Harneet Sihota - Cosmic Shell Sculpting




Cosmic Shell Sculpting


Nancy Newton, In Harmony, Mixed Media Collage , 17 x 23,  Propeller Gallery



Nancy Newton's exploration of the cosmic connections between seashells and the universe served as the inspiration for this workshop. 


Participants will create their own cosmic shell sculptures, using seashells as a medium to express their personal connections with nature and the cosmos.



  
                                                        Nancy Newton, Sea Foam, Ceramic, 6.5 x 10, Propeller Gallery           

Materials Needed:

  • Seashells (collected in advance or provided)
  • Air-dry clay or modelling clay
  • Acrylic paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Wire
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Natural materials (e.g., small stones, driftwood, or sand)
  • Protective aprons or clothing

Workshop Steps:

Collective Seashell Gathering (15 minutes)

  • If participants haven't brought their own seashells, provide a selection of seashells and encourage participants to choose one that resonates with them.
  • Ask participants to share briefly why they chose their specific seashell, creating a personal connection.

Sculpting the Cosmic Connection (60 minutes)

  • Provide air-dry clay or modelling clay for participants to mold and shape around their seashells.
  • Encourage them to express their personal connections to nature and the cosmos through their sculptures.
  • Participants can incorporate wire or natural materials to enhance their cosmic themes.

Painting and personalization (30 minutes)

  • After the clay has dried, offer acrylic paints for participants to add colour and detail to their sculptures.
  • This is an opportunity for them to personalize their creations, drawing inspiration from their chosen seashell and the cosmos.

Sharing and Reflection (30 minutes)

  • Create a space for participants to share their cosmic shell sculptures and the stories behind their creations.
  • Encourage open discussions about the connections they formed with their seashells and the cosmic themes in their artwork.

Participants will leave the workshop with their unique cosmic shell sculptures and a deeper appreciation for the connections between art, nature, and the cosmos. Inspired by Nancy Newton's artistic vision, this workshop encourages participants' creativity, self-expression, and sense of community.  


This one-part workshop offers a condensed yet immersive experience, allowing participants to engage with the themes of Nancy Newton's art in a short period of time. It emphasizes the power of art to connect individuals with nature and the universe while providing them with a tangible cosmic art piece to take home. It's a creative journey that encourages self-expression and personal connections to the natural world and the cosmos.

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