Workshops
Institutions such as art
galleries, libraries, schools, universities, and arts organisations such as
Lumen and Kala Sangam, employ me on a freelance basis to deliver a variety of
educational workshops and training events. Sessions and courses include digital
and analogue Photography, digital film-making, bookbinding techniques,
sculpture workshops and training on Independent Curation.
I have experience in
teaching both adults and children of all ages, and am available for group and one-to-one sessions. If you would like any information on any of the following workshops, please contact me at v_a_lucas@yahoo.co.uk.
Photography Workshops 
Creative Photography Course, Lumen 2009I have taught both Digital and Analog SLR Photography to various groups of people with different age ranges and abilities. Many people buy SLR cameras not knowing how to use them, and I provide informative and fun workshops that allow participants to get to grips with their cameras, achieving the photographs they would like to take.
As well as teaching adults, I have taught NCFE, A Level and GCSE level photography to groups of 16-18 year old learners, at both Wakefield College and Park Lane College in Leeds. Past topics of study have included Found Objects, Photo Collage, 3D Photo Montage, Still Life, and Alternative Portraits. I have various handouts and schemes of work based around how a SLR camera works, how to analyze images, how to create a test strip, develop films and produce prints in the dark room; photograms, studio lighting, and composition.
I have led various freelance workshops to young people and adults based on various themes and concepts, and create tailored workshops to suit the group, length and context of the sessions. I would be happy to discuss your sessions further, to establish what it is you are looking for and create a brief that is best suited to your students. From SLR photography to disposable cameras - we can make your sessions informative, challenging and most of all fun!
Bookbinding Workshops
Beginners Bookbinding Workshop, The Loft Studio 2009I have been running Bookbinding and Artists books workshops for a number of years now, teaching people how to create note books, photo albums, hardbound sketchbooks, and also Artists Books; which are books that are works of art in their own right. I teach these sessions in a variety of settings, such as in Libraries, Museums, Art Galleries and Universities. I also run bookmaking workshops in my Studio, which are open to all. I have taught bookmaking to young children, teenagers, and adults; and to artists, solicitors, retired people, academics, teachers, youth arts coordinators and marketing managers to name a few!
These workshops are very hands on, and normally cover various bookbinding techniques, including how to create hardbound books, concertina books, and Japanese stab binding books. There are also a selection of artist's books on display to inspire people. All materials are provided on these workshops, however participants are welcome to bring any materials or ideas they would like to use to create their own artist's books; such as recycled paper or collage material. At the end of each workshop, each participant will have created a selection of books that can be taken home. A handout detailing the techniques learnt will also be provided for future reference.
I also run workshops that also concentrate on the content of the book, so that photography, paper making, drawing, and mixed media can be explored in conjunction with the artist’s book.
Mould making and Casting Workshops
Mouldmaking and Casting Courses, The Loft Studio 2009 / 10I have taught sculpture workshops to a number of age ranges; from school children to adults. Generally, I teach mould making and casting techniques, however I am open to other forms of sculpture too. Recent workshops have included teaching traditional mouldmaking and casting techniques using a variety of materials such as silicon rubber, plaster, clay, and alginate. By the end of the sessions, students know how to create a two-part mould, a press mould, a one part silicone mould and also an alginate mould, which is a non-reusable material that can be used to cast parts of the body. Handouts detailing various casting techniques, materials and suppliers accompany the adult sessions.
The children’s sessions can be framed by a particular theme or goal; for example casting the negative space of objects such as shoes or clothing or carrier bags with plaster; or creating objects out of clay and exploring other materials by creating multiple casts in wax, resin, or even rubber.
The materials for these workshops can be expensive, but the results and experiences of making sculpture are fantastic. Again, these workshops can be tailored to suit the participants and the context of the workshops. Definitely a messy practical workshop which will need lots of space.
Film Making WorkshopsLast year I collaborated with Phoenix Dance and Leeds City Council to deliver Get Creative, a summer break initiative which brought young people together on a series of workshops. My role was to teach the group about how the video camera worked and how to frame their subject, so that they could film their new found friends as they learnt and choreographed dance steps which would form part of a performance at the end of the sessions. The films were then edited and projected behind the students as they danced in front of an audience in the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds. The students over the course of the workshops found confidence, made friends, and increased their self esteem. This experience has inspired me to run a series of projects with young people, teaching them how to use moving image as a way to break down boundaries and learn new skills.
Artist and Curator TalksI am also available for artists talks, and lectures on independent curation. Please contact me for further information on how the talks and lectures can form part of your workshops and events.
Christianity Workshop, Edna G Olds School, 2010