Exploring approaches to creative journeys (FDAD only) with Caroline Wendling, Rachel Larkins and Tiffany Robinson

Ref: SWE33931

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About this course

This introductory course gives you the tools and the space to begin to develop a personal language and key to this exploration is drawing. Drawing has different forms and functions, it can be playful, explorative, illustrative, it can be used to analyse, record, generate, discover, doodle, experience, collaborate, visualise. Drawing gives you the means to communicate in a personal and visual way, and you will experience some of the versatility of this core activity on this course.

Course Description

Your tutors will introduce a series of exercises engaging with conventional and unconventional materials, in a variety of scale, and in response to different stimuli both inside and outside the studio.  You will be encouraged to question assumptions, take risks, be bold, and make connections with other students and with your creative work.

The course supports FDAD students as you begin to develop a reflective journal which will act as a thread linking the individual experiences of the selected short courses and help you to discern the significance of each learning experience as part of your greater journey.

You will begin to explore the formal considerations such as composition, line, medium, colour, tools, support, format, scale, tonal values, and form.  Materials, methods and meaning will also be discussed as you work in both 2D and 3D.

Examples of work by artists will be presented and you will be encouraged to take part in group discussion.  You will be introduced to the terminology in which to talk about art that will increase your confidence and knowledge to express your ideas.

Practical information about the FDAD programme will be discussed clarifying details of the course, expectations, support and how you can get the most from your FDAD programme.

By the end of the course, you will have been introduced to fellow students and tutors, have a better understanding of the practical requirements of the FDAD programme such as how to book, drawing days, feedback and more.  You will also have made a start to your own creative learning pathway as a Foundation Diploma student, through experimental and explorative use of materials and approaches to drawing in 2D and 3D.  You will leave inspired, informed, and encouraged.

A subject focused course that is delivered to suit any level of experience from beginner to advanced practitioner.  A structured start is followed by guided independent practise

About your tutors

Rachel Larkins holds a Masters in Sequential Design/Illustration from Brighton University and regularly teaches at leading Arts universities.  Her freelance practice encompasses areas including drawing, printmaking, jewellery techniques, carving and painting.  Rachel’s work is exhibited frequently and has featured in publications such as Crafts, Elle & Weekend Telegraph.

Caroline Wendling trained at ESAD, Strasbourg, France.  She is an experienced printmaking teacher and ran Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop for twelve years.  Her residencies include Cambridge School of Art, Wysing Arts Centre and Deveron Arts where she created White Wood.  She is the recipient of several Arts Council England Grants.

Tiffany Robinson MA makes drawings concerned with perception and the processes of observation.  She leads the Foundation art and design programmes, is recipient of Arts Council England award, residencies include Cambridge Sustainability Residency, Natural England. Visiting Lecturer 2005-2010; Director of Ch-Art (2006-2012); member of ARTEL Contemporary Art.
 

Course Materials

Included

We have a generously stocked craft shop, which opens daily from 8.30am–2pm.
For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.

An A2 sketchbook, loose paper, PVA, clay, and some drawing and paint materials will be provided. 

What students need to bring

  • An apron 
  • Camera to record transformation and process
  • Any highlighter pens you already have

Available to buy

Available from the Shop:

  • Masking tape
  • Selection of paint brushes 2–3
  • Assorted colour felt tips

Additional information

All Personal Protection Equipment, apart from footwear, is provided by the College.

Timetable

Arrival day

From 4.00pm - Arrival for residential students
6.45pm - Non-residential students please arrive by 6.45pm for welcome chat and dinner
7.00pm - Dinner
8.00pm–9.00pm - First teaching session – attendance is an essential part of the course: Introduction to the course and fellow students. 

Day two

9.15am - Teaching
12.45pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Teaching
5.00pm - Finish
From 6.30pm - Dinner

Day three

(Residential students to vacate rooms by 10am)
9.15am - Teaching
12.45pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Teaching
3.00pm - Finish
3.30pm - Departure

General Information

Tutors

Caroline Wendling Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Caroline Wendling

Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor

Caroline Wendling's work explores ideas of place and belonging through layered projects that draw on history and explore local myths, inviting re-imagings of sites. She takes her audience on a physical, sensory and emotional journey leaving them with a poetic encounter and a story to tell.

Rachel Larkins Art and Design Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Rachel Larkins

Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor

Rachel Larkins is a tutor on the FDAD program and has been teaching short courses at West Dean since 2017. Rachel holds a distinction level Masters in Sequential Design/ Illustration from Brighton University following an early training in Textile Art (BA Hons). Rachel's work encompasses drawing and narrative sculptures and is held in numerous private collections.

Tiffany Robinson - tutor at West Dean College

Tiffany Robinson

Programme Coordinator - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Tiffany Robinson studied interactive media for her MA (2005) making art films and immersive sci-art installations on perception and nanoscale. She is currently a tutor, mentor (The Art of Enquiry) and walking artist making intuitive drawings using natural and digital media. Her work deals with a post-modern estrangement from nature towards a being more than human through alignment with nature.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

FDAD drawing day

16 Feb 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutors: Rachel Larkins | Tiffany Robinson |
Suitable for all
£73
Rose Gilbert White Letter 14. Melanie Rose. West Dean College short course tutor

FDAD drawing day

30 Mar 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutors: Melanie Rose | Tiffany Robinson |
Suitable for all
£73

FDAD drawing day

29 Mar 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutors: Joanna Veevers | Melanie Rose |
Suitable for all
£73

FDAD drawing day (online)

10 Feb 2025 | Online
Places available
Tutor: Kate Boucher |
Suitable for all
£48