Catherine Moore Reliquary Journal

The Journal as Reliquary

Dates: September 27 - October 3, 2009
Instructor/Leader: Catherine Moore

Trip Description
Catherine Moore leads you in using new and imaginative techniques to create a most unusual altered book. During your studio time you will transform a book into an illuminated manuscript; a journal of your experiences in Orvieto. You will exhume the richly layered art history of Orvieto, exploring its medieval Etruscan influences, Gothic architecture, and Renaissance art. Each day’s experiences will inform the work you do in the studio. This workshop retreat is experiential, as well as process and project oriented. At the end of the week, you will travel on to your next destination with a host of exciting art processes, an appreciation for Orvieto’s art and architecture, and a beautiful memento of your days in Orvieto.

By definition, the journal is both a relic and a reliquary. A reliquary is “a depositary, such as a journal.” A relic is “something that has survived the passage of time; an object kept for its association with the past; a memento: that which remains; a remnant; anything preserved in remembrance; an antiquity that has survived from the distant past; something of sentimental value, such as memories of a journey. This is what you will create!

You will divide your book into chapters to record your trip.
• Use gilding and collage techniques to create an Orvieto cover story.
• Learn about Specters and Calligraphica, two mysterious techniques
for blending handwritten entries onto the pages of an altered book
style journal.
• Create layered architectural compositions in your journal
incorporating imagery influenced by the art and architecture of
Orvieto’s cathedral.
• Work with oil pastels and stamped textural elements.
• Incorporate photo transfers into your journal using a photo transfer
technique.
• Create a watercolor landscape of your day in wine country.

This will be an experience of a lifetime. No experience needed - just
a sense of adventure!

Itinerary
Sept 27 - Arrive Orvieto, group dinner
Sept 28 - Gilding and collage techniques, introduction to Italian
                culture, wine tasting, Orvieto walking tour, Etruscan caves
Sept 29 - Layered architectural compostions, architecture and
                history tour
Sept 30 - Incorporating architecture & art imagery, cooking class
Oct.   1 - Surface treatments, weekly market, vineyared tour
Oct.   2 - Photo transfers, Wine bar show and share
Oct.   3 - Depart Orvieto

Details
Cost - $2395. Fee includes six nights double occupancy lodging and basic course materials. Single occupancy available for an additional cost. Because Italian cuisine is such fun, meals are not prearranged or included - we do give lots of advice! Travel costs are not included.

Click here for registrations and terms, or contact us by e-mail, phone or writing at the contact information below.