Meet the Students
The wonderful growth and increased demand for being creative spawned by Covid has led to a saturation of online and in-person workshops, making it challenging to choose the right learning opportunity. Since 1996, I've been teaching Encaustic Painting and my unique Encaustic Collagraph Printmaking method in my studio and in collaboration with partners in Mexico, Ireland, and Canada. Over the decades, I've enjoyed sharing my artistic growth, discoveries, and innovations with students from around the world, helping them achieve their creative goals. In the Meet the Students collection at the workshops link, I present a glimpse of their aspirations and reflections.
—Elise
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Karen Cornelius spent her formative years in the Congo's lush landscapes near Lake Albert, where the Ituri Forest at the base of the Rwensori Mountains shaped her profound love for nature. Despite a lack of formal art education, Cornelius's passion for creativity thrived, inspired by local artisans crafting wonders from banana tree bark. This resourceful upbringing, marked by using natural materials for installations in the forest, instilled a mindful approach to art and environmental consciousness.
After completing high school in Kenya, Karen Cornelius faced cultural shocks upon moving to North America. Enrolling at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia proved pivotal, introducing her to the enchanting world of printmaking, particularly etching. Post-graduation, a transformative workshop with Nigerian artist printmaker Bruce Onabrekpaya inspired Cornelius to explore unconventional printmaking methods.
Karen Cornelius embarked on a global printmaking adventure, teaching and exhibiting across continents. Her commitment to environmentally responsible printmaking methods, from electro-etching to waterless lithography, reflects a dedication to pushing artistic boundaries. The themes of "Place" and "belonging" infuse Cornelius's work, shaped by diverse experiences worldwide. Explore Karen Cornelius's artistic odyssey on her website, offering insights into exhibitions, residencies, and exclusive interviews through her art adventure newsletter. Join her as she navigates the dynamic intersection of art, culture, and environment.
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As an artist, Scott DS Young passionately merges urban life with ecological consciousness through illustration and printmaking, incorporating reusable objects. His aim is to bridge the gap between the urban population and nature's essence, forging connections beyond aesthetics. Recycling and repurposing materials infuse depth into his work, conveying a strong sustainability message. Through Scott's art, viewers are invited to witness nature's beauty within the urban jungle, emphasizing our profound connection to it. He strives to raise awareness and cultivate a stronger bond between urban dwellers and the natural world, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the surrounding beauty.
In his dual roles as an illustrator and printmaker, Scott DS Young's art serves as a quest to inspire observation and cultivate an appreciation for simplicity. He explores the textures crafted by nature, repurposing found objects to create a fresh existence. Scott's work acts as a sanctuary, allowing him to discover simplicity within complexity.
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California native Sandy Simonian divides her time between her home state and Maine, where she immerses herself in a full-time dedication to art. Formerly engaged in jewelry making and clothing design, Sandy has honed her craft through classes with renowned artists, showcasing her work at conferences and exhibitions, earning accolades for her photography.
Sandy embodies the spirit of a fearless adventurer, collector, forager, and curator. Focused on the often overlooked minutiae of life, she strives to elevate these details in her art. Constantly pushing boundaries, Sandy explores uncharted territories in both her artistic endeavors and travels, fearlessly venturing where others hesitate. Her meaningful connections with people worldwide are a testament to her adventurous spirit.
From photographing diverse cultures to collecting sand from over 90 beaches, Sandy delves into and appreciates her surroundings. Intrigued by the world's intricacies, she discovers beauty in everything, finding order within chaos. Through her intricate and thought-provoking works, Sandy invites viewers on a journey of discovery, incorporating eclectic pieces found along the wayside into her art.
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Sally Hirst's art is a fusion of personal and creative journeys, expressed through paintings, paper works, prints, and collages. Her studio becomes the crucible where different mediums harmonize, resulting in captivating masterpieces.
Informed by urban textures, colors, and structures, Hirst's practice draws inspiration from abandoned buildings, city walks, maps, and shadow tracings. Though predominantly abstract, her work is rooted in fleeting images, imagination, and experiences.
Beyond her role as a Master's-educated artist, Hirst, a seasoned teacher, imparts her knowledge through online courses. From her Norwich studio, she connects with students worldwide, guiding them at various stages of their creative odysseys. Sally Hirst's art extends beyond canvases, touching the imaginative horizons of aspiring minds globally.
https://sallyhirst.co.uk/portfolio/
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Deborah Webster, an artist deeply attuned to her surroundings, strives to convey emotional impressions through her chosen medium. The gratification she derives from knowing that her art resonates with others fuels her creative journey, where each piece becomes a unique exploration of discovery and learning.
Webster's artistic process often begins with experiences during nature walks, triggered memories, or even the evocative power of a single color. While her work can take on an illustrative style, its ultimate purpose is to communicate a distinct mood or feeling.
Her preferred mediums, cold wax, and encaustic painting, are chosen for their ability to imbue depth and luminosity. The interplay of the blowtorch's ephemeral heat and the unpredictable responses of pigments add an element of challenge and joy, creating an immersive experience within her art.
Though primarily self-taught since 2016, Webster's artistic style and voice continually evolve through exploration and guidance from generous artists in the United States and Europe. In reciprocation, she finds particular joy in teaching art to youth and aspiring women, sharing her passion for artistic expression with the next generation.
www.deborahwebsterart.com