So what does one DO at the NPS workshop? There were four day-long classes offered each day--so between the two of us, eight classes definitely immersed us in the topic. This group was started in the seventies by a small group of 'science guys': Pennsylvania botanist & California marine biologists. They had also met & explored nature printing craft with two Japanese artisans (one of which still faithfully comes to the annual event--he was such a sweet inspiration!); Japan had almost lost the old art of Gyotaku (fish printing) that was prompted by the desire to document the 'big fish' before being eaten! Gyotaku deserves a post of it's own (coming up) but is not the only type of nature printing. 
NPS is still an interesting mix of science & art: the desire to accurately portray a scientific 'specimen' whether plant, shell, fish, octopus, etc.--and conversely appreciate the art form potential in using natural objects via many mediums. A true blending of left brain/right brain--something I've appreciated in my life balance (or lack of) & here's a whole group doing the same! Of note, it's fairly evenly balanced men/women, and the group has many 'couples', either as active participants or faithful support people that come to each workshop. 
Besides the classes, we had a great outdoor banquet at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History--and later a personal tour of same, both of the public areas, and also the 'collections' side--with an impressive collection of preserved fish specimens (and their parasites) both large & microscopic; also one of the four largest shell collections in the US. 
We had a special education session on Japanese papers--how they're made & how you know what you're finding, buying (also a nearly lost art). One of the papers I most enjoyed using during the classes actually came from Nepal--brought by one of the instructors. The last night was 'show & tell' night for the 16 classes that had been completed: it was SO interesting to see the variety as well as the beauty & creativity of all in attendance. We were most definitely 'newbies'; but the folks who have years of experience were very helpful & patient with us.
Besides the classes, we had a great outdoor banquet at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History--and later a personal tour of same, both of the public areas, and also the 'collections' side--with an impressive collection of preserved fish specimens (and their parasites) both large & microscopic; also one of the four largest shell collections in the US. 
We had a special education session on Japanese papers--how they're made & how you know what you're finding, buying (also a nearly lost art). One of the papers I most enjoyed using during the classes actually came from Nepal--brought by one of the instructors. The last night was 'show & tell' night for the 16 classes that had been completed: it was SO interesting to see the variety as well as the beauty & creativity of all in attendance. We were most definitely 'newbies'; but the folks who have years of experience were very helpful & patient with us.
2 comments:
nice report (from heather fortner, an NPS workshop participant and gyotaku enthusiast). your blog came up on the google alerts for gyotaku. I think that we all enjoyed the workshop, and were glad you could join us. The comment about art and nature was spot on. Are we artists who enjoy nature or naturalists/biologists, who appreciate art? Both, I think.
hj
Hey, Heather! I think I would also call you 'gyotaku teacher extraordinaire'! Nice to hear from you.
I think both, too--and I almost think the scales tip daily as to which is our tendency (Lucy's old 'mixed brain dominance' in Peanuts!)
Take care!
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