About 12 or 15 years ago, I re-named my 'alternative processes' class at a
large Sydney (Australia) art school. On a fancy flyer, hoping to attract lots
of students (in a moment of greed) I announced that I was going to run a
*photographic drawing* class. I was fed up with the title 'alternative
processes' for all the reasons cited over the last weeks on this list, but
couldn't think of anything else to call the class.
Well, I was swamped with applicants. I'd really hit the spot, I was on to a
winner with this drawing idea. Painting and sculpture majors and studnets from
practically every discipline at the college - and a few photographers too
rushed to enrol. Too many in fact, so I explained to prospective students that
they had to do some blue and brown photography which was a kind of drawing.
They left. The remaining photographers looked very releived. (I can actually
draw, but photography students in this country often can't/don't.)
In the early eighties, when this tale is set, this particular art college, in
the depths of conceptual art making as it had been since the mid 70s, ran no
drawing classes at all - not for painters not for anyone. (I wasn't unaware of
this if you get my drift...) When my course flyer went out it was as if this
was a source of hope for these students. Art studnets, or rather painters in
particular always have and always will as far as I can see, expect and demand
certain traditional subjects, like drawing, from an art school. Photography
students from my experience enroll in photography in order to avoid drawing.
Anyway drawing soon found its way back on the curriculum. And I was no better
off for a name for my class.
Here endeth the tale.
Catherine Rogers
PS now alternative processes, such that it is here, in the mid 90s, is called
'extending photography'. But I don't teach it, it's not in any demand because
it's still not very popular 101522.2625@compuserve.com (well not at all popular) in Australia. I did
capture the imaginations of a few students with pinhole cameras last year after
a short workshop - so maybe there is hope...
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