Selene Fisher: Ekphrastic Postcards in a Blizzard (Book)

Workshop Description

This class combines mixed-media collage, creative writing, an origami-inspired case, and a collaborative interchange with classmates.

We will start off collaging a set of postcards that will be addressed and exchanged randomly. We will compose a short poem or paragraph inspired by the image on the front of the card (ekphrasis) and “deliver” the cards to our classmates.

To house our card collection, we’ll fold and cover Hedi Kyle’s “blizzard” book.

Each student will leave with a blizzard book filled with unique art. No cold weather required.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Knife
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Scissors
• Bonefolder
• Glue stick or PVA and brush
• Scraper or old room key card
• Markmaking tools of student’s choice (e.g., stencils, stamps, inkpads, paint, pens, etc.)
• Acrylic gel medium and brush
• Preferred writing implement (e.g., ballpoint, gel pen, calligraphic, or micron pen)
• If you have these (useful, but not required):
  • Acrylic pens (like Posca) in black and white, bullet or fine tip
  • Colorful collage paper (gelli prints, napkins, decorative tissue, etc.)
  • Quilting ruler 6″ x 24″
  • Folding jig

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Postcards
• Paper for blizzard form and cover
• Makeup sponges
• Stencils
• Colorful collage paper (gelli prints, napkins, decorative tissue, etc.)
• Students will have the use of typewriters, alphabet stamps, die-cut letters, and lots of magazines and books for image harvesting

Instructor Biography

Over the years Selene Fisher has dabbled in different art genres, but when she discovered book arts, she knew she’d found her home. She loves “messing around” with paper and the book form (not that an artist book necessarily needs to employ either). Selene delights in alternative book forms, bright colors, and poetry. She enjoys using images to create stories and finding surprises around the corner. She prints with letterpress, rubber stamps, and gelli plates, and likes art to be fun. She also tunes up typewriters.