Adrian Ward
Adrian Ward
Adrian Ward
FABRIC OF MEMORY
Fabric Sculpture Casting. Student Program.
The Fabric of Memory Art Class for primary and secondary school students, is a journey into the objects of
The Art of Preserving Memories: Fabric of Memory by Sculptor Adrian Ward
In a world that often races ahead, leaving the past behind, there's a powerful and artistic way to breathe life into cherished memories. Sculptor Adrian Ward, a contemporary artist with over 25 years of experience, has embarked on a mission that allows students to turn the forgotten relics of their past into enduring works of art.
Adrian's vision is deeply rooted in the idea that as we journey through life, many objects we once used or treasured are left behind. Some may find a new purpose through recycling, while others may continue to reside in our homes. But for the vast majority, their ultimate destination is a quiet resting place underground in a landfill, carrying with them the stories and memories that once made them precious.
It's this poignant thought that led to the creation of the "Fabric of Memory" art class, an innovative and thought-provoking initiative. Adrian's goal is simple yet profound: to give students the opportunity to tell the stories of these forgotten objects, using the timeless language of art.
In the "Fabric of Memory" art class, students are invited to bring in an "object of meaning" from their past. Whether it's a piece of fabric or something that can absorb water, Adrian's creative process can breathe new life into it. For over a few years, Adrian has been masterfully transforming fabric into cement as part of his contemporary artwork, initiating dialogues about the evolving worth of objects in our human value system. From jumpers to biscuit boxes and even a discarded pillow, these objects are reborn as sculptures under Adrian's deft touch.
The outcome of this transformative journey is more than just art; it's a celebration of memories. At the end of the class, students find themselves in possession of a sculpture that immortalizes a precious piece of their childhood. Every curve, every texture, and every color is a testament to the stories, experiences, and emotions associated with the object.
The "Fabric of Memory" art class goes beyond sculpture. It incorporates Still Life Drawing, a technique that hones students' visual perception of the world around them. It encourages them to see the essence of the object they wish to transform, sharpening their artistic eye and their ability to capture the nuances of the world.
Adrian Ward's journey is not just about art; it's about preserving our past, celebrating our history, and teaching young minds the value of stories that objects carry. Through his work, students learn that every object, no matter how ordinary, has a tale to tell, and it's an honor to be the storyteller. Adrian Ward has created a bridge between the past and the future, allowing the beauty of yesterday to shine brightly in today's world.
The Fabric of Memory short course runs for 4 weeks, the full course runs for 7 weeks.
Lesson 1.
The Introduction.
The first half of the class will be dedicated to an artist talk outlining the artist work and history, various artworks from the artist will be shown the students. Students will then be briefed in life drawing materials and then focused on quick life drawing for the second half of the class.
Lesson 2.
Student will explore understanding fabric through life drawing.
Students will be introducing to washers for example, Indian ink wash and a brown Renascence conte style, life drawing.
Students will be asked to bring to the following lesson a favorite personal item of clothing that is able to be used in their artwork i.e. t shirt, hat, shoes, blanket..etc.
Lesson 3.
Students will continue their life drawing, using the object to be cast. Gray lead drawings can be entered into their journals with the other drawings up to the students to choose which art materials they wish to use, from the previous classes.
Lesson 4.
Student will be casting their items in plaster, with the assistance of the artist.
Lesson 5.
Sculpting the student artworks with sandpaper.
Finishing the surface of their piece and then prime artworks with paint.
Lesson 6.
Students will learn antique reproduction Technics with a choice of bronze, metal or verdigris finishers. They will also explore the creative possibilities of the individual artworks and consider how to convey its meaning to the viewer.
Lesson 7.
As with all lessons, a steady dose of art history is given by artist to the students, with the final lesson exploring the history of conceptual art. Student will finish their artworks and write a small paragraph outlining the conceptual backstory to their pieces.This completes the students artwork and opens up the opportunity for an exhibition at the school, to raise awareness of the art project and also the art room's profile within the school to parents and staff.
Please do not hesitate to contact Adrian for booking or inquires;
Karoo PS 2016
Report Comment Suggestion.
During Term Three, Senior students were immersed in still life drawing and sculpture making with our Artist in Residence, Adrian Ward.
.... explored the ways in which artists, both past and present, communicate their views, beliefs and opinions in artworks and used these in his/her own art making.
He/She consistently drew items accurately from still life in relation to how they were placed and constantly looked back and forth from the drawing to the objects.
He/She observed and drew highlights and shadows from still life very accurately, created good contrast between different objects using value and the direction of the light source was very apparent in all drawings. .... was able to achieve balance and utilized space on the paper well.
......arranged the plaster dipped fabric piece into a pleasing aesthetic shape to create movement and depth. He/She prepared the plaster surface appropriately for the final finish, covered all required surfaces with good paint coverage and competently utilized different paint techniques in order to complete the patina.