26/01/2023
Starting soon! Back by popular demand beginning February 1, join us for The Feminine and the Clay Figure: An Experimental Archeology Salon with Artist, Art Therapist, and Educator Katie Croft. Learn more and register at bit.ly/3HATf3V.
A four-week course utilizing experimental archeology to explore the meaning and use behind the historical “Venus Figurines.” The “Venus” figurines are found throughout many ancient cultures. The image of the voluptuous female body without identifying facial features appears over and over in antiquity, but there are only theories behind how these objects were used or why they were made. In this course we explore the how and why employing the use of experimental archeology. We will build a variety of our own female figurines with our own intentions informed by our culture of origin, our family culture, and our personal needs, wants, hopes, and fears. During these experiments we will discuss why we made these objects, and how they impact our lives after they are made.
Each class will begin with a short image rich lecture and many questions followed by a discussion and art making salon. We will utilize the materials of the ancient makers, meaning we will be making our figures from clay. There is no experience with clay necessary as within each of you the knowledge already exists to create these figures as your ancestors did.
Image: Shakōki Dogū (Goggle-eyed Clay Figurine), earthenware, early Final Jomon period, 1,000 – 800 BCE
