The Self as an Artistic Act

Mixed Media / Figure

£30

Course tutors for selected date

Course details

Explore acts of self-expression through this experimental online course using the home, clothing and everyday objects as a starting point for inspiration.

Join artist Alice Ellis-Bray for this online webinar looking at how artists explore their identities and sense of ‘self’ through their homes, objects and clothing. See how Bloomsbury artists like Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s relationship to, and documentation of, colour fed into how she lived and worked.

Starting with an introduction to Alice’s own research into the Bloomsbury Group, their Omega Workshops, and Charleston House in Sussex, see how these artists’ clothing and homes offered another form of self expression. Taking these examples as points of inspiration, Alice demonstrates how to use your own clothes and objects (gathered before the session) to think about the self as an artistic act.

Colour will be integral to this session – the patterns and colours that we are personally drawn to as well as how clothing becomes our first ‘palette’ when making a self-portrait. Drawing on her own practice as painter, performer and costume-maker, Alice introduces you to various ways-in to creative self expression and encourages you to set-up your own self-portrait through your selected objects.

See how colour, texture, shape and pattern can be used to both reflect as well as reinvent yourself, and learn how symbolism can reflect more than just an image. This is designed to be a fun, expressive course. Ideal if you are interested in exploring different means of expressing the self as well as new ways into painting.

Alice Ellis Bray

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with more experience looking to build confidence in new ways of working. Aimed to help you step out of your comfort zone and loosen your approach to painting.

In advance of the class, you will be sent a short task to gather objects and clothes with personal meaning for you.

What will I learn?

1. How to use clothing, objects and the home to explore the expression of ‘self’.

2.Learn about the Bloomsbury Group and how for them, identity became a liberated act of freedom.

3. Explore your own clothing and which patterns and colours you are drawn to, and how this can be incorporated into your painting.

4. How to find your own colour palette.

5. How to set up a self-portrait, or to represent the self using various objects and clothing.

How does an online session work?

Once you have booked you will be able to watch on demand immediately.

You can pause, rewind and watch again as often as you like until the session expires 60 days after purchase

You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with our community of fellow students from around the world.

You will need access to the internet and ideally a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not suitable unless cast to a smart TV.

Taught by

Alice
Ellis-Bray

View Alice’s Work

I teach to empower people and strengthen their own relationship with creativity. I don’t believe in mistakes when it comes to making art. I encourage finding a belief in each line made, or brush stroke painted, and exploring further into how different stages of creativity trigger different emotions.

FAQs

Online Art Courses

How can I get help in choosing a course?

Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180

Do I need a webcam/any equipment?

For our webinar sessions which are broadcast on the internet and no webcam or microphone is needed as you just need to be able to see/hear hosts and you can communicate using the chat function. You can watch using a PC, Smart TV or tablet. A phone isn’t ideal as you will struggle to see enough unless you can miracast to a screen or smart TV.

For the longer online courses on Zoom you will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. If you have a PC without camera or speakers, you can purchase a plug and play webcam for approx £25 which connects to a usb port. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.

All the art materials and equipment needed to participate in the course will be listed in full on the online learning platform, for live webinars this will be a minimum of two weeks before the session starts.

I have registered for the webinar but I can't find my joining link

You can access all the resources and joining link for your webinar via our online learning platform. You will need to have set up an account on our online learning platform in advance. You can do this during the checkout process when purchasing your webinar. If you are having trouble accessing your online account, please contact [email protected]. You can use a PC or tablet or even cast from your phone to watch on your Smart TV.

I paid for the session but missed it, how can I watch?

Currently all our online sessions are recorded and you can access the recording on our online learning platform until it expires. Usually 60 days for a webinar, 90 – 180 days for multipart webinars or online courses.

Studio Courses

How can I get help in choosing a course?

Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180

How do I get my work home?

Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.

For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.

What do I need to bring?

Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.

What do I do for lunch?

Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.

What times do courses run?

Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.

Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.

Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?

The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.

If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.

Booking a Course

How can I reserve a place?

We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.

You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.

About St Ives

Where do I park?

The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith Car Park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.

How do I get there?

Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.

Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.

Where can I stay?

St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.