Window Wonderland is a mulit discipline, festive, Public Art Project that will be created by the participants of OURS between the 29th of November up until the 22nd of December, when the work will be completed. The project will be led by Graphic Artist - Alister MacInnes and me!
Each participant will be given a shop window in which, they will design and make a Christmas decoration. The decorations will be unveiled in a public event on the 22nd of December, and documented on a blog site, designed and updated by the participants.
Learn professional, digital imaging techniques in Timespan’s new IT suite, work with vinyl and 3D interventions.
Here is the brief and timeline for the project:
Brief
∗Firstly, as a group you will design and develop a blog to document this workshop and all subsequent workshops. This blog will give you the opportunity to develop your documentation skills through photography and express your ideas and thoughts on the project as it progresses.
Documenting temporary, public art projects is very important! As after the artwork has been taken away, the documentation remains as the only record of its existence.
All participants will be invited to take turns in updating the blog site and will be given any support needed from the project leader( Ruth)
Ruth and Alister both have their own blog sites:
www.timespanours-ruth.blogspot.com
www.dufi-art.blogspot.com
∗Secondly, as a group, design a festive shop window intervention that will span across the windows of all the shops on Helmsdale’s small commercial High street. Each participant will work alone or collaboratively to investigate a specific shop. The research findings of each shop will be compiled to make a work that links the shops whilst retaining their individual character. You may do this by agreeing on a uniform colour scheme that be used in each shop window and, or by agreeing on a size and position for the shop interventions. By agreeing on elements, which can be applied to each shop window, you will be able to create a better visual impact for you audience. Materials: vinyl, 3d intervention using found objects from shops.
Al is a graphic designer and will guide you whilst working with Timespan’s new IT suite. Using primarily Photoshop, you will manipulate your drawings and photography to create an eye catching festive design. You may also use text. These designs and text will be cut out on adhesive vinyl that can then be directly applied to the glass windows. Vinyl is produced in a huge number of colours and effects, for example – metallic – sequin – fluorescent – camouflage – have a look for yourselves!! http://www.easystreetdiscount.com/vinyl_colors.htm
There is the possibility to have a lot of fun using these different effects.
∗ The second element of your shop window intervention will be in 3D. This element should have a direct relationship to the vinyl on the window and add depth to the installation. You may wish to manipulate the objects by modifying them in terms of colour and shape, or may even wish to apply vinyl to the actual object. It may be that your shop owner will allow you to use the objects and manipulate them for free, however, if this is not possible, then there is money in the materials budget to buy the objects. You must consult with Ruth before purchasing any objects.
It is very generous of Helmsdale’s shop owners and restaurateurs to allow us access to their shops for this project.
You will have an opportunity to meet with your storeowner on the 25th of November¬ – it will be your responsibility to consult with them at regular intervals throughout the project in order to maintain good relations with the shops and ensure that they are happy with the work in their windows. Naturally, you will be expected to conduct yourselves in a polite and respectful manner at all times when in the shops and when speaking to the storeowners. Anyone who does not comply with this simple rule will not be allowed to continue working on this project.
If you are enthusiastic, sensitive to the shop owner’s environment and demonstrate commitment to what you are doing, then you are more likely to gain a positive response and permission to go ahead with your ideas!
One month is a relatively short time to complete a project like this, and you are encouraged to attend all or as many workshops as you can.
We hope you’ll have a lot of fun on this project and create a work that will bring together the local community.
Window Wonderland
1st meeting 18 Nov 1-2.30pm Timespan discussing ideas.
Begin discussing ideas, general observations and allocating shops to individuals. Compile a questionnaire for the meeting with shop owners/ restaurateurs on the 25th of November.
2nd meeting 25 Nov 6.30-7.30 Meeting for young participants and shop owners.
Introduce project with the help of participants, to the shop owners/restaurateurs.
Discuss logistics of workshop and ask shop owners to fill in the questionnaires.
Workshops
Thursday workshops – 6.30-9pm. Saturday workshops 10.30am – 1pm.
Thursday 29th November - Thursday 20th December
Workshops in 3d and vinyl.
Friday 21 Dec - full day 9-3 installation
Opening event on 22nd Saturday 10.30-12, with press, mulled wine and mince pies. The audience will be invited into Timespan to view the blog in the new IT suite
