Josef Albers' Interaction of Color
Jeffrey Simmons
$730
Josef Albers' book Interaction of Color, published in 1963, was the summation of his experience teaching about color at The Bauhaus, Black Mountain College, and Yale University. In this ten-week class we will work through many of the projects described in the book, using Albers' preferred material, colored paper collage. These projects explore the mutability of color, illusions such as transparency and vibration, and the role value plays in our perception of color. The course also includes opportunities to make expressive free-studies; this session will include the popular fall leaf project. Through slide lectures, we will learn the history of the book itself, its impact on 20th century painting and design, and its continuing influence today. Please note, this is not a painting class per se, though painters should find it enlightening; rather, it is a class which challenges our preconceived notions about color and how it is perceived.
Required Supplies
Color-aid papers, full set of 314 colors, preferably 4 1/2 x 6 inch sheets or larger. This is the primary expense, and it is the same material favored by Albers. Available locally through Blick; I will check in with the store to make sure they have packages on hand. You can supplement your collection of collage materials by clipping colors from packages, junk mail flyers, hardware store paint samples, or even your own painted swatches.
An X-acto-type hobby knife with blades (#11 is good) and/or scissors. Clean cuts are best, which is why I tend to favor hobby knives over scissors.
A steel ruler for measuring and making straight cuts.
A self-healing cutting mat to cut paper on. Cardboard works in a pinch, but the cutting mat lasts much longer.
Glue or paste for paper. I prefer to use UHU Glue Stick or similar, but rubber cement is also fine.
Sheets or scraps of sturdy board--non-corrugated cardboard, mat board, etc.--as a support to paste your collages onto.
Jeffrey Simmons
Jeffrey Simmons received his BFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. He has...