The Alchemists used exquisitely rendered emblems, diagrams and illustrations to both explain and hide their experiments and experiences. In turn, many artists have been influenced by both Alchemical theory and illustration including Druer, Jung in both his artwork and his writing and the Surrealists including Breton, Ernst and Varo. 

In this one day class we will trace the history of Alchemy, discuss the goals and aspirations of the Alchemists, review the methods of the Alchemical Opus (work), investigate Jung’s work on Alchemy, and identify ways that you can use alchemical influences in your own art. Time will be allotted for participants to do a collage or other work on paper incorporating Alchemical ideas and metallic powers and inks. A variety of art materials will be supplied by the instructor.

Skills Gained After Completing Course:

By the end of this class the learner will be able to:

1. Discuss the historical context in which Alchemy emerged and trace the development of Alchemy.
2. Discuss the principal goals and aims of the Alchemical Opus as identified by the Alchemists.  
3. Discuss the work of Alchemy as envisioned by Jung.
4. Discuss the role of Alchemy in the Surrealist Project.
5.  Discuss the creative process and the Alchemical Process as linked in use of imagination.
6. Discuss the role of vision and “Our Looking” in both the art and Alchemical Process.
7. Identify the elements and processes of Alchemy that can be used in the participant’s own work.
8. Apply desired elements of the materials learned in class to creation of collage/assemblage during workshop.

Note: We will be mixing small amounts of metallic powders such as PearlEx in non-volatile binders such as gum Arabic and gloss medium.

Materials to bring: Markers and colored pencils (including iridescent, gold, silver and bronze).