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  • EDM-Design Exploration Workshop with Michael Fortune 21-1

EDM-Design Exploration Workshop with Michael Fortune 21-1

  • 07 Oct 2021
  • 9:00 AM
  • 09 Oct 2021
  • 5:00 PM
  • Guild Workshop, 7634 SW 34th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
  • 0

Registration


Registration is closed



Note: Proof of Covid Vaccine must be on file with the Guild prior to signing in for this session. If it is not on file, plan on bringing your shot card with your name and dates of vaccine. 

Design Exploration Workshop with Michael Fortune

This is a three (3) day workshop for woodworkers just getting started, as well as intermediate +, to expose students to Michael Fortune’s design sequence. Participants will experience an illustrated lecture about Michael’s process and then apply the principles to an idea of their own, from sketching and drawing through a model and full size mock-up. This will be a fast paced workshop to understand the foundations – do not expect a polished product at the end. Instead, expect to gain an understanding of the process and practice with tools with the guidance of a master. As in the past, Michael will be assisted by Kelly Parker.

The Schedule

Thursday, October 7 – Saturday, October 9, 9 AM – 5 PM

  • Designs – developing your own ideas
  • Drawing - how to draw your ideas so they can be built
  • Perspective drawing - how to best present ideas to others
  • Models and Mock-ups - how to inexpensively visualize and resolve design issues in models and in full size mock-ups
  • Illustration - how to even better present ideas to others (extra credit if there is time)

The Curriculum

Inside a furniture designers sketchbook – an Introduction to Michael Fortune’s Design Process

“Where do my design ideas come from? How did I develop my designs?  How did I move from observing interesting forms in my environment - plant and animal forms, the shadows on a building - to a designing and making a piece of furniture?  This illustrated lecture will go through the versatile design sequence I’ve come to rely on that helps me be creative, avoid “writers block” and even solve fabrication problems. The process is applied to the whole form and even the smallest details. 

Focusing on developing my design sequence allowed me initially survive as a furniture maker and ultimately prosper. 

Every sketch becomes part of my idea bank, which I’ll share with the group.   I believe everyone has the capacity to be creative if they get over the fear of making something that is unusual.”

Design Process Workshop  (hands on)

Developing Your Own Ideas

This workshop will introduce the participants to a series of simple bench top design exercises that will exponentially expand where and how you look for inspiration then be able to convert what you’ve observed into practical pieces of furniture or sculpture.   This course is for woodworkers who want to move beyond working “square” or copying other woodworker’s designs.  Sharpen those scissors, plug in that glue gun, hone those new found observation skills and have fun while you develop your own unique furniture forms. This course will change your perception of furniture design and making.  

Key Points

  • 1.    How to observe your environment and identify design ideas.
  • 2.    Develop your own custom design sequence.
  • 3.    How to sketch, make models and make full-size mock-ups.
  • 4.    How to critique your own work and who to engage to critique your work.
  • 5.    Assembling an idea bank that will be inspirational for years to come.

Drawing – how to draw your ideas so they can be built

This workshop will also introduce participants to the fundamentals of mechanical drawing as it applies to woodworking projects and furniture. Why drawing in the digital age? There is a connection from the mind to the hand that is difficult to convey quickly with a computer in the development stages of an idea. And the participant still has to transfer the drawing layout and dimensions to the material at hand.

Participants will learn the basics of taking a sketch and laying out the appropriate views of the object. We’ll cover the essential drawing tools and everyone will get a chance to practice drawing a their idea for fabrication.

Perspective Drawing - how to best present ideas to others

In this section, participants will be exposed to developing a perspective drawing of their idea. Furniture is usually viewed at an angle from the height of the observer when entering a room. Most people can’t quite picture an object from a drawing that is intended for fabrication of the parts and assembly. A perspective drawing can help a spouse, partner or potential client visualize the item more clearly.

Participants will learn how to apply the basics of perspective drawings and practice on some simple forms.

Models and Mock-ups - how to inexpensively visualize and resolve design issues in models and in full size mock-ups

A key factor in the sequence of design is to quickly and inexpensively test ideas with models to see the idea in three dimensional form. As the ideas progress, a further element is to build a full size mock-up with cheap construction grade materials to further assess the viability of the design idea. We’ll explore these methods with some hands-on practice.

Illustration - how to even better present ideas to others (extra credit if there is time)

For those that have an interest, we’ll carve out some time to explore illustration as a means of communicating our ideas to others. The tools, materials and techniques will be discussed and, if there is time, we’ll get a hand in practicing illustration.

Thursday, October 7 – Saturday, October 9, 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Designs – developing your own ideas
  • Drawing - how to draw your ideas so they can be built
  • Perspective drawing - how to best present ideas to others
  • Models and Mock-ups - how to inexpensively visualize and resolve design issues in models and in full size mock-ups
  • Illustration - how to even better present ideas to others (extra credit if there is time)

Refer any questions regarding this event to Chip Webster, jdwebster3@comcast.net


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