Art Car Workshops

DATES: On various saturdays and sundays throughout May and June in 2011 - dates to be confirmed nearer the time.

TIMES: 1.30 - 5.30 pm

PLACE: Flat 3, 28 rosecroft avenue, hampstead, london nw3 7qb (Note - if it is predicted to rain that day I will do my best to secure a local covered car park or other appropriate shelter for practical hands on session. You may have to pay some small car parking fee....)

STRUCTURE:

1. We will discuss ideas and look at inspiration for the possible art cars - bearing in mind that you can contribute even if you don't actually own a car...........

2. We will then explore ideas through the making of card maquettes of cars and decorating them to try out different designs and ideas. I may also have actual die cast model cars to experiment with - and will post update nearer the time. You're encouraged to create one of these even if you don't have a car because it helps to contribute ideas and free up the creative process.

3. I will then work with participants to create 'pairs or teams of creatives' for each car, taking into account levels of artistic or creative experience, the creative concept to be executed and what friendships are already in place..........

4. We will then get out onto the 'street' to begin to 'try out' ideas and techniques, improvising where necessary. This is very much with the spirit of play and adventure grounded in good communication with teammates.

5. We will conclude with 'sharing circle' - what worked and didn't work and ideas and concepts to take away with an action plan for the creation of each car.........for example techniques to try out in your own time on your own and with members of your team between workshops, and possible types of affordable decoration and where to locate them. You will also begin to consider how you want to 'dress up' for the day.

	Here I am holding my artist's palette of little model tin enamels - notice that I have yet to paint bonnet, roof, lower sides and hub caps of my Chakra Car in 2003.

THEMES:

The Art Car Parade is called Creative Catalyst and the THEME of the art car parade is deliberately framed to encourage people's free creative expression. After all, at the heart of the art car movement is the principle that we are all capable of astounding creativity - that we don't have to be 'artists' or 'creatives' in order to express our ideas visually. Rather, the spirit of an art car parade is one of empowerment, experimentation and 'we can do it'. Nevertheless it is ultimately my shout and responsibility if the cars look half completed or things fall off or collapse en route so please contribute and commit with that in mind........

The idea for the Art Car Parade was cataysed by the final project of an MA in Fine Art and Media at Westminster University where I have been focusing my studies on Shamanism, the Chakras and the Mandala or sacred circle. I have worked with the Chakras for eight years teaching them in my yoga practise and creating a dance form, Chakra Dance that stimulates and aligns these energy centres of the body. Therefore I include some information about them with a question to consider should you need a seed or catalyst for inspiration..........

The Chakras

1~ the ROOT CHAKRA, Colour : Red

The root chakra, Muladhara chakra is located at the perineum between the anus and the sex and literally means ‘root support’. Its function is one of grounding, or rooting and its related to the very physical of all elements, earth. The colour associated with muladhara chakra is red and this chakra is concerned with ‘survival’ and meeting the basic physical needs for safety, nourishment and stability. It represents our relationship to our basic material existence and consequently relates to those forms of support that nourish our material lives, from family and friends to money. Furthermore some would say that security is not something static and solid but rather the energy that is available to us in order to adapt to the ever-changing vista of life. Which is why physical health and wellbeing is so vital a foundation in our lives. QUESTION: Is there anything you want to express about the earth and its resources and how they nourish your life?

2~ the SEX /SACRAL CHAKRA, Colour : Orange

Where the 1st chakra seeks to hold on and create structure and form, the second chakras’s purpose is to let go and let flow, energetically connecting one thing with another. The second chakra, Swadhisthana means sweetness and its elemental is water, governing the body’s liquid functionality. The motion of energy through the body is felt as e-motion and it is this centre which is the seat of our emotions, in particular, pleasure and pain. Invariably life is the pursuit of pleasure and a moving away from pain. Pleasuring the senses, procreation and the adventure of sexual expression and connection is therefore a part of this centre. Since the sexual revolution of the 60’s and the concurrent accessibility of contraception, sex has taken central stage. Seemingly everybody is doing it and in every position. In reality of course, there remains tremendous confusion, disappointment and shame. However there is a renewed interest in practises such as Tantra yoga which teaches that the body is sacred and that the arousal of the senses through various psycho-physical practices can bring ecstasy, joy and even enlightenment. QUESTION: What if anything do you have to say about the dance of pleasure and pain in your life?

