OS33's Turn for Observation

Every Oxbow semester begins with the weeklong Observation project, meant as a starting point for cultivating deliberate - Walden ref for those in the know - artistic practices, keen eyes, and patience as well (as I'm sure some students may argue). In Painting, New Media, and Sculpture, the subject of each piece is considered in multiple media and techniques to foster a full understanding of that which is being observed. Drawing with pencil, pastel, and tape, swapping drawings, recording audio, shooting footage, different approaches to painting, bending wire - it's all happening. See below for a write-up from Bailey T about her time in Chris Thorson's painting class:

In Section 2, Painting, we started observational drawings of natural objects Chris collected around campus. From there, the traditional painting of still lives began. Some students took a very realistic approach, while others adopted a looser style. Now, we are creating new paintings with a modernist outlook. To aid in this, we're looking at contemporary artists such as Mark Rothko and Amy Sillman to create a piece based off the still life, but interpreting it in a more conceptual way.  

OS33's Observation pieces will be on view at Oxbow starting next week - stop by if you're local!

OS33 Lands in Napa

OS33 has arrived in Napa! With 43 students, this class is on the larger side and we look forward to the diverse talent and vitality that will bring. The start of the semester has so far been slow as we take the time to get to know one another and determine the social, academic, and artistic culture of OS33 and establish healthy lines of communication and trust. See the photo below for a humorous example of our ice breaker games. Class will begin on Monday, so be sure to check back weekly for updates on their work in and out of the studios as the semester unfolds. As with previous semesters, the blog will feature student contributors for a unique and fresh look at the oxperience. I'm not apologizing for the pun.