Welcome back everyone. 👋 Thank you to the new subscribers that recently joined!

I hope you’re having a great start to the week. Let’s get into it!👇

Lucky 13!

This is the thirteenth newsletter in this series. Thirteen is actually a pretty great number. It is a prime number. A baker’s dozen. A thirteen sided shape is called a “tridecagon”. It is the atomic number for aluminium. It was Mats Sundin’s number!! And Taylor Swift considers it her lucky number. I could go on but this isn’t a numbers newsletter (it kind of is but you get my meaning).

Two New Workshops in May

We have two workshops to announce! The first workshop is the “Introduction to Generative Art” on Saturday May 25th that we have had great success running before, and the second is called “Next Steps in Generative Art” on Sunday May 26th.

The reason for adding the second workshop is based on requests from people who have attended the first workshop and are looking for more ideas to build on what we’ve been learning and creating.

The “Next Steps” workshop will focus on using new materials and introducing new concepts around randomness, noise and data mixed into the rules that create the artworks.

Here’s some details for the workshops:

“Intro to Generative Art”

Date: May 25th, 2024 3-6p
Location: Gerrard Art Space, Little India Toronto
Cost: $50 (or $90 for both workshops)
Pay What you Can is an option as well, just email me.
All materials provided.

“Next Steps in Generative Art”

Date: May 26th, 2024 3-6pm
Location: Gerrard Art Space, Little India Toronto
Cost: $50 (or $90 for both workshops)
Pay What you Can is an option as well, just email me.
All materials provided.

Where are workshops held?

The workshops all take place in the Gerrard Art Space gallery. This gallery is located in the neighbourhood of Little India on the east side of Toronto near Coxwell and Gerrard. The gallery has been running for over 10 years and is owned by the generous Joanne Filletti.

One of the best things about running workshops at GAS is that it is an active gallery space and always features new artwork in the space. It is a bright and open space that always provides inspiration for the work that we do. The workshop takes place on the main floor of the gallery. The washroom facilities are in the basement of the gallery down a flight of stairs.

Who typically comes to these workshops?

We have had participants at our workshops ranging an age from nine years old (accompanied by their parent) to people 80+.

What makes these workshops such an engaging experience is the interaction between all of the participants. Every time we run these workshops, we end up in a different place, talk about different things, and it’s all driven by the interests, questions and enthusiasm of people who attend.

What do we make?

Generative art! Everything we make is done by hand. Not computers. We use rulers and pencils and markers. For the second workshop will are exploring new ideas like collage, possibly paint using Lego stencils. Everyone will leave the workshop with some of their own artworks on paper (typically watercolour paper, 8“ x 8“).

How do I reserve my spot?

To reserve your spot, send an etransfer to [email protected]. If you have any questions just send me an email at the same address or contact me on instagram @sspboyd.

Remember! Extractions Gallery Show Opening this Friday.

I have an exhibition of my generative artwork opening this Friday at the Gagné Contemporary Gallery in Leslieville on the east side of Toronto. It is a two person show that I am very proud to be a part of. You can see some of the work I’ll be exhibiting here.

If you’re able to join us for the party, I would love to see some friendly, familiar faces. I feel like I’m a kid throwing a party and stressing if anyone is going to show up!!

Generative Art Podcast Recommendation

Waiting to Be Signed is a podcast focused on generative art. Their artist interviews are especially good.

One of my favourite episodes is an interview they did a while back with Lisa Orth. Lisa began her career as a graphic designer and Art Director for Sub Pop records designing Nirvana’s first album and the Sub Pop logo. Lisa’s artistic practice expanded to include tattoo and generative art works. It’s a great listen to hear how Lisa thinks about Generative Art and its place in her creative journey.

What do you want to see discussed here??

I know from look at the analytics for these newsletters that a lot of you actually open and read them! Thank you so much! I would love to know if there are any topics or ideas you would like to see discussed here. Please send any ideas to [email protected] or DM on instagram @sspboyd.

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That’s it for this week! If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much!

Please share this newsletter with anyone you think might enjoy it or could be interested in the workshops.