Our exploration of the power of limitation in art will begin with a look at Hexagram 60 of the Yijing, or Book of Changes. We will then move through meditative stillness and sensory deprivation exercises into an experiment with simple artmaking tools (brush and ink) and a repetitive and clearly delineated process.

These activities will provide concrete material for considering how limitation and constraint can be used to focus, deepen, and refine art practice in any medium or discipline.

The group exercises of the morning will be followed in the afternoon by sessions devoted to individual exploration by participants in the medium of their choice (writing, sound, movement, visual art all welcome). Each participant will be invited to clearly define their own set of limitations (constraints, operating rules) and craft a brief piece to share with the group during the concluding session, which will end with a collective discussion of our experiences with the day's exercises and themes.

The goal is not to create polished, finished artwork, but to take this opportunity to work ideas through in practice, together, and see what arises—how do limitations serve to help or hinder your own practice? Can a clear embrace of certain constraints assist in breaking through other longstanding blocks or hindrances? Do you need to have rules in order to break them?

Let's find out!

David Noble is a cofounder of Artlab Thuja.

A $40 workshop fee (NOTAFLOF) will cover materials, lunch, and a small honorarium. If you plan to attend, please register in advance at artlab.thuja@icloud.com