.
We used warm colors to bring objects forward and cool colors to have
them recede. We learned wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques. We had pencils and
crayons that turned into watercolor so that we could draw first and paint
later, if we wanted.
59 different people signed our
guest book during the eight-week session.
Our largest class was comprised of 9 students. Average attendance ranged
from three to six students. Toward afternoon clients arrived in greater numbers
than in morning.
Reimbursable materials cost:
$41.86 (most materials were donated my the teaching artist)
September, 2003
$10./hour per student
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan
Summary: This class introduces students to the fundamentals of
drawing, painting, and collage. Most materials provided.
Part 1: Students hunt and gather
images of landscape, still life and portraiture from the pages of National
Geographic Magazines. In addition, they find and remove examples of abstract (patterned)
images and conceptual (map or chart-like images. With these five kinds of
visual material students arrange compositions that require them to juxtapose
and superimpose a variety of images. Using scissors and glue they learn how to
apply their own tactile intelligence to the problems of manipulating tools to
get specific effects from materials. We will also consider design questions
including balance, legibility and context. Graphic and framing options will be
discussed. This kind of collage art brings out the best in those who lack
confidence in their drawing skills. However, some drawing will be integrated
into the manipulated readymade images of the compositions. This class is for
beginners and more experienced students who wish to review fundamentals of art
making. I will also look at and discuss any work made at home and brought to
class.
Part 2: We discuss basic elements of drawing such as line, shape, texture/pattern, light/dark
contrast and color. Using a variety of papers students describe their own
imaginary worlds. New vocabulary is learned to aid in discussion of subject
matter such as portraiture, landscape and still life. Other concepts related to
composition (such as symmetry, foreground, background, foreshortening and
perspective) are introduced. Emphasis is given to point of view and the
placement of the horizon line in out-of-doors pictures. Demonstrations of
cartoon and realistic rendering of faces will be followed by instructions on
how to use shading to suggest the play of light on an object. We will study the
contrast between geometric with organic objects and, using charcoal, color
pencils and markers. Drawings will be from memory or from life (things we can
see in the room). We will address different interests of individual students
and allow them to show and explain their works.
Part 3: After putting on smocks and reviewing some fundamentals of
drawing composition students receive paints, pallets and brushes. A brief
history of painting and what makes it different from drawing follows.
Discussions of color include learning to identify and mix primary, secondary
and complimentary colors. Large reproductions of works by important artists
provide examples of how various flesh tones and atmospheric effects can be made
from mixing primary and complimentary colors. Brief biographies of artists will
open up questions about why people need to make art. Students will practice the
juxtaposition of contrasting shapes. Learning techniques for handling acrylic,
tempera and watercolor paints (dry brush, wet-on-wet, scumbling and glazing)
will help students to understand the properties of each media. Some students
may show an interest in recognizable forms while others may be concerned with
abstract qualities. At the end we will listen to students explain their works.
Some of them will be selected for exhibition in the community.
Drop-in Art Studio for all ages
$5./hour per student
Monitor: Josefa Vaughan
Summary: This is a time for YMCA members and other Richmond
District neighbors to explore art making in a supportive and unstructured
environment. All art supplies are provided though guests were welcome to bring
any of their own materials as well. Teaching artist, Josefa Vaughan and an
artist assistant are available to introduce visitors to a variety of materials
and techniques. Questions are answered and guidance is offered as needed or
desired on an individual basis. Every day holds exciting surprises as totally
different materials and ideas surface. There will always be a wide range of choices
for each participant to make as he or she encounters, fasteners and
miscellaneous found objects such as corks, toilet paper rolls, balsa wood,
felt, nails, straws, beads and glitter or more conventional materials such as
clay and plaster. We will make accordion books, flip books and other animation
devices. Some aspiring artists may
combine three-dimensional components with drawings made with charcoal,
graphite, markers, oil pastels, color pencils or transfer type (this is a
favorite!)
Greeting cards can made, as can
bookmarks and small pieces for refrigerator or framed display. Some days we may
bring out smocks and roll up our sleeves to paint with watercolor, acrylic,
tempera or ink. At certain times we will mix our media and refer to art history
and contemporary art books for examples of various approaches. Some students
will focus on ink-blot images. Others apply themselves to rubbings, cartooning
or finger painting. Professional grade supplies and hardy hand-made, acid-free
paper make this an exceptional opportunity for beginners. Some artists may use
the Creativity Fitness Center as a studio away from home all set up and ready
to go. No more excuses for not being creative every day. Just get disciplined
and make stuff!
$10./hour per student
Instructor: Josefa Vaughan
Summary: What do
you do with all those tee shirts and other clothes you just can’t bear to toss
out? Reinvent them! Discover fun and easy ways to reconfigure seemingly
lifeless articles of wear with just a pair of scissors. Learn ways to cut the
fabric in various ways that will allow you to tuck, tie and loop components
around, into and over others so that baggy shirts become form-fit, frilly
and/or sexy. Mask stains and imperfections on clothing with sentimental value.
Watch them take on a new life as you add pockets, extra lengths and layers.
Create costumes for special occasions or experiment with an everyday
stand-by. This class promises to amuse,
startle and even be useful. Fashionable recycling!