Art from the Outdoors Short Course

Course description

Comprised of 3 immersive lessons at outdoor sites, the Art from the Outdoors Short Course offers students the opportunity to create, document, re-imagine and critique work beyond the studio.

During the course, students create 3D forms using found and discarded materials from different locations (accessed via public transport) such as parks, woodlands and riverbanks.

Students are encouraged to view found objects as a creative resource and work exclusively with locally sourced natural and/or small man-made materials to make site-specific art objects and sculptural forms. Materials may include wood, moss, stone and leaves, as well as discarded materials such as ceramic, coins and plastic.

By embracing foraged materials, the course encourages resourcefulness and recycling in a sensory-rich outdoor environment. Students explore texture, shapes and colour in nature to inspire artistic expression and connect with their surroundings.

The course has a strong focus on sustainability. Any works created using natural, biodegradable materials will be left in situ or returned to nature at the end of the day after discussion, feedback and documentation. Any locally found man-made materials or objects will be disassembled and removed from the area to be sorted for recycling or disposed of appropriately to prevent any further pollution of the environment.

Who should attend?

This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in site-specific work, sculpture, drawing and photography.

The course would be a great choice for artists looking to reconnect with nature and expand their portfolios using tactical methods, as well as anyone wanting to improve their mental health and social skills by working collaboratively in nature.

Course outcomes

By the end of the course students should have:

• Improved their ability to think creatively
• Developed their problem-solving and innovative thinking skills
• Developed their observational skills
• An idea of how to utilise the natural surroundings to cultivate a deeper understanding of the world
• Explored different artistic forms and expressions using nature as a canvas
• Interacted with other students through collaborative activities in nature
• An understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship and a sense of responsibility and community awareness

Clear, easy to understand lessons:    

• Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.    
• New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand.    

Experience life on campus:    

• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe    
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline    
• Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need    
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time    
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments    
• Experience the many sights of London on your down time    

A certificate of completion:    

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!    
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.    
• We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!    
• Certificates are great to compliment your cv.