Introducing Our 2020 Scholarship Recipient
Once a year, we offer a scholarship to one of our exclusive workshops. The recipient is an up-and-coming artist faithfully chasing their future goals. We do this because we’re very interested in inspiring those who are dedicated to painting and pursuing lives as working artists.
Carrières de Lumières 2020
An Immersion into Dali’s Creative Mind. While 21st century technology has brought new dimensions to the world of visual art, there is nothing so breathtaking as Les Carrières de Lumières in the village of Les Baux in the South of France. CultureSpaces has created an immersive art experience in sight and sound within the subterranean space, with images projected onto the solid limestone walls. Regardless of the art selected, the experience is already somewhat surreal—but in 2020 it is being made even more so by an exhibition of the mind-bending creations of Salvador Dali. Spanish artist, Dali, has been astounding art lovers since the 1930s. From the melting clocks of The Persistence of Memory” to the floating figures of his muse Gala, and to the many other inexplicable visions of the universe as only he could see it, Dali’s art continues to mesmerize fans from all over the world. Now Dali’s art is presented in “Daliesque” ways that were never before possible, and that would thoroughly delight Dali himself. Dali, The Endless Enigma In this exhibit, you will actually be immersed in Dali’s works, in a digital exhibition entitled Dali,The Endless Enigma. You will walk through an enormous cavern, while Dali’s art is sharply focused beneath you on the floor, on the ceiling, and on the walls, accompanied in surround-sound, appropriately, by the music of Pink Floyd. Also on the bill is a short program of Antoni Gaudi, known as “the architect of the imaginary.” Gaudi was a great source of inspiration for Dali, and in fact his works from the beginning of the twentieth century were defended by Dali. The immersive exhibition will pay tribute to this ingenious architect through his modernist buildings that have now been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. About Les Carrières de Lumières This unique art experience is known as the Carrières de Lumières, meaning the “Quarry of Lights”. While music plays through the surround-sound system, enormous masterpieces are projected onto the 64,583 square feet of quarry walls and floors from over 100 projectors, literally enveloping you into the paintings. It is an artistic, sensory adventure like no other and it has brought us to tears with its beauty. The program is really is one of those things you have to experience to appreciate, but it is guaranteed to blow you away. Carrières de Lumières is the brainchild of a Belgian named Bruno Monnier, and his company Culturespaces. The company developed and trademarked the technology they call AMIEX (Art & Music Immersive Experience). Since the launching of Les Carrières de Lumières in 2012, they have since opened similar exhibitions in Paris (Atelier des Lumières) and South Korea (Bunker des Lumières). Due to the outstanding success of these venues, several others are now in the planning stages as well. We include this visit to Les Carrières de Lumières as part of the workshops and retreats program in Southern France. CultureSpace: Throughout our workshops, we have included a trip to Les Baux and Les Carrières de Lumières for our artist-guests. They have experienced tributes on separate years to Gustav Klimt with Egon Schiele (again they were influenced by the Japanese Style), Marc Chagall, The Spanish Masters – from Goya, Sorolla to Picasso and the Giants of the Renaissance featuring Michaelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. Les Baux de Provence Did you know that Les Baux de Provence is arguably one of the most beautiful villages in France? Phenomenal buildings and intricate facades make this village rich in historic architecture. Culinary minds can explore the delicious cuisine, quality wine, and fab company. Les Baux de Provence has been home to Carrières de Lumières since 1976.
Susan Lyon: Faces and Figures, A Personal Vision
No doubt you have heard that Workshops in France is hosting a workshop given by world-renowned contemporary figure and portrait painter Susan Lyon. You won’t want to miss! You can see some of her art here. She not only creates breathtaking paintings, but she is also in high demand as an instructor. Her workshops sell out quickly, as do her many instructional DVDs. When Susan saw a feature on PBS about the artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, she was inspired to be an artist. This prompted her to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Although she says she really learned nothing at the Institute, Susan considers herself fortunate that her father later steered her toward the American Academy of Art because he knew an instructor there. It was there that her career actually blossomed. Stepping Stones to Success It’s no surprise that Susan is valued so highly as an instructor, her teaching style is positive and highly encouraging. She comes by it honestly, as she was impressed by her Life Drawing teacher at the American Academy of Art, Mr. Parks. He inspired her to enter into a career in fine art. She describes Mr. Parks as “like a grandfather—loving, and everyone just melted toward him.” At the time, she was also taking a class in Creative Illustration, and the teacher of that class was quite the opposite. He sought to intimidate students rather than take them under his wing. It’s no surprise then, that she made her career decision based on the work of the kind, nurturing teacher. Susan went from there to the Palette and Chisel Club, where, at the age of 23, she become the youngest winner of their prestigious gold medal. It was also there that she met fellow student and her future husband, Scott Burdick. After their marriage they wanted to explore the world, inspired by artists such as John Singer Sargent who traveled extensively, painting faces and figures of many lands. When not traveling, they live in rural North Carolina. “Curious” and “Peonies” by Susan Lyon Susan and Scott have certainly made their dreams come true, as can be seen through their collective body of work. Today, they reign as a royal couple of the painting world—and the best-kept secret of Susan Lyon’s upcoming workshop is that her husband Scott Burdick, will also be there to mentor and engage with all the workshop attendees. The workshop includes painting models on the estate, and also in the Provencal countryside. Don’t miss it! Pictured here: Susan Lyon, programs coordinator for WorkshopsInFrance Julie Snyder, and Scott Burdick in the Piazza della Signoria, Florence where an impromptu meeting led to the creation of the Susan Lyon Workshop in Provence. Register Here Blogger: Julie Snyder Julie Snyder is a professional artist and also the programs director of Workshops In France. A native of Scotland, she is a seasoned traveler who splits her time between California and France. You can learn more about her role with Workshops in France here.