Since ancient times, perfect forms (circle, square, and triangle) have been thought to convey sacred and universal truths by reflecting the fractal interconnections of the body and the natural world. Under the guidance of renowned papercutting artist Reni Gower students will design motifs inspired by Sacred Geometry (Celtic knotwork / Islamic tile patterns) that will be used to create unique papercuts or colorized grid patterns. Tessellation, mirror imaging, and tiling will be investigated.
Gower will introduce the workshop with an overview of sacred geometry and a brief history of papercutting across cultures. Stencils will be completed in the morning with tracing and cutting or coloring of the design occurring in the afternoon.
All materials will be provided. There will be a lunch break during the workshop and participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch.
Registration for this Master Class Workshop is underwritten by a grant from the Windgate Foundation.
Artist’s Bio: Gower received a 2020 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant and in 2017 was awarded SECAC’s Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement. In 2014, Gower received the College Art Association’s Distinguished Teacher of Art Award, as well as distinguished teaching awards from Virginia Commonwealth University and VCUarts. Her art work is represented in many prestigious collections and has been exhibited at international and national venues for over 40 years.