Posted by Randi Bjornstad

Jordan Essoe

Eugene Scene readers may have noticed a new byline recently, featuring stories by Waldport resident Jordan Essoe about art exhibits along the central Oregon coast.

Now it turns out that Essoe not only is a writer about art, he’s also an artist, and in that role he is offering a a couple of Zoom workshops — one on April 6 and a second on April 13 — titled “Drawing as Meditation,” under the auspices of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts.

Here’s how he describes the class:

Through a series of guided exercises, learn how to use meditative drawing to quiet the mind and focus the senses. We will incorporate both visualization and direct observation. Our goals will be to become more centered and observant, reduce stress, and support our physical, mental, and artistic well-being. Emphasis is placed on process, not the quality of the drawings we will create. In this class there is no wrong way or bad drawing, and you do not have to share your results unless you elect to. Some of our exercises will adapt stabilizing and analytical meditation techniques, but this is not a conventional meditation workshop. You do not have to have any prior experience with drawing or meditation. All skill levels welcome.

The online classes will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, with participation limited to 25 students.

Here are the supplies you will need:

  • Sketchpad for drawing (such as Strathmore 400 series regular surface 24-sheet drawing pad measuring 14×17 inches)
  • A few pencils with different levels of hardness (such as 2H, 2B, and 6B)
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Blending paper stumps (aka tortillons)

And here’s his quick instructor bio:

Jordan Essoe is an award-winning artist and writer who has exhibited and published internationally.  His career began as a painter, but his practice broadened to include film, performance art, playwriting, and journalism. His work has been covered by National Public Radio, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Oakland Tribune, Artnet, Artillery, Art Practical, Artweek, and Rhizome.

For questions about these Zoom clases, contact arts education manager Sara Siggelkow, by email at ssiggelkow@coastarts.org or by calling 541-574-3364.

Sign up for the class online at https://coastarts.org/product/drawing-as-meditation-with-jordan-essoe/

 

Jordan Essoe teaches “Drawing as Meditation”