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