Even if You’ve Never Tried Collage Before!
Learn Bibby Gignilliat’s joyful process for creating layered, expressive totem artwork using paint, collage, and color.
Each totem becomes a unique expression of your creativity using layered paint, collage, color, and texture.
Totems are vibrant vertical compositions built through layers of paint, collage, color, and texture.
In this workshop, Bibby guides you step-by-step through her creative process so you can explore composition, layering, and artistic freedom while creating your own unique totems.
Students often find this process both energizing and creatively freeing.
You enjoy mixed media, painting, or collage
You want to loosen up your creative process
You’re feeling stuck and looking for fresh inspiration
You want a joyful art project you can complete at home
You’re curious about totem-style compositions
No prior experience required. Artists of all levels are welcome!
Create your own collage papers and art scraps
Layer paint and paper for textured collage
“Age” layers to create a beautiful weathered patina
Blend colors for harmonious results
Apply principles of design and composition
Overcome creative blocks and work more freely
By the End of the Workshop You’ll Have:
Your own finished mixed media totems
New collage and layering techniques for future artwork
Greater confidence in your creative process
A renewed sense of artistic freedom and play
The course is structured into 10 bite-sized video modules, along with an additional bonus module, empowering you to swiftly apply newfound knowledge to your artwork. Accompanying this transformative journey is an illustrated, comprehensive booklet, meticulously crafted to guide you towards success.
"I finished Bibby's totem class with a full heart and two amazing totems. Bibby brings her whole self not only to her artmaking but to her teaching--and shares her method, her techniques, her philosophy on creativity (everyone has it!) with a beautiful generosity of spirit. Thank you, Bibby!"
"I jumped at the opportunity to take Bibby’s totem class and am so glad I did. Her joyful energy and enthusiastic approach to teaching draws you in, and her generosity in sharing the wisdom she’s gained from years of learning and practice leave you with a toolbox brimming with tips and tricks to take on your art journey. Bibby’s unique totem class opens your eyes to new ways of approaching composition, and her vibrant, nurturing spirit will help you re-invigorate your process — it’s a fantastic investment for new and seasoned artists."
"Bibby’s infectious energy and willingness to teach her successful art methods is worth every penny. This is not just an art class; this is a balm to one’s soul. Every step of the way is an application for making a successful totem as well as an application for your art practice and for your life. Thank you, Bibby, for everything you bring to the table. I am so grateful!"
This class was created for all levels, beginners to advanced. If you are a beginner, you might consider taking my Mixed Media in studio or on-line class. Collage is very forgiving!
Since totems are a specific shape, you will need to have them custom made. (How to make a custom totem panel will NOT be covered in this course.)
My resources are:
SF Bay Area: Avi Hadad, please text 510.508.3846
Southern California, Chris (Instagram: @panelsbychris) or 714.482.3505
Bara Woodshaping (Instagram: @bara_woodshaping) will ship from Oregon. They have a special two pack specifically designed for this class. You can choose between a 2" or a 3" depth. It's your preference. The link is: https://www.barawoodshaping.com/products/bibby-g-totem-pack-9-x-72?variant=44956406612125
You can also purchase 2x4x8 lumber from Home Depot or any lumber yard and have them cut into your desired length. You can miter or square the corners. It is up to you. Then, make a frame and attach ¼” plywood or Masonite on the face (cut to your desired dimensions at the store). Blick Art also carries panels. Another idea is to have canvas stretched to your preferred size. Again, I prefer 72x9x3 panel size. Cost from $150+.
Detailed notes are provided in this online workshop where I list all the materials we use during this workshop. Of course, you may have your own supplies that you want to use instead and that is fine!
* House Paint and/or any other acrylic paint of your choice.
* Speedball Ink
* Graphite Blocks and/or Sticks
* Varnish or any other varnish/medium of your choice.
* Fixative Spray
* Paint Roller and Brushes
* Various Tissue Papers of your choice: Non-bleeding Black, Wet Strength and Standard Tissue Paper
* Interesting Papers and/or Bags of your choice (optional)
* Architectural Plans or Old Book Pages (optional)
* Brown Grocery Bags, Deli Bags, and Handled Shop Bags (optional)
* Sriracha Bottle or other condiment/squeeze bottle of your choice.
* Sandpaper
* Gelli Plate
* Trowel
* Brayer
Students receive full access to the course for at least one year from enrollment. Access has not been limited to date, allowing continued viewing and review of lessons over the years. Unfortunately, I cannot have you download the lessons because it is proprietary information.
These lessons are based on an intensive 2-day workshop. This online version is broken down in bite-size modules. The total instruction time is a little over 2 hours. Depending on your timing, it could be completed in about 10 hours (includes instruction and creative time), but I would recommend taking your time to really digest the materials and view the instructions more than once.
The course is self-paced so can complete it when you have time. You may choose to binge watch or spread over several days.
I'd be happy to answer any questions. As part of the course, you will be invited to join a private Facebook group. This is where you can share your work and ask questions - to me and the mixed media group. You can also ask a question in the comment section of each module.
See new art, & keep up to date on events & workshops! Contact me for an in-person or Zoom studio visit!