Intertidal - a masterclass on growth, form and motion.

by Maria Blaisse

For this masterclass Maria Blaisse shifts her attention to the shoreline of the south western tip of the Isle of Mull with a specific focus on seaweed. Seaweed is sprayed with life, radiated smoothness and great resilience. Its sturdy personality, and baroque grace gives it something extraterrestrial. How could the cells of such a simple organism grow into such a lush, complex entity?


Program

We will start at zero and become aware of the landscape of the Scottish shoreline and sense which materials are attracting our attention - which might also be immaterial such as light, wind or the intertidal movements of the ocean - in order to make a choice which ones we wish to explore deeper, and find out their various qualities to work with.

From there a precise proces is going to lead us into forms and movements that take us to our very own expression. Then there is the choice to create an object, to work with the body, or on a larger scale, or another focus. In any case, our discoveries are guided by the inherent qualities of the materials.

A photographer and film maker registers the emerging process of each participant. The workshop’s open and interdisciplinary way of creating enables each participant with an intense focus. In 7 days a very condensed, clear, and precise process becomes visible.

Finally this is about being efficient with energy, “inciting the flow of continuous creation – no waste, no loss of energy, alert and alive". And most of all it is about exploring the still undiscovered qualities and possibilities of seaweed.


Maria Blaisse

Maria Blaisse

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About Maria Blaisse

Maria Blaisse (born 1944, The Netherlands) studied textile design at Gerrit Rietveld Academy. Since 1985 she works as an independent designer and international visiting professor, sharing her way of working in projects on “material, form and movement”: “My work is based on a continual investigation into the possibilities of a material. This process produces many possible applications of a material. Essential factors are simplicity, clarity, beauty, sustainability and an optimal use of the material and its qualities. Ultimately: to incite the flow of continuous creation, no waste, no loss of energy alert and alive.” Maria Blaisse taught textile design for 17 years at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. For many years she has been at the forefront of research and education in craftsmanship in textiles and flexible design. She created a language in forms that can be universally understood – an Esperanto of rubber, gauze, felt, leather, glass, and bamboo – all based on one specific form.

Blaisse’s interests lie in the intersections between art, fashion and architecture and incorporate video, performance and photography as well as an exploration of sculptural performance with the body as a critical element in the animation of material and form. At present she works with flexible bamboo constructions for architecture.

She collaborated, amongst others, with Issey Miyake, Paula Abdul, ISO Dance NY, Camper, Goods, and SlowLab Research.

Maria Blaisse participated in major design exhibitions in Kyoto, Paris, Perth, London, and Amsterdam. Recent exhibitions include shows at the Noguchi Museum and the Pratt Manhattan Gallery, both in New York, as well as “Slow Dialogues: Time, Space and Scale” at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Recent publications include: The Emergence of Form (2013). Maria Blaisse lives and works in Amsterdam.

mariablaisse.com

 
 

Practical information:

Date: Spring 2020

Subscription deadline:

Number of participants: 10

Costs:

Included are:

- accommodation

- daily food / drinks

- materials

- guidance

- lectures

- professional documentation

- field trips