Art making is an intriguing process of experimentation, both with materials and with an inner dialog.
Jill leads workshops in contemporary natural materials techniques, and offers art & contemplative practice retreats. Jill taught in the Visual Art Department at Naropa University in Boulder Colorado, offering courses in 3D Design with Ephemeral Media, Eco Arts, and Book Arts. She has taught at many places, including the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Botanical Gardens in Denver, and the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology on the Oregon coast. Jill accepts proposals for talks and workshops. Jill teaches two Kozo Bark Fiber Courses periodically, and is available to teach on request. Contact Jill to schedule a lecture or workshop at kozobark@icloud.com
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KOZO BARK WORKSHOPS
KOZO BARK IN DEPTH
Workshops given in Colorado, and nationally, by request
Jill has taught the Kozo workshops at the Honlulu Museum of Art and many art centers
Innovative Techniques Kozo is a remarkably ancient and modern material- the steamed inner bark of a plant grown traditionally in Asian countries for making Washi (rice paper). This is a course for those wanting to learn about Kozo in depth. We’ll look at the history and learn the traditional preparation of this bark fiber, and then experiment with techniques which Jill has pioneered for using Kozo in contemporary dimensional art. The Kozo will be cooked and cast directly with specific techniques for creating two dimensional art. The bark fiber art has a diaphanous appearance, but is actually incredibly strong.
© Jill Powers
KOZO BARK IN DEPTH (2D)
Explore the strong flexible medium Kozo bark for mixed media art. This workshop is for those who love working with natural materials and innovative art forms. Kozo is a remarkably ancient and modern material- the steamed inner bark of a shrub in the mulberry family, grown traditionally in Asian countries for making rice paper. This is a course for those wanting to learn about kozo as a contemporary art medium.
We’ll look at the history and learn the traditional preparation of this bark fiber, and then experiment with techniques which Jill has pioneered for using kozo in contemporary art. We will not be making or using sheets of paper. Instead, the kozo will be cooked and cast directly with specific techniques for creating mixed media and installation art. The bark fiber art has a diaphanous appearance, but is actually incredibly strong. Kozo combines beautifully with other natural materials, book arts, collage, encaustics, and mixed media work.
Jill periodically teaches this two part course in her studio in Boulder Colorado. She is available to teach at other venues. Please inquire. Jill recently taught this course at the Honolulu Museum of Art.
KOZO BARK FIBER IN 3 DIMENSIONS
In this workshop we’ll experiment with with techniques for creating contemporary dimensional art with Kozo. We’ll learn the traditional preparation of this bark fiber, and then experiment with contemporary techniques Jill has developed. The Kozo will be cooked, manipulated and cast directly or beaten for specific uses. We will explore multiple techniques such as casting over forms, creating skin structures, and embedding. You will create a collection of test pieces, and handmade sculptural objects. The Kozo forms often have a diaphanous appearance, but are incredibly strong.
BOOK ARTS WORKSHOPS
BOOKS CLOSE TO THE HEART – a wearable book class, inspired by diverse world wide spiritual traditions which use books as part of spiritual practices. We make our own meaningful and unique small books designed to be worn or used in a multitude of interesting ways.
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GUT PARCHMENT – AN INNER MEMBRANE
Jill Powers
Gut is an unusual skin material which is translucent and parchment like. Explore contemporary techniques with this traditional media of Alaskan Native peoples. Gut can become an outer skin for objects, or a sculptural medium on its own. It forms an intriguing shaped skin over two or three dimensional forms. Rust and natural colors transfer into the membrane. Gut can add a mysterious layer of texture and tranlucency over a drawing, print, or photograph.
This class includes an extensive slide lecture on traditional Native and contemporary artists who work with gut. Our material source is an inner animal skin. Bring your curiosity, all levels welcome.
