Classes

Creative Practice for Artists: Exploring Process, Building a Language

The creative process is about how artworks come to life and includes five steps: gathering inspiration, idea generation and development, preparation, creation, and reflection. Every artist has a unique process, and understanding yours can be a helpful tool for making stronger pieces and for dealing with studio challenges. In this three-week course, students will learn about the creative process, and they will begin to discover and define their own. Each week, different aspects of process will be introduced and explored through presentations, hands-on exercises, writing, and one-on-one conversation. Students should expect to spend some time working outside of class; a variety of homework assignments will be given.

How it works:

These are private, one-on-one classes. We will meet via Zoom weekly for two hours per class for three consecutive weeks. The dates and time are flexible, and we will decide together what will work best.

I will define the creative process and introduce you to its steps as well as a series of process questions I have developed over years of my own process explorations. I will lead you through simple exercises to help you find answers to these questions and discover your own process. Each class will begin with a presentation that introduces and describes the subject for the week, followed by a writing exercise and a making exercise, and then time to talk one-on-one. You will get lots of handouts including in-depth descriptions of all the topics and complete instructions for all exercises, and you will have access to recordings of the classes for 45 days so you can review the material on your own. I will give you homework assignments to extend your learning during the week and also when the class has ended to help you keep going. You’ll also get a 1-hour follow-up session six months after the class has ended.

The cost is $500, payable via PayPal or Venmo upon registering.

Why take this class?

This class is an opportunity to deeply consider how and why you make your work. It’s also a great way to reinvigorate your practice if you’ve been feeling stuck or feel ready to explore new territory and are unsure where to begin. If you are curious about your process or just want to take a little time to refresh your practice, this class is for you.

This class is for any artist with at least three years of experience creating.

If you are interested, please email me to set up a free 30-minute consultation - atavern@amytavern.com

Testimonials:

“I completed two of Amy’s workshops on process that really filled a gap for me. They led to a shift in my thinking about what constitutes an artistic practice and gave me a practical toolkit to get me moving in the studio at times when I feel stuck. The workshops helped me to give my practice more space and respect, and to stop and think more deeply about what I am making and why. I regularly draw on ideas and exercises that Amy presented, and my practice has really developed and grown since I took part. Amy was generous in sharing her experience and process, and I think working with her would benefit artists in any discipline.” - Alicia, Australia

“After taking several workshops to gain technical skills, this is the workshop I needed to understand the skills and processes needed to create work that is more meaningful and personal. The skills I learned during the workshop helped me gain a deeper understanding of the creative process, and how to be intentional with structuring my time both in and out of the studio. I have a deeper understanding of what I want to make and why, and a structure to further develop my work. Amy is a great instructor as she facilitates interactive sessions sharing her own practices and creative disciplines This is one of those workshops that you will be able to go back and reference over and over again.” - Julie, Wisconsin

“Working with Amy on the creative process not only exceeded my expectations, but it changed my approach to making art. Through a combination of exercises, study, and reflection, Amy helped me to trust my inner creative flow and quickly sketch out new ideas from a variety of materials at hand. Although I had been making art for many years before studying with Amy, I feel that I matured artistically and built creative confidence during our time together. I know the process made an impact; some of the pieces I made while studying with Amy became the centerpiece of my portfolio for submission and acceptance into a competitive MFA program in sculpture.” - Greg, California

“Exploring Process, Building a Language workshop was a transformative experience for me. Amy helped me explore my creative process through meaningful reflective prompts to foster self-awareness and build a broader language with supportive and guiding practices. I still use exercises from the series in my regular studio time. Beyond the content of the series, Amy is an expert teacher and facilitator. Every session was intentionally curated and presented in an invitational tone. I appreciated her clear communication leading up to the sessions and prompt follow-ups after, with exercises to put the session's focus into practice. I felt tangible growth in the process.” - Alicia, Washington