Instructor: Laura Stoland

Toolbox, Materials, Research, & Sketchbook

Every artist should have at least one toolbox. This is an organized place where you can quickly and easily find the tools that you most often need. You will find it handy to have a toolbox for things other than this class as well. We will have some tools and materials available in the classroom, but it is always more convenient and reliable to have your own. You can start with some of the things that you already have around your house and then slowly add other things. Here are some suggestions:

scissors tape: masking, scotch, duct, electrical
hammer screwdrivers, short & long; phillips & slot
string pliers, various sizes
wood glue wire cutters
snips wire (binding, chicken, picture hanging, copper)
rags nails
screws hot glue gun
butter knife steak knife
spoon dental tools
toothpicks exacto knife, utility knife
files rasps

You should also have a place that you keep materials and found objects that interest you. This could be another toolbox or any other convenient container. Here you can keep things like: fabrics you particularly like from old clothing, things you pick up from the street or the store that pique your interest, objects from around your house and the world that you might want to incorporate into your art-work someday.

Also, you need to keep a folder of written resource materials. This is for copies of articles about artists and topics that interest you, names of books that you want to explore further, copies of readings given out in class, notes about topics that you would like to explore, etc.

Lastly, you must have a sketchbook. This is where you keep your own ideas for future projects. In both words and drawings, jot down whatever comes to mind. You can describe/illustrate dreams, experiences, objects, anything. Keep the largest size sketchbook that you will carry around regularly. You do not need to keep a sketchbook dedicated solely to this class, it can serve for your other art classes as well. Especially as many of your ideas may translate into a few different media. You must always have your sketchbook with you in class. I will be periodically looking at your sketchbook, and I expect you to begin every project with a written/drawn exploration in your sketchbook.