Explorations of the
Wandering Mind
June 22-25, 2023
9am-4pm Thu-Sun
Andrea Matus deMeng
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Today begins a new art adventure as Denice and I are both
taking a class called Explorations of the Wandering Mind led by our friend from
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Andrea Matus deMeng. We drove from
Milwaukee to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to meet Andrea at 5:00 p.m. when her
flight arrived.
Our trip to Mineral Point is about two and one-half hours
but we made two stops. First, we had a family dinner at one of America’s
roadside staples, Cracker Barrel. Then it was a stop for groceries at the
Dodgeville Wal-Mart. We got to Mineral Point around 10:00 and got Andrea
settled into her lodgings. Denice and I are staying in the Mineral Point Hotel
on Commerce.
Mineral Point is still under construction but Commerce
Street where the hotel is located is mostly done. High Street, the main drag,
has now got curbs but still no road surface. However, the locals claim the
construction is six weeks ahead of schedule so that is great news for the rest
of the summer here.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
We meet this morning at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast at the
Pointer Café. Then it is time to get Andrea into the Lind Pavilion where she
can set up her teaching supplies while Denice and I unload are student stuff.
Denice and I took off for Dubuque, Iowa, which is about a 40
minute ride from Mineral Point. Our pick for the day was the National
Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium which we both found to be much bigger
than we thought and very entertaining. The photos from this visit will be on a different blog post.
When we got back we met our art buddy Lynn Ovenden who we
let into the Lind Pavilion to set up her work table. The three of us went to
dinner in Dodgeville at Bitchin’ Bob’s Barbeque which is always satisfying.
Tonight there is a class on leaf printing in the Lind so I
am unable to work in there as planned. Instead, Denice and I both got on our
computers and went our separate Internet ways.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
It was down to the Lind Pavilion to begin the class Explorations
of the Wandering Mind. Here is the course description: “Not all who wander are
lost.” Embodying this quote we will follow the threads of dreams, projections,
and thoughts to create an inspired series of artworks. Guided by abstract
concepts, forms, and high-impact design patterns we’ll transform our thoughts
to their existence on our canvases incorporating mixed media techniques. With a
strong emphasis on form, composition, and palette we’ll discuss how to make
multiple artworks that connect in a series. I’ll walk you through the process
of creating your own collagraph using unexpected and exciting materials. We’ll
create geometric functional forms and I’ll share the tools and methodology I
use to simplify the process that results in mesmerizing collage constructs.
You’ll create rich layered backgrounds, mix colors, make transparent glazes, and
add the perfect accents with an assortment of mixed media materials.”
Andrea Matus deMeng
My spacious workspace, a standard at Shake Rag Alley
The emphasis today was to make paper using the form of
collagraphy, a printing process Andrea modified so that we could print without
a press.
Friday, June 23, 2023
Today’s class was about building our central characters and
developing our backgrounds for our substrates.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Today’s class focused on getting our central image glued
down on a painted backdrop.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Class today is all about getting as far as you can, if not
crossing the finish line. The day had a deadline: at 3:30 pm Andrea did a presentation and critique of each of our works.
Here are the photos from the critique.
Denice at work (above) and her triptych (brlow)
My triptych (unfinished at this point)
Monday, June 26, 2023
We all hit the Shake Rag Alley office at 8:30 am to turn in
keys and say goodbye. Denice and I drove Andrea over to the O'Hare Airport in Chicago by 11:30 am. We got home at 1:00 pm, got the van unpacked and settled in to our next adventure.
When I finish my triptych I will create a blog that will walk through the process and show the final results.
