Jonathan's painting and ceramics courses are an invitation to explore the land of the Sámi people, to whom the land is a provider, a home and a source of spiritual sustenance.
We will look for creative responses to the differing areas of the locality using drawing, words, painting, photography, found objects, movement and of course, our imagination! Perhaps we can start to get to know and experience the magic of this vast and wild land.
The courses will take us on short walks (suitable for everybody) in the wilderness to experience the atmosphere of contrasting landscapes in different locations as well as to visit sites of interest, including the Arktikum or Siida museums, the House of the Northern Lights, and to meet some of the working artists of Lapland. This way we will come to know the Arctic landscape, culture and wilderness in a more integrated way.
The tuition consists of exploring ways of working with different media in daily sessions and developing ways to respond to the wilderness, finding a new creative language as we go. The courses are for all abilities, including complete novices, so in a way we are all starting on a journey of discovery together, studying the wilderness and then developing paintings and artwork at the lodge studio. My own way of working is to get to know the character of a particular place or experience in the landscape and then find suitable ways to express it.
Tom's course involves painting trips out into the fell landscape to experience the unique colour, nature and atmosphere of the far north of Lapland. Here there is a special presence to the light and landscape; whether it is the midnight sun of summer or long twilights of spring and autumn.
Each day we will focus on a different aspect of the area, allowing the students a broad interpretation in the area of Luosto. Running through these days is the subject of light in the landscape. As well as lessons, there will be time to experience the subject through walks and discussion.
Additionally, trips to sites of interests will be taken, including to the House of the Northern Lights, where a presentation is given on this uniquely Arctic phenomena, as well as to the only operating Amethyst Mine in Europe, in order to gain insight into the various natural wonders of this Arctic wilderness. It is hoped that the students will have a rewarding experience viewing the landscape with the artist and tutor.
Timothy's courses aim to bring out the joy for painting wildlife in the natural wilderness landscape, from the rich birdlife to elks and even reindeer that inhabit this Arctic area.
In keeping with my passion for birdlife, the central theme of the course is built around bird watching opportunities of the many species that can be found in this locality. We will take walks in the magnificent fell scenery to have opportunities to explore wood and wetland and wildflowers in addition to observing the abundant wildlife, giving students the choice of wilderness subjects and themes they find personally interesting.
In addition to exploring the locality, trips to sites of interest will be undertaken, including a trip to a nearby 17th Century Heritage Village on the banks of the River Kitinen, as well as a Lapland Museum to learn about the life in the Arctic regions and the culture of the Sámi - the indigenous people of the land, in order for us to experience different aspects of life in the Arctic. We will also get a chance to meet and see the work of local Artists. It is hoped that students will find appreciation for, and inspiration from wildlife with Tim¹s guidance.
