Course Description: “What’s in the Box?” is a fast paced sculptural artist book and print workshop packed with technical and conceptual tools to expand the possibilities of your 2D marks. Content will cover a variety of print, book and mixed media techniques suited for incorporation in each student’s unique handmade book/box structure. Students will leave the course with one of a kind sculptural pieces, and boundless new ideas for expanding their artistic vocabulary. Exploration will include the integration of printing, drawing and mixed media within sculptural artists' books, most specifically, the box. Each student will bring 2 boxes: tins, drawers, cupboards, wood boxes, containers, etc. which will be the framework for their individual pieces. Students will then explore print, text, drawing, surface treatment and construction techniques to create unique one of a kind sculptural artist books.
Biography: Raised on a secluded ranch in rural central Idaho Cerese Vaden’s early life was an
anachronism. Butter churning, making bread, gathering eggs and feeding bum lambs were
among the weekly chores. Avid reading and family trips across the country allowed
her to recognize the microcosm she lived in, but not until post graduate school did
she learn to truly appreciate that microcosm. Jobs in house painting, cake decorating,
floral design, greenhouse gardening and advertising supported her educational and
artistic pursuits. Her longest lasting job (as an associate professor at the University
of Arizona) came shortly after pursuing
an MFA in studio art. She misses the butter churning, and even the bum lambs.
