Art from the Outdoors Short Course
Course description
Course overview
The Art from the Outdoors Short Course offers students the opportunity to create, document, re-imagine and critique work beyond the studio with 3 immersive lessons at outdoor sites. Students create 3D forms using found and discarded materials from different locations (accessed via public transport) such as parks, woodlands and riverbanks.
Students are encouraged to view found objects as a creative resource and work exclusively with locally sourced natural and/or small man-made materials to make site-specific art objects and sculptural forms. Materials may include wood, moss, stone and leaves, as well as discarded materials such as ceramic, coins and plastic.
By embracing foraged materials, the course encourages resourcefulness and recycling in a sensory-rich outdoor environment. Students explore texture, shapes and colour in nature to inspire artistic expression and connect with their surroundings.
The course has a strong focus on sustainability. Any works created using natural, biodegradable materials will be left in situ or returned to nature at the end of the day after discussion, feedback and documentation. Any locally found man-made materials or objects will be disassembled and removed from the area to be sorted for recycling or disposed of appropriately to prevent any further pollution of the environment.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in site-specific work, sculpture, drawing and photography.
The course would be a great choice for artists looking to reconnect with nature and expand their portfolios using tactical methods, as well as anyone wanting to improve their mental health and social skills by working collaboratively in nature.
Key information
Topics covered
- Engagement with nature: exploring textures, shapes and natural colours
- Development of tactile skills in a natural environment
- Fostering social interactions and collaboration
- Sharpening the power of observation
- The value and usage of upcycled, discarded (natural and manmade) materials and how they can be used to create new work
Learning outcomes
- Improved their ability to think creatively
- Developed their problem-solving and innovative thinking skills
- Developed their observational skills
- An idea of how to utilise the natural surroundings to cultivate a deeper understanding of the world
- Explored different artistic forms and expressions using nature as a canvas
- Interacted with other students through collaborative activities in nature
- An understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship and a sense of responsibility and community awareness
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
Required materials:
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Fully charged mobile phone for documentation
- Warm clothing during colder months
- Safety gloves
- Sturdy waterproof boots or shoes
- Hand sanitiser
- Sunscreen during the summer months
- Sketchbook / notebook
- Pencils / pens
Optional materials:
- Fishing stool
- Flask of hot drink or water
- A snack
Tutor
Will Griffin
Will seamlessly merges his engineering background with his artistic pursuits. Through sculpture, painting, sound, and movement, he explores a diverse array of materials such as cotton, flintstone, bronze, steel, cardboard, and wood, drawing inspiration from his hands-on construction experience.
Beyond the confines of his studio, Will shares his passion for art in the open spaces of London, utilizing the natural world as his canvas. A member of the RSA, he continuously refines his ideas for future exhibitions from his London studio.
With a keen interest in the sublime, societal injustices, loneliness, and the passage of time, Will's work resonates with audiences across the UK, France, Ireland, and the US, finding its place in private collections worldwide.
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