Symposium Reflections: Camp Brotherhood 1999 – July/Aug 1999

What is your overall impression of the symposium?

Carol Kitchel, Boston, Massachusetts, first- time attendee

I have never seemed to have trouble trying new things, but a few weeks before coming here, I was having second thoughts. Do I belong with all those people attending the symposium? Am I good enough? Luckily my connection to coming here had been through David Edward’s wife Peggy, so I gave David a call and he put all my fears to rest. He told me not to worry.

What I have experienced here is far beyond what he assured me I would find. Everybody left their egos at home. I feel like I do belong. Belonging has nothing to do with talent, experience, or how well your work is known. Belonging has only to do with shared love and joy of carving. The positive energy that is whirling around that field is overwhelming. It is rare to feel that generosity of knowledge, such sharing of equipment, such total enthusiasm in helping each other.

As I anxiously wait for next year’s symposium, I know I will be able to reflect back on all I felt and gained from this week and it will sustain me.

Thank you one and all.

How was your experience as an instructor at the Symposium?

Laura Alpert, MFA Professor, Fine Arts Department University of Oregon, Eugene, OR Facilitator – 3-D Design Workshop

The most enjoyable part of the 3D Design workshop happened several days later, as participants discover ways to use what they have learned in their own art work. I am often invited to see (in their work) how someone has solved a sculptural problem, tried a new form idea, or found a way to describe their work to others. It is rewarding to see the joy people experience as they learn how to use the “tool” of design. Like other tools, design can expand options and capabilities, when used at the appropriate time and place.

It is a pleasure to see a long established sculptor absorbed in experimenting with a subtle new variation in the angle of a plane which they discovered while thinking about a design concept. Beginners bring a fresh enthusiasm, as with a participant in this year’s 3D Workshop, who suddenly spoke out.. “NOW I CAN THINK ABOUT WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING! NOW I CAN SEE WHAT I HAVE BEEN SCULPTING!” Sharing those experiences keeps design alive and changing for everyone who makes sculpture.

What is the significance of the Symposium for you?

Barbara Davidson, Kelowna, BC

Llamas, baby geese, a miniature donkey and a fat pig are only a portion of the menagerie of greeters approaching our work area at Camp Brotherhood. Sunshine is our primary weather but even the occasional rain and fog fail to dampen the enthusiasm of the 60 to 80 passionate sculptors. The deep personal connections made and sustained throughout the years are as vital to us as breathing. However brief these connections or reconnections may be, our lives are touched in inexplicable ways. Our learning curve escalates, our energy builds, our creativity blossoms. Many lives are changed forever though breakthroughs that vary in style but have intense personal value. Camp Brotherhood is a place of reflection and personal growth, the style to be determined by the experience of each individual. To be a part of this experience you need only to show up with au open heart and mind. You are already included. Give yourself a gift and attend Camp Brotherhood too’! We look forward to seeing you!

Breakthroughs

David Edwards, Olympia, WA

A new twist to this year’s symposium was sharing our breakthroughs. We were encouraged to recount breakthrough experiences that opened new vistas for us whether in technical or personal areas.

They ranged from Sudha’s learning to operate the fork-lilt to Marko’s plunging into figure drawing and Steve coming to grips with being able to appreciate the validity and beauty of a raw stone as a finished work of art (after struggling for three years working on overly planned pieces). Elaine’s gratitude for Joanne Duby’s help in achieving a breakthrough in leveling, pinning and sleeving bases was contagious. Patty was elated to find that she could condense all her studio needs into two very portable boxes.

Becky also broke through into the sparkling world of angle grinders and such after a frustrating dead-end with an uncooperative hunk of unexpectedly hard alabaster.

I can sympathize with her discovery after allowing myself to turn to power tools last year in order to convert the hardness of strawberry onyx into a handsome bison. This year I would have “confessed” instead of having to receive an “award” of a used diamond blade for “coming out.”

Come to think of it, writing this piece is a sort of breakthrough for me. Try it – you’ll like it.