Kathy Toka spoke with The Echo about An Artists’ Affair, a two-day artistic immersion in drawing and painting the human form.
What is your vision for An Artists’ Affair?
The vision is to create a unique event for artists to come and paint the human form, dressed and undressed, within a lovely theatrical-style environment, to create an inviting setting for both models and artists alike. The vision is to combine the more traditional life modelling with a theme – Burlesque and Bare – and to blend and combine the two seamlessly throughout the weekend.
Is this a workshop?
No. The opposite. A workshop requires a mentor/teacher. The vision for An Artists’ Affair is for the artist to feel a sense of freedom, to be uninhibited. To allow themselves to get lost in their work without concern for a result, or consequences thereof, not to be self-conscious about what grows from the page. We can be our own art guru for the weekend! And I’m sure being among a bunch of other artists will evoke and inspire.
Who should attend?
All those with the heart of an artist. All those who like to paint the human form, with all its fragilities and strengths. For all artists who appreciate life drawing, askew with angles and edges and colours and curves. And lovely lumps and beautiful bumps.
All those who enjoy composition, thoughtful settings, and props. As it’s a Burlesque and Bare theme, expect to see velvet, corsets, net, satin gloves etc. And of course lots of skin. It’s for all those who long for the opportunity to indulge in a weekend of the pleasure of painting.
And they are?
Her name is Turiya Bruce. A longtime local, activist, artist, workshop facilitator, etc. I am very honoured to have her attend. (Please find her at turiyabruce.org or turiyabruce.com.)
What do you get from a life drawing session?
A normal life drawing session allows for a person to put on their ‘artist’s hat’ for a time, be inspired by the perfect imperfections of a life model, be immersed in a creative like-minded environment. The pleasure of getting the creative juices flowing and to express oneself is fundamental to anyone with an artist’s heart.
Most of us with that messy artistic right-brain propensity understand the desire to find a creative space – and create!
An Artists’ Affair, however, is so much more than a 2.5-hour life drawing session. A two-day drawing event takes the artist on a much deeper journey – with the models and with themselves.
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April at Ewingsdale Hall.www.followyourart.net.au