3~ the POWER CHAKRA, Colour : Yellow

Whereas the 1st chakra seeks to create structure, stability and form, the second chakra’s purpose, to experience movement, difference and flow, the 3rd chakra’s focus is transformation, dynamic energy and power. Manipura chakra means ‘lustrous gem’ and is represented by the element of fire - it is your internal fire bringing warmth and enthusiasm to all your actions, your internal sun - it is your get up and go - your power, your self confidence and ability to act, to shape your life at your will. It is this centre which needs to be activated in support of you defining and achieving what it is you truly want in life. It is visualised as a brilliant sunlight yellow and the fire of this centre can purify, burn or cut away any elements that no longer serve you or others in life. QUESTION: when you think about the concept of power and empowerment of yourself and others in life, is there something you are really committed to expressing?

4~ the HEART CHAKRA, Colour : Green


Anahata, the heart chakra means "unstruck", "fresh' and 'clean". When the chakra is free from the constriction and pain from past hurts its opening is innocent, fresh and radiant. Love is central to the heart chakra, the unifying force that draws things together and keeps them in relationship. Love, approval and forgiveness are the fundamental ingredients of your journey of personal growth because they promote self-acceptance, so vital in loving ourselves and our lives. Other qualities associated with anahata chakra are beauty, joy, balance, flow, forgiveness and peace. The colours associated with the heart chakra are green, like the verdant green of nature, and pink. (red of the root chakra with white of the crown chakra producing pink) Air is the element that most resonates with the quality of love and it invites us to lighten and rise up and see life from a fresh perspective. QUESTION: What do you love about life and how could you show that on an art car?

5~ the THROAT CHAKRA, Colour : Turqoise Blue


Visuddha, the chakra at the throat means 'purification' and it governs the function of creativity and communication. Communication is the process of transmitting and receiving information through symbols/language and clearly is an act of connection moving from the personal out into the world. Creative expression is a process of exploration, play and adventure, a delving into the unknown to reveal something about the mysteries of the universe and life itself. It is here that we learn to 'find our voice' and 'speak our truth in the world' and consequently this is the centre associated with the creation of 'sound'. We choose to express and share our ideas, our values and feelings about life within our 'communities' using an abundance of languages, from music making to gardening, from cooking to interior design, from dressing up to the types of businesses we support. QUESTION: What do you want to share with others about your experience of life?

6~ the BROW CHAKRA, Colour : Purple


Ajna Chakra is located in the centre of your forehead and means "to perceive" and "to command" illustrating its two fold nature, the passive and the active. We take in and absorb images and we create our reality by using the power of our imagination - by seeing what has not been seen before. It therefore relates to the quality of 'seeing', visualisation, colour and light and connects to the more mental aspect of the body. Through accessing the brow chakra one is able to observe the patterns of thinking and review the beliefs that are shaping one's life. It is here that we examine what's really important and of value in life and how we can imagine our contribution to life as it unfolds. This is the absolute centre of vision, and where we can really begin to magically create something new with the power of your imaginations. QUESTION : What art have you found absolutely inspiring and what was it's message?

7- the CROWN CHAKRA, Colour : White

Sahasrara Chakra is located at the crown of the head and means ‘thousandfold’. It is traditionally visualised in the Indian system of the chakras, as a thousand petalled lotus blooming from the top of your head. This energy centre connects us to divine intelligence and the absolute mystery of life. It represents 'the source' of all manifestation here on earth. It is the centre where we experience union with all of life, everything and nothing.......and is experienced as a piercing through of the 'apparent illusion' of our varied and separate life forms to the radiant essence of what we all are. This is therefore the energetic centre of grace and gratitude as we feel that something far greater than our egotistical fearful selves,is at work in our lives. We recognise what a blessing and miracle it is to be alive. QUESTION : If you were to share one miracle or blessing in your life what would that be?

please avoid sharp, dangerous edges and spikes.

NOTE

The lists of techniques highlighted here are far from comprehensive and I encourage and invite you to discover your own as well. Be creative and experimental - ask your arty farty friends and more practical DIY and craft centric mates for suggestions. In the past people have used any manner of crafting and building techniques from sewing to stapling and every material from wallpaper to wax and don't forget that the Art Car wokshops are an opportunity to get ideas and try things out.

"Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." Langston Hughes