May 31 – June 01, 2023, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Many thanks to the artist Emily Hunt for her workshop introducing our participants to EXPERIMENTAL DRAWING: String Theory: Thread as a drawing tool during the basic course within the Studio Program at BAI | Berlin Artist Residency, Art School, Arts Incubator, and Live Online Courses & Classes.
“In this course we will experiment with drawing with string. The concept of a spiral or a continuous thread will be the starting point for a series of artistic methods. The aim is to begin thinking about drawing in three-dimensional space. A short lecture at the beginning of the course will bring together three interconnected concepts: 17th century calligraphy, string art/cat’s cradles and knot theory. The work of master scrollwork and calligrapher Baudoin van Horicke will be discussed in relation with the contemporary artists whose practices use the continuous scroll or calligraphic ornament as a visual language. A warm-up exercise will entail not lifting the pencil while making a portrait. The second exercise will introduce the Spirograph-like esoteric work of Emma Kunz and Louise Despont in relation to mathematical shapes containing personality and meaning. We will construct a free-form string work that uses thread as a drawing tool. The third exercise allows a drawing of a knot to “harden” using plaster, and therefore become a sculpture.
Day 1
10 – 10.30 am
The course will commence with a presentation on the topic of three interconnected concepts: 17th century calligraphy, string art and cat’s cradles, and knot theory in relation to string as a medium for drawing. The presentation will provide participants with an understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of these concepts, as well as their practical applications. Participants will learn how to combine these concepts to create original works of art.
10.30 – 11.15 am
For this exercise, participants will pair up to create an abstract portrait using pencil. The technique employed will incorporate elements of 17th century calligraphic spiral drawing and shading. Participants are instructed to keep the pencil in continuous contact with the paper, creating a moving scroll to represent the subject’s face. Emily Hunt will provide examples to demonstrate the technique and offer guidance to participants.
11.15 – 12.15 pm
Drawing with plaster: To create a unique sculptural drawing, start by choosing a length of string. Dip the string into a container of plaster, making sure it is fully coated. Next, lay the string out on a plastic sheet, moving it around to create an intricate knot shape. Repeat this process to create a total of 3 sculptures.
As the plaster dries, the string will harden, preserving the shape of the knot. Once the sculptures are dry, they can be painted or left in their natural state. Experiment with different lengths of string and knot shapes to create a collection of unique, three-dimensional works of art.
12.15 – 12.30 pm
The first part of the string work will be introduced. Using a wire mesh as the foundation, participants will design a sculptural drawing by selecting 3 to 4 threads of wool for construction. They will begin by freely creating shapes and angles, while keeping in mind the associations of shapes. Through the use of weaving and knotting techniques, participants can create intricate designs.
For example, geometric designs can be created by weaving the wool threads in straight lines and angles, or a more organic design can be achieved by weaving the threads in curves and loops. The final result will be a three-dimensional work of art.
Day 2
11 am – 10.30 am
The course will begin with a presentation by Emily Hunt, who will discuss the process of forming a concept for an exhibition using a method she refers to as “string theory.” During her presentation, Emily will share insights into how she applied this approach to create a solo exhibition.
10.30 – 11 am
An exercise of drawing will be conducted using graphite sticks to create form and volume. Working quickly and intuitively, up to 10 drawings will be made spontaneously and then discussed at the end of class.
11 am to 12 pm
Finishing and refining yesterday’s weaving artwork.
12 pm – 12.30 pm
Gathering of four different techniques. The hanging of plaster drawings. Participants will engage in a discussion about their work. They review the successes and failures of their artworks and reflect on the skills they acquired. This discussion provides an opportunity for feedback.” (Text by courtesy of Emily Hunt)
Emily Hunt (b. 1981) lives and works in Berlin since 2017. Hunt has been running Big Ego Books since 2015. She was the co-Dictator of DUKE Magazine, an artist magazine focusing on Australian artists and thrift culture between 2005-2009. She has shown extensively in Australia since 2012, including at the Museum for Contemporary Art Sydney, First Draft, Casula Powerhouse, UTS Gallery, Artspace, Bundanon Trust, UQ Art Museum, KNULP and The Commercial gallery.Her work is held in collections that include The Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art (CCWA), Artbank, and Manly Art Gallery. She was awarded Marten Bequest Scholarship for Painting (2015), and Ian Potter Cultural Trust Grant (2017), with two grants from Australia Council for the Arts (2014 & 2019). Her work has recently been shown at the Arp Museum Remagen, Kunstraum Kreuzberg Bethanien, Zitadelle Spandau (ZAK) and Sim Smith Gallery, London. In 2020 Hunt was selected as a participant in the Goldrausch Künstlerinnen Projekt. In 2021, Hunt’s first solo exhibition in Berlin opened at Galerie Wedding.
More information on the Emily Hunt Website.
