+++ exploring the aesthetics of Outport interiors

workshop on Fogo Island
February 11-27, 2010

+++ exploring the aesthetics of Outport interiors is an experimental art/design project and workshop designed to develop the ideas for contemporary furniture and interiors inspired by traditional Outport living conditions and reality.

The workshop will gather experts, creative thinkers and hands-on producers on Fogo Island to explore the essence of Outport interiors and hopefully translate ideas and findings into useful proposals for an upcoming furniture design competition. The competition is planned to follow the workshop in the spring with the intention of recruiting creators of locally rooted designs adapted to the various Shorefast projects on Fogo Island and Change Islands.

The Shorefast Foundation has various building projects underway: traditional houses and churches are being renovated and adapted to new use, several artists' studios are being designed and constructed along with a small five star Inn. All furniture and interiors for the new studios and the Inn are to be produced locally.

Participants will be asked to work on the given tasks individually and in groups. Local craftspeople and external experts will be engaged throughout the process. Formal input will be given regularly every fourth day.

Participants:
Dagur Oskarsson – designer (Reykjavik)
Elaine Fortin – designer (Montreal)
Elisabeth Belliveau - textile artist (Montreal)
Eric Demay – designer (Montreal)
Gudbjorg Jakobsdottir - fashion designer (Reykjavik)
Hafsteinn Juliusson - industrial designer (Milano)
Jeff Baggs – cabinetmaker (St. John’s)
Jessica Waterman - artist (St. John’s)
Jonathan J Mandeville – architect (Halifax)
Justin Armstrong – anthropologist & composer (Wellesley MA)
Kym Greeley - artist (St. John’s)
Martine Myrup – artist (Glasgow)
Michael Pittman – artist (Grand Falls-Windsor NL)
Yvonne Mullock – artist (Glasgow)
&
10-14 local craftspeople on Fogo Island & Change Islands (wood, textile)

Lecturers:
Walter W Peddle - writer & expert on Outport furniture
Mike Paterson - cabinet maker
Frank Tjepkema – designer
Lars & Jason Dressler – furniture producers
Joseph Grima - director Storefront for Art and Architecture
Neil Minuk – architect and professor
Todd Saunders – architect for the Shorefast projects
Sami Rintala - architect
Jerry Dick - director of heritage – NL Department of Tourism, Culture & Recreation

Workshop Coordinators:
Steve Topping – artist and tenant of a St. John’s Battery stage
Pall Einarsson – industrial designer

Project co-ordinator:
Greg White
outportinteriors@gmail.com

Curated by:
Elisabet Gunnarsdottir
The Fogo Island Arts Corporation

Produced by:
The Fogo Island Arts Corporation in collaboration with the Shorefast Foundation

The Fogo Island Arts Corporation is a contemporary art venue specializing in residencies for international artists and the production of art projects and workshops engaging both local and international participants. The Arts Corporation is supported by the Shorefast Foundation.

The Shorefast Foundation is a Canadian-registered charity that is using entrepreneurial methods to help secure prosperity for the region of Fogo Island and Change Islands. www.shorefast.org