We Are Here Week One

First session of the project has now been succesfully completed. 

After a brief introduction to the history and theory of Psychogeographical research we visited the Archeolink site at Oyne which is closed and becoming overgrown. The group spent half an hour wandering around the site and recorded and collected found objects. 

After we had collected our objects we returned to the studio to lay out and document the found objects.

 After we had placed the objects within a 1 metre square frame it was decided to move the work outside to the rear of the Touched by Scotland building. Unfortunately the work was too big to fit through 

the doors so we had to cut the work in two. 

After discussion it was decided to lay the two halves slightly apart to create a line of clover moving through and interacting the work.

I will document and record the work each day and watch how the weather and natural decay changes the work.

I also intend to spend one hour this week documenting and recording the movement of insects across the work.

GOWKSTANE PROJECT WE ARE HERE SUMMER 2011

The Gowkstane summer project is designed to bring together a diverse group of people to work towards the creation of an as yet undefined artwork to be exhibited in the Garioch area in late Summer 2011.
Through a series of collaborative Sketchbook Sessions, field trips and discussions the participants will work towards the creation of the work collectively.
The project will actively explore current theories and trends in contemporary art to further the creation of the artwork, but the participants need not come from an artistic or creative background. The sharing of diverse skills and ideas will drive the project in unexpected and exciting directions.
As nominal lead artist in the project, I will organise materials and space for running the project. After the initial meeting all participants will decide on the content of future Sketchbook Sessions. I will then prepare short course notes and where possible compile an online reading list for the following meeting.
This pamphlet is a quick introduction to the concepts of  the Sketchbook Sessions and an outline for the development of the project. 


Everything else is up for discussion.

Sketchbook Session 1 and 2

RURAL PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY


Psychogeography was defined in 1955 by Guy Debord as “the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not, on the emotions and behavior of individuals.”


Although Psychogeography has been seen principally as an urban concept I would like to look at some of the principle characteristics of the theory and attempt to place them into a rural context. This will form part of the first Sketchbook Session.


I will provide the basic materials to begin the creative process in the studio. Internet access and printing facilities will be available. As the course proceeds I will purchase the relevant materials required for the completion of the project. On completion, we will hold an opening night party for friends and relatives to view work created in the studio during the creative process and a chance for a first viewing of the final artwork.


The location of the first field trip will be decided in the opening Sketchbook Session.  Through a series of random instructions participants will engage in a Psychogeographic exploration of the location. We will record and document the exporation and then discuss our findings and decide the future direction of the course we will then consider what type of artwork we would wish to create at the end of September.

COURSE STRUCTURE

COURSE FEE - £60(concessions available)

The class will be limited to 12 places

First Sketchbook Session

Touched By Scotland Studio, Oyne

Saturday 25th June 12 - 4pm

First Field Trip

Location Unknown

Saturday 2nd July 12 - 4pm

The nature of the course means it is impossible to gauge

times and dates until the couse is underway. I propose we aim 

to finish the project in September. I am aware that people may

not be able to make every class during the project. I propose 

to hold around six Sketchbook Sessions which should

hopefully ensure everyone should be able to attend at least

four Sketchbook Sessions during the project.

Do feel free to contact me, where I will be more than happy

to discuss the project in greater detail.

kesthomson@gmail.com