This winter, our mentorship and internship program has been buzzing with activity, focusing on practical skills and creative exploration. As we gear up for a small pop-up exhibition later this year, we’ve also been brainstorming ways to expand our reach and bring art into the great outdoors.
To achieve this, we decided to tackle a fundamental need: portable, sturdy easels. Rather than relying on online retailers, especially with the current complexities of cross-border trade, we opted for a more sustainable and self-sufficient approach. We looked around us and saw an abundant resource: our own backyard.
With plenty of trees and brush at our disposal, we grabbed an axe and set to work. Our first attempt was, shall we say, rustic. We hacked down some less-than-picturesque brush, grabbed some screws, and pieced together what we affectionately call our “first prototype.” While it might not win any design awards, it stood! It held a canvas, and that was the goal.
This initial, admittedly “ugly,” success has sparked a wave of enthusiasm. We’ve learned that we can create functional tools from readily available materials, reducing waste and fostering a deeper connection with our environment. This weekend, we’re taking our newfound knowledge and venturing back into the woods.
We’ll be refining our design, aiming for a more polished and aesthetically pleasing easel.
This hands-on experience is more than just building easels; it’s about empowering our mentees and interns with practical skills, fostering resourcefulness, and building a foundation for future outdoor exhibitions. It’s about taking ownership of our creative process, from the initial concept to the final display. We’re excited to see what we can create, both in the studio and in the open air.
