Sunday, October 10, 2010

Jana Roberts Benzon master workshop


Onion Dome Arabesque Cane & Collage Pendant Master Workshop with Jana Roberts Benzon

  • November 13 & 14, 2010
  • 10 am to 7 pm (includes a meal break)
  • $200.00 for NWPCG members,
  • $250 for non-members
  • Checks must be postmarked by November 5, 2010.
  • Sandee’s Place, 8803 192nd St SE, Snohomish, WA 93296
  • LIMITED ENROLLMENT: 18 - (sign up early to save a spot!)
  • Email design.by.perrine@gmail.com for information or to register.

The Northwest Polymer Clay Guild is delighted to host Jana Roberts Benzon in this 2 day master workshop that teaches Jana’s beautiful Arabesque cane with her special “onion dome” motif. This intricate cane is used as the basis to create lovely collage pendants.

This workshop begins with the construction of a beautiful Onion Dome cane. Participants will come prepared with several already created skinner blend canes and slabs of conditioned clay. After reducing the cane, you’ll use some of it as a ‘starting point’ in assembling and building the Arabesque cane. You’ll learn many new, exciting and innovative caning skills along the way, including lots of “worth the price of admission” moments. After assembling the cane, you’ll learn Jana’s effective method for preparing it for resting and reduction (a step that helps lead to a superior finished product). After the cane rests you’ll learn the magical and inventive reduction technique in which you see how to use energy, and not force, to reduce your cane. This results in minimal distortion and waste. Beware that some students are brought to tears after reducing their canes, making their “reveal” slice, and seeing the beauty they’ve created.

On Sunday, we’ll have a fun time putting together the components to create the Arabesque Collage Pendant. These Collage pendants are mesmerizing with a beautiful, almost ethnic quality. You will learn invaluable tips for thin, even slicing of the canes and for achieving a smooth, flawless matte finish without the need for sanding - in addition to so much more! You’ll love immersing yourself in patterns and arrangements, and sinking into that ‘moment out of time’ while you relax and create.

As with all of Jana's workshops, you will learn through her undivided attention and focus, extensive visual aids, photographs, models, and thorough handouts. The skills you'll come away with will not only be useful in any type of caning, but also to your polymer practices in general. Your polymer base of knowledge and artistic horizons will be broadened and enhanced, sparking excitement and inspiration for future creations.

While Jana's workshops are "intermediate" to "advanced" she will accept beginners who have strong basic skills and possess a desire to learn!