ARTU 05 Sardine Can Nichos

Sardine Can Nichos

Price: This Workshop Filled

Michael DeMeng

Nichos are a common creation in Latin America which are essentially wood or metal box-shaped reliquaries with open fronts. Either self-standing or wall hung, they are meant principally to serve as personal devotional altars for home and workplace use. They incorporate small religious printed images, statuettes, medals, medallions, photos, and other objects of personal significance.

Another traditional of reliquaries dates back to Byzantine times, and these are meant to be worn on the person as jewelry. Often richly made out of precious metals and jewels, they may carry inside holy medals or even relics of saints and religious figures, as well as images or locks of hair of loved ones.

This workshop will explore this technique using sardine cans. Last time I was in Mexico I came across a Nicho made from a sardine can. It consisted of an image of Adam in Eve in the back of the sardine can while in the forefront a devil sat casually selling apples out of a bucket for one peso each.

We will be using a variety of media, including painting, drawing, collage and assemblage. Various collage and items such as photo copies, labels and other imagery will be necessary for this class. Also any sort of small do-dads (anything-you can always share) will be essential for decorative elements and don't forget to bring some small personal items that are art to be included in the small shrine.

Supply List:

1. Exacto knife/blades
2. Scissors
3. Drawing tools - pens, pencils, pastels etc. (don't go overboard- just bring what you might have around the house and feel like using).
4. Brushes (acrylic) -a few detail or line brushes and some flat brushes in a few different sizes (you really won't need anything larger than 1" but if you have them bring them)- also - these brushes will be used on various surfaces, which means a brush can be eaten away in no time, so leave the really, really expensive brushes at home.
5. Acrylic Matte Medium - or any adhesive for collage
6. Paint (acrylic- small tubes):
    a. White (essential);
    b. Black (essential);
    c. Earth tone (I love Quinacridone Gold also called Acra Gold by Liquitex); a Sienna will work too.
    d. Red (of some kind I like Naphthol Red Light)
    e. Blue (Ultramarine is a good basic color)
    f. Yellow (any kind will do)
    g. Anything else your heart desires - metallic colors (like gold, copper, silver) come in handy
7. A few different kinds of glues - I recommend Liquid Nails clear and flesh tone (they come in smaller tubes now)
8. Do dads, found objects, collage items and photos. -Bring various items that you would like to use on your shrine - this could be anything ! - (jewelry, fake flowers, price tags, watch parts, shoelaces, fake eyelashes etc.) As I said, anything . Remember, smaller objects or items that can be broken down would be most appropriate . We'll have a communal pile of do-dads that students are willing to share with others in the class...so, looks like it's time to clean out those dresser drawers!