Alchemy & Magic for Artistic Processes

 Registration is closed for this event

August 6th, 2023 1:00 PM

  • Instructor: Taun Relihan
  • Workshop Type: Arts
  • Workshop Status: Open
  • Sessions: 1
  • In-person or Online?: In-person

Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $95
Scholarship available; click here to apply.


This is an in-person workshop. As of January 2023, masks are strongly encouraged but not required unless otherwise indicated. 


For many artists, writers, and psychologists, Alchemical theory and the exquisitely rendered emblems and diagrams of the mysterious manuscripts have proven to be inspirational. This includes the artist Albrecht Durer, alchemist Nicholas Flammel, depth psychologist Carl Jung, and the Surrealists. These manuscripts were meant to both explain and hide their experiments, experiences and processes. Alchemists and Magic have provided endless sources of inspiration for generations of creative individuals.
 
In this workshop, students will learn the history of Alchemy and the goals and aspirations of alchemists while also reviewing the Alchemical Opus. Magic will be briefly discussed. The instructor will then lead students to identify ways to incorporate these influences into their own art through collage exercises, the favorite media of the Surrealists and inspired by alchemical illustrations. Each student will leave the class with their own artwork on paper and a wealth of Alchemical knowledge. Each participant will be given a workfolio designed by the instructor and a bibliography of books of interest. The instructor will also bring her library of rare books on Alchemy and magic for participants to explore.

The instructor will bring collage materials and part of the class will talk about and show a variety of glues.  No art experience needed.


>> Prerequisite: None <<

Materials to Bring: Colored pens & pencils; images (i.e. magazine); interesting small objects capable of being glued onto a surface, shiny things; a small box or other strong structure if student wants to do assemblage.

Date & Time: Sunday, August 6, 2023 :: 1-5pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

NOTE: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. 
 

About the Instructor | Taun Relihan (she/her)

Taun Relihan is a conceptual and book artist, poet, novelist, photographer, and playwright. She has a doctorate in Integral Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a dissertation on renewal by vision. She also has a Masters Degree in Arts and Consciousness from John F. Kennedy University. She is fascinated by the role of wonder, vision, mystery and renewal in the creative process and in the completed art work.

Past Student Reviews:

[What did you like most about the workshop?] “The presenter! Her depth of knowledge, the resources presented and the time to create!”

“The instructor was very knowledgeable about the topic and gave us several resources to look up and continue learning at home.” 

"This is my second workshop with Taun. She is generous with her knowledge and brings lots of material to the class. I'd gladly take another workshop with Taun." 

375 Rhode Island St
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
United States