Worldbuilding
An Immersive Course in the Art of Cosm Construction for Visual Creators
with Marisa Avila-Sayler and Devon Walz
This 4-session course is designed for any creative interested in the daunting task of Worldbuilding.
What is the allure behind alternate worlds?
Why might artists and creatives seek to invent their own Cosm?
How do they do it across mediums and how it might apply to you as an artist?
These are the questions we'll be traversing together.
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In an atmosphere that welcomes both self-taught and formally trained visual artists, we'll explore the work of historic and contemporary artists, and workshop the ways we can develop (or further develop) our own world(s).
Each session consists of lecture and individual reflective activities and/or assignments. Each activity is designed to get you thinking about your creative goals within the framework of Worldbuilding. Our final session is a low-stress, constructive, small group discussion where you will receive feedback on your work.
In this course you will:
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Gain a thorough understanding of the visual, conceptual, and material elements of Worldbuilding in the context of visual art
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Learn about who else has made and is making work of this nature so you can get inspired, understand the genre in its many forms and have context for your own work
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Dive into meaningful explorations of your work via exercises and reflections
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Receive guidance for your own Worldbuilding, and begin to develop (or further develop) your own "Cosm"​
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Receive constructive feedback and discussion on your work within a small group setting
Enroll
Registration deadline is Friday, April 1st. Class begins on April 9th. See curriculum outline for full class schedule.
*if you're interested in this course but it's financially out of reach, email marisaanddev@gmail.com for extended payment plans and sliding scale options
Curriculum + Schedule
Session One: Introduction and Visual Elements of Worldbuilding
Saturday, April 9th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST
In introducing the allure of building our own -cosms as artists, we suggest some reasons as to why we might do it, and what it can look like in both historical and contemporary art. We illustrate how otherworldliness might appear within specific visual elements such as color, scale, juxtaposition, etc. Our workshop section will have you assessing your current work and/or the work you’d like to create.
Session Two: Conceptual Elements of Worldbuilding
Saturday, April 23rd, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST
We take a deeper dive into the intent behind why an artist might invent their own narratives, visuals, and characters. Symbolic meaning, context, and the invention of alternate realities within a creative framework can be both highly personal as well as culturally relevant. From the austere to the cathartic, to the whimsical, we share some potential motives behind the -cosms of artists working today and within art historical canon. Our activity will have you taking an in-depth exploration into mapping your own current or desired worlds, and considering your intentions.
Session Three: Material Elements of Worldbuilding
Saturday, May 7th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST
Alternate worlds can take on many forms, such as painting, sculpture, photography, installation, digital media, film, and beyond. How do our materials both inform our worlds as well as invite viewers to interact with them? We take a look at a variety of visual presentations of otherworldiness with emphasis on physical and ephemeral materials. Our activity will have you assess the properties of your own work, and potential avenues for future expression and worldbuilding using these materials.
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Session Four: Small Group Discussion and Constructive Critique
Saturday, May 21st, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST (additional time slots will likely be added)
Facilitated by experienced artists, a relevant, constructive look at your work among your peers is invaluable to assess your work. These discussions are entirely unlike the intimidating art school critiques you may have heard about or experienced yourself. The aim with this small group critique is to build confidence and define/refine your purpose as a Worldbuilder in visual art.
*Groups will be limited to 8 people and more time slots will be added depending on class size in order to accommodate everyone.
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This course is for artists who...
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Currently have aspects of Worldbuilding in their work, and would like to reflect and build upon it further
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Are interested in growing or transforming their work into a larger, more developed Cosm
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Are a beginner looking for more information and guidance in developing their own creative worlds as you find your voice/style
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Are curious about all things otherworldly, transcendent, fictional, supernatural, surreal and/or escapist and want to learn more about making this kind of work, or apply the principals to any genre they may already work in
Enroll
Registration deadline is Friday, April 1st. Class begins on April 9th. See curriculum outline for full class schedule.
*if you're interested in this course but it's financially out of reach, email marisaanddev@gmail.com for extended payment plans and sliding scale options
FAQs
What if I can't make all of the live calls?
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No problem. All calls will be held via Zoom and recorded. While attending live is a guaranteed great time, you'll still receive the full value from the recordings.
The one call that is of main benefit to attend live is last one, which is our small group meeting that will center around feedback and discussion of each other's work. For this last meeting, there will very likely be a second and even third time option added, depending on the total class size. You'll have the option to sign up for your preferred time once the class is underway.
I currently work abstract/realistic/some other way that isn't surreal or otherwordly, is this course for me?
If you are drawn to this subject at all then YES. The components we will be going over (narrative, concept, visuals, materials, etc.) can really be applied to any genre. Even if you don't transform your work into into something classically otherworldly, if you see your work as a world in and of itself (or would like to start seeing it that way) this course will give you tons of context, guidance and food for thought. We will also be covering a wide range of worldbuilding-- from the non-representational to the illustrative and beyond.
I'm brand new to making art / am self-taught. Is this for me?
Yes! You can apply this framework and larger understanding to where ever you're at in your development. Incorporating this understanding early on will provide you with a great foundation to build upon. As for being self-taught, we'll be defining any art speak we use (hello, super fun glossary of artsy words you'll receive), and addressing things with enough academic perspective to help you feel knowledgable (but in a way that's current, accessible and interesting :) ).
What media do I need to work in to benefit from this course?
Any! This course is suitable for anything from clay to acrylic paint, to video and installation. We'll be going over examples from all and the activities are applicable for any media.
About the Instructors
Devon Walz
Marisa Avila-Sayler
Devon Walz is a mixed media artist, muralist and educator based in Southern California.
Her self-study of visual art began while earning a BA in Philosophy at UC Berkeley in 2012. Known for her use of bright colors and otherworldly settings, the development of her work has been influenced by her interests in mysticism, ontology, mental health, psychedelia and being a child of the 90's.
Devon has worked with clients such as Vans, WorkWell and West Elm, collaborated on a variety design projects from album covers to planners, exhibited in traditional and alternative spaces throughout California, and has works held by collectors around the globe.
In addition to her studio practice, she has a passion for education and mentorship. She's been running courses and programs on both artwork development and business + career development since 2017, and hosts conversations about all things being an artist on her podcast, ART + MAGIC.
b. 1982, Los Angeles
Marisa Avila Sayler is a Metro Los Angeles local who works in drawing, painting, and sculpture using both traditional and experimental media. She earned a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art in 2005, and an MFA from California State University, Fullerton in 2009. An artist since childhood, Marisa has always supported her art practice with more traditional career paths, namely education and grantwriting. Her teaching and educational field experience ranges from art exploration with neurodivergent preschoolers, to traditional undergraduate drawing and painting instruction, to doctorate-level lecture, curriculum design, and administration. She is currently a grantwriter for Color Compton, a youth-focused nonprofit focused on Black and Brown history, art, and community. Since 2018, Marisa has focused solely on her studio practice with occasional guest teaching, workshops, and visiting artist lectures. She has exhibited in numerous Los Angeles galleries, in institutions such as the Torrance Art Museum and the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, CA, and her work is in private collections all over the world. Outside of the studio, Marisa and her spouse of 18 years are guiding their two exceptional young children in the art of being explorers of this universe.
Enroll
Registration deadline is Friday, April 1st. Class begins on April 9th. See curriculum outline for full class schedule.
*if you're interested in this course but it's financially out of reach, email marisaanddev@gmail.com for extended payment plans and sliding scale options