Collage & Intuitive Abstracts with Courtney Trowman

Workshop Description 

Courtney (aka CC Bella Collage) brings her background in dance, writing and yoga into her art … meaning that she is inspired by play, experimentation, improv and stream of consciousness. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned artist who wants a fresh perspective, in this two-day workshop you will not only come out with two completed pieces (an epoxy resined collage and an intuitive abstract collage painting) you will learn how to tap into your creative intuition and other tips/tools to continue your unique artistic journey. Regardless of the day’s goal, each morning will begin with a short, guided meditation and crystal singing bowl sound bath followed by some neurographic art exercises to quiet the mind’s chatter and access our imagination.

Day 1:

·  Sound bath, guided meditation

·  Introductions

·  Cutting and collage till lunch (examples provided)

o  additional activities available for people who finish early

·  Step by step epoxy resin tutorial and pour (ArtResin brand preferred)

**For the collage portion, if you have a motif in mind (themes such as scenery or colors) you are welcome to start collecting those images and/or items before the weekend starts. This is not required though.  We will have plenty of time to cut and curate our images and objects. Also, as the supply list suggests, old magazines, newspapers, photos, found objects or sentimental objects you want to preserve will provide you with a fun variety.

Day 2:

·  Sound bath, guided meditation

·  Resin project reveal

·  Neurographic exercises as warm-up for abstract intuitive painting till lunch

·  Abstract Intuitive Collage till end of the day

o  Discussion of things like design, differences, value and “mother color”

About the Instructor

Courtney C. Trowman, aka CC Bella Collage, is an expressive and whole-hearted artist on a mission to create eco-conscious pieces that move the viewer through a journey filled with magical intentions and surprise details.

Her whimsical 3D collage art was born out of an inherent need for expression, a passion for art, and the discovery that her art didn’t flow through traditional forms such as painting or drawing.

Self-taught by curiosity, play and experimentation, Courtney uncovered her brand of collage art while living as a professional dancer in Los Angeles. Employing upcycled and recycled items, found materials collected from the street, a variety of art materials/techniques, sometimes her own photography, epoxy resin, poetry and affirmations she creates truly one-of-a-kind multidimensional mixed media pieces.

Through her creations, she invites us to get curious, to open our hearts and minds to the layers within each piece, to see without needing to understand, and to embrace our own creativity without judgment. “Art doesn’t need to be understood in order to be appreciated - it’s about how a creation makes you feel.”

Courtney began showing her work publicly in 2019 and has been on display at Sulfur Studios, RootsUp Gallery, Corkhouse Gallery, Cedar House Gallery, the JEA, Coffee.Deli, Locally Made Savannah, Savannah Gallery of Art, Savannah Hilton Head Airport, LiteFoot Company, STUMP, White Whale, 208 Wine Bar, and the Nest on 33rd. She is also certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach, and a member of both the Savannah Art Association and Arts on the Coast.

“My style of collage does not follow the traditional definition of the technique, and yet it comes close to describing my unique brand of layering various materials and techniques into one piece. Most of my pieces feature at least 50% found, upcycled and/or recycled materials. In the last decade especially, I have developed a stronger desire to do as much as possible to reduce my carbon footprint. I love rescuing items that would otherwise go to landfill, giving them a second life in artwork. Whether it’s for a collage or a photography piece, I exclusively find the items that become my canvases and frames second hand. Most of my paint comes from Starlandia Supply (think Goodwill for art supplies) right here in Savannah. This not only fulfills a very practical and necessary purpose for our planet, but I find that these random items give new meaning and bring a special kind of energy to my work.”

To learn more about Courtney, go to her website, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Supply List

*A wood panel for the resin collage will be provided for you.

1.  8 oz plastic measuring cup

2.  ArtResin 16oz set

3.  Small Butane Torch such as this one. 

4.  Something larger than 12” x 12” to cover your resin piece overnight, like the example link provided or a Tupperware or sterilite type container. Here is an example.

5.  Old magazines for collage cut-outs and/or old photos, found objects, sentimental objects.

a. If there is a collage theme you have in mind, you’re welcome to start dog-earing pages and/or cutting those images out in advance. Otherwise, you will be choosing images that intuitively speak to you on Day 1.

6.  Comfortable pair of scissors for cutting

7.  Glue stick and/or Mod-Podge

8.  Watercolor paper

9.  All purpose watercolor brush (Round Size 8)

10.  Super basic set of watercolors

11.  Black sharpie

12.  Variety of acrylic paint brushes such as these.

13.  Handful of 3 types of acrylic paint: fluid, medium & heavy body (at least one of each type)

a.  Choose the colors that speak to you (5-6)

14.  Something you can use for a palette.

15.  16” x 20” canvas or something comparable in size. This ‘canvas’ can also be a wood panel or something used, such as wall art/decor that you find at Goodwill, etc.

a. If you opt for something used or second hand, take time to prep it before the workshop to give yourself a blank slate. In my experience, spray painting is easiest; color of your choice.

16.  Optional add-ons: paint markers (such as Posca) or colored sharpies, crayons, oil pastels, charcoal, etc.

Registration

Registration is open to all artists.  CCAL members pay $175 ($50 minimum deposit required). Non-members pay $200 ($50 minimum deposit required).

Note: This event will be held indoors. By registering for this event you agree that you understand the risks of COVID and agree to the CCAL COVID Waiver Policy.