CREATING TOTEMS WITH MORGAN BRIG
Gig Harbor, WA
THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL
Morgan Brig has this uncanny ability to create little beings that just make you smile. Join her in this totem making workshop in Gig Harbor this summer where you will learn how to create your own small or large totem.
You will create totems that can stand alone or be affixed to a large sculpture. You will be amazed at what shows up during your practice. Each little creature has its own distinct personality. Combining Morgan’s techniques with your own style will create something to treasure.
“This small totem represents a spirit being. A creature who recognizes and symbolizes the qualities that are uniquely found in you. This one plans to accompany you through life, acting as a personal guide. Small but mighty, rustic, somewhat mischievous, and ready to question the status quo.”
Itinerary
Day 1
9:30 We will meet for introductions and a class overview by Morgan with samples.
This will be followed by a demo on how to use Apoxie Sculpt. You will be set free to start creating your three totems and one larger piece.
Lunch 12:30-1:30
Class resume at 1:30. At the end of the day, Morgan will demonstration how to paint, fit and cut copper wrap and other variations on wrapping.
Class will be over at 4:30. Dinner will be made by Kathie this evening.
Day 2
Class starts at 9:30. Morgan will demonstrate how to use the torches. Instruction will include safety, annealing, brazing wings, antlers, ears, and arms.
Lunch 12:30-1:30
When we return from lunch, Morgan will demonstrate charms, jump rings, wire hangers, chain, brazed charm hangers and brazing wrap tacks and u-hooks and other parts, with a grinder safety demonstration.
I know, it sounds overwhelming, but you will get it and there will be lots of help from Morgan and students who already know how to do these techniques.
We will end the day at 4:30. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3
We will meet at 9:30 to continue working on our projects. Breaking at 12:30 for lunch and ending the day at 4:30. Dinner will be made by Kathie this evening.
Day 4
We will meet at 9:30 for our last day together. Everyone will be working on their projects until lunch at noon.
1:00-3:00 Class continues working
3:00-4:00 We will clean up and then share our work with each other. Picture time!
Shown below are some of the wonderful pieces created by artists in Morgan’s Spirit Beings class.
COVID
You must be vaccinated in order to attend this workshop and you will need to take a rapid test at least two days prior to the workshop. Your card and negative test will need to be shown to Bellissima Art Escapes in order to join the workshop. Thank you for your cooperation and for considering your fellow artists.
THIS ESCAPE INCLUDES
Four days of instruction by Morgan Brig
Copper Packages
Wood Block Bases
Some paper supplies
Two dinners, four lunches
Facebook Private Page
New Art Tribe
The price for this workshop is $950 and does not include lodging or transportation.
A $500 non refundable deposit is due at registration with the remaining $450 due June 10.
The workshop is limited to 10 - WORKSHOP IS FULL, A WAITING LIST HAS BEEN STARTED
Gig Harbor, Pix by John Vincent Palacio
The picturesque town of Gig Harbor is the location for this workshop. Listed as one of the most desirable cities in the US to visit (or to live), it is located just across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, WA on the way to the Olympic Peninsula.
It is south of Seattle and the SEATAC airport. Transportation to Gig Harbor from the airport - Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter stops at two locations in Gig Harbor, the Inn at Gig Harbor or Purdy Park and Ride.
Accommodation: There are many Arbnbs and B&Bs in Gig Harbor. Here is a link for more options
WE WILL PROVIDE
Dowels
Brazing Rods
Torches
Firing Stations
Copper Tacks
Copper packet
Drills and Drill bits
Grinder
Copper wire
STUDENT SUPPLY LIST
8 ounces matte medium
2 part 5 minute epoxy glue
Apoxie Sculpt, 4LBS, white
75 ft roll of aluminum foil
Exacto knife
Pliers Kit: needle nose pliers, rounded needle nose pliers, wire cutters
Black and raw umber acrylic paint
Small and medium paint brushes
2 rags
2 sheets paper for pattern making
Scissors
Roll of masking tape
Sharpie Ultra Fine point marker in black or blue
Box of wood screws, size #4 x ½” OR #4 x 3/8” (most hardware stores or on Amazon
Small screw driver to fit box of above screws
Elmer’s glue OR Elmer’s Wood Glue
Twine (basic cheap twine made with natural jute fiber. Most hardware stores)
Colorful/interesting (to you) string, yarn, gut string, in small quantities for decoration
Beads, also for decoration
Interesting paper, ephemera, fabrics to wrap totems’ bodies.
Charms (also of a smallish scale); i.e. clock parts, very small glass vials, fur, leather bits, old jewelry to disassemble, typewriter keys, bones, Milagros, etc. …whatever is interesting to you! All is fair game.
Morgan Brig is a mixed media artist from Vashon Island, WA. She loves to capture emotion in her sculptures using multiple layers of media that bring the subtlety of expression to each character. Her layers include etched metal detail, enamel patinas and found objects that suggest the old and familiar, but ask to be viewed in a new light. She often uses language and occult symbols in her designs to support her belief that there is always guidance to be found from external and internal sources as we go through life. There also is playfulness in her design inspired by her love of old metal and tin toys and her desire to lay humor next to truth or fear in her work.
Kathie Vezzani in San Miguel de Allende with her favorite mojiganga. Photo by Sean Reagan
Kathie Vezzani, who is hosting the workshop, also is an artist who paints, rusts and waxes. She organizes trips for other artists and in a former life was a caterer. She has over two decades of experience organizing trips for foodies and artists.