Workshops

Bob Kingsmil] Workshop October 30, 1982.

It was a “working” workshop, not the kind where we sat painful ly
on stools and took notes all day(although there was plenty of note-

taking). It was a casual, friendly day, and I can't imagine anyone
not being inspired by Bob Kingmill's enthusiasm for his work.

After the slides, many of which were decorative walls in Vancouver,
we were shown how to lay slabs for a large mural. Several people
began practising, and soon we had the beginning of what is to become
a door.

In the meantime, Bob sat at the wheel throwing little barnacle-typs
pots, telling stories, drinking tea and supervising. In his typically
laid-back manner, using primitive tools made from this 'n that, his
own hand-carved stamps and of course his incredible sense of design,
30b managed to complete che surface of the door, watch over the slab-
laying for the second, larger mural, eat Tunch, and share with us many
idess, tips for making touls and textures, more stories and more tea.

Boo started the second mural and people began helping him, asking
more specific questions, carving and planning their own creations.

we listened to him talk of shape, Shadow, lines and play of colour.
The result is a fabulous combination of organic textures and forms,
literally hurled onto the slab in what appeared to be a haphazard
fashion, but Bob knew what he wanted to achieve and was completely in
control. His advice to us is to gather a "vocabulary of textural
ideas to draw from, and rake a few pieces not just one”.

We anxiously await the message that the murals are ready for viewing
at Bob's studio and we thank him for an inspiring illuminating and fun
day.

Also, many thanks to Estrin Mfq. Ltd. for donating the clay and
having it delivered.
Hannah Diamond