SAIIER 2021:Kalabhumi Art Studio

Auroville Theatre Group		Aurofilm
Entity::Kalabhumi Art Studio by Author::Nele and Sabrina

Kalabhumi Art Studio wants to offer quality art classes to students of all ages. The hybrid function of the place as artist studios and classrooms makes it possible to offer high-quality material and tools to the student. By seeing the artist at work the student gets an understanding of how life as an artist works and what are the possibilities and challenges in art.

During the last year we were happy to be able to offer activities to small groups, using the studios and the covered outside space. Having groups of maximum 4 students made it possible to respect social distancing and work in open spaces, respecting Covid guidelines.

Apart from the regular classes we also aim to advise emerging artists on how to write proposals for art shows and apply for projects and residencies. We also want to give space for individuals, who would like to dedicate more time and delve deeper in their research. This could either be useful to students who want to apply for art school and need mentoring for their portfolio, or for those who are exploring a possible shift in their activities and are looking for a creative outlet.

Activities of the year:

To express oneself through art was especially useful and important in this last year which involved at times a lot of emotional stress for many.

In the painting section we had five groups of 4 students each. Class duration varied from 2 to 3 hours. Since the groups were very small, we experimented having a mix of different ages. We encouraged students to work on their own projects and we would help, when needed. This turned out to be very inspiring, and we would like to go on in this direction. In these classes we offered drawing lessons, and painting with different materials. We worked on different projects in the various groups, for example:

• Drawing of the human body and portrait and shading.
• Use of mixed media, to achieve more texture and depth in the painting.
• Aquarelle, in the study of nature objects.
• Still life in different media.
• Collage mixed-media projects.

In the pottery we had Deepanam School kids coming in 4 small groups of 3 during the time the school was closed. Additionally we had 2 groups of adults, and one student who benefits from individual one-on-one classes. We also welcomed one first-year university intern for 2 months as part of her university requirement.

In pottery classes we focused on the preparation of clay and building a strong foundation in basic techniques such as coiling, pinching and slab work. The next step involved glazing and firing the work. A few students also chose to learn how to throw on a wheel. One student explored sculptural work in depth. For the intern we organized a program which focused on the daily task involved in running a pottery studio, while also allowing time for exploration of one’s own ideas.

Outcomes:

The participants benefit in more than one way from the classes. Working creatively allows inner research to evolve, where the student may find a sense of focus and calmness. In the courses a lot of importance is given to the process of creating, it is as important as the finished artwork. The students are encouraged to try out new techniques, things one does not know, and to follow one’s curiosity.

We strive to create a space that nurtures different perspectives and freedom of expression. In this context, first, we work on the concept: What is art? What is beauty? What does art mean for society and the individual? Our students, being from different cultures, backgrounds and ages, bring a wide range of interpretation of the same topic. This opens our mind towards new ideas and encourages flexibility of interpretation and understanding.

We like to create a balance between intuitive freedom and organized concept. The students should feel free to explore and at the same time learn the technique and tools to realize their ideas. To enable the student to feel confident it is important to teach technique, and give a certain framework.

Sometimes the class can just be recreational. It can be very relaxing to play with paint and clay. For this it is important to create an atmosphere which is not judging, or competitive, in any way. It should be supportive and encourage curiosity. This is what art can offer; it can be a research by just letting go and enjoying to play. In the last year with its many new challenges this was a welcome sanctuary.

Another important aspect is that the students develop their own sense of beauty and set their own goals to achieve.

Research highlights:

The art classes focus on students individually, hence the research becomes very personal and varied. This is what makes the groups so interesting, because different perspectives are brought forward and are discussed.

Some new students have joined the young adults clay class; here the focus has been on harnessing an individual style and language in clay, while also building a sense of discipline and organization in the practice of art.

As teachers one of the main highlights this year has been on how to adapt to the students' need to bring forward an authentic voice through their work. Not one size fits all and some need more guidance while as others need more space to individually explore.

We encouraged some interested students to do a more thorough research in form and material. Specifically, this includes: the quality of the line; textures and surfaces; how to bring alive the work; expressive brush strokes.

Reflections:

We think the main challenge this year was to offer a meaningful class adapting to the challenging situation. Due to constant changes and uncertainties a lot of flexibility and creative adaptation was needed to continue to function and be open to students.

Nevertheless, this academic year has also brought forward a lot of positives amidst the chaos of a global pandemic. The art studios became a place of focus and calmness, a place for inner research.

The pottery studio was ready just in time to host small groups of students with social distancing. Being an open space located centrally, older students were able to cycle and continue their classes.

The experiment to have different age groups at the same time turned out to be very inspiring for both students and teachers, and we want to explore this direction further.

Conclusion:

This year we faced many obstacles and uncertainties. All of us were affected in the same way and we could share and grow from it together, and find strength and confidence through that.

We were lucky to have a space like this which could safely offer a creative outlet and a space to continue working.

It became very clear that this space is much needed and appreciated by the students and us, and we hope to continue to evolve and grow.