THE SCHOOL

Idun Lovén School of Art is an independent art school. Our goal is to develop each individual studentís creativity and independent thinking as well as preparing them for more advanced studies.

The school offers two course tracks, one in painting and the second in sculpture. The courses at Idun Lovén School of Art are based upon stable, traditional methods of teaching, with model studies as the starting point. The model studies provide a firm foundation for each student enabling further exploration and experimental expression using a number of different techniques.

The number of students at Idun Lovén School of Art is quite small. This alone offers each student a great deal of individual attention. The school has a total of 48 students with 32 enrolled in the painting course and 16 in the sculpture course. Approximately 24 students are admitted every year. The academic year is 34 weeks long with 30 lessons per week, and the studies are full-time. Each student is granted full access to our studios and our materials, during and after school hours.

Idun Lovén School of Art receives some appreciated governmental support. Students are eligible for State grants and may apply for an additional grant for tuition.

 

IDUN LOVÉN SCHOOL OF ART AN UNIQUE INSTITUTION

Idun Lovén is truly a unique institution. The school is owned and administered by artists as it has been since 1920 when the painter Edward Berggren and the sculptor Gottfried Larsson founded it.

In 1958, the artist Idun Lovén took over the school and ran it until 1988. In that year the painter Börje Svensson became principal and ran it until 2002 when the current principal, Gunilla Wihlborg, succeeded him.

Students at our school are empowered with a significant influence over their own studies. The training is designed to be adapted individually by each student. Each spring term culminates with our studentsí finals, a student exhibition that demonstrates the creative diversity of each student. This exhibition is greatly anticipated and widely appreciated among our students, faculty, and guests.

 

THE COURSES

Painting
To teach painting is to open a connection with discipline, and to visualize a structure that has been common in painting since the beginning of time. It truly allows us to see what is possible to do in our own time. The process of ìseeingî is an intense experience that demands empathy, commitment, and inventiveness. In time this leads to new and unanticipated approaches to motives and interpretations.

Our changing world grows vastly each day. Emerging multi-cultural societies and globalization raise new questions and provide new challenges redefining artís themes and purposes in the modern world. Keeping up with the worlds fast pace we work with an array of new medias, in addition to traditional methods. At Idun Lovén School of Art we are committed to a continuing discussion and analysis of contemporary art.

A strong part of our instruction for the painting course is the extensive use of live models. Working in front of live models has several advantages. We are all human beings and thus it is easy for us to detect any misunderstandings in the study of what we see. Our students can, for instance, quickly see that a head is too small, a leg too short or an arm that is not in the proper position relating to the shoulder. Our teaching goes beyond the pure formality of the study, however, it also encompasses discussions about the modelís character, expression, and so forth.

 

Sculpture
Sculpture-Lat. Sculptuíra, from sculptere, chisel, sculptural Art (Nordstedtís Encyclopedia, 1948).

The encyclopedias definition of sculpture has changed a great deal in our contemporary society. Now we speak about ìSculpture in the Open Fieldî, widely defining the world of sculpture. Modern works such as a carved figure, a welded object or a molded piece to a performance, a video film, a land art project, a social sculpture, or a conceptual installation only touch on what sculpture has become.

The training necessary to encompass this ìwidened fieldî of sculpture is available at the Idun Lovén School of Art. In order to be successful, each student must have an open mind. Our faculty engages in intensive conversations with each student where we pinpoint and focus on the studentís challenges, whatever they may be. Through these discussions we find solutions to these challenges, whether is be to identify suitable materials, or to find the appropriate form of expression the studentís idea or theme may need.

We find that these intense talks require a mutually understandable ìlanguageî for the student and teacher alike. This language is developed through our persistent and basic work on the ABCs, learned in drawing and the model studies technique.

 

JOINT STUDIES

Drawing
By conquering the basic knowledge of drawing, we create the opportunity to analyze and go deeper into the expression, form, and meaning of a picture. Our students reach a deeper appreciation and insight about the relationship between the picture area, proportion and perspective as an aid and tool for further creativity. This creates a complete foundation for a unique individual expression.

Figure Drawing
Drawing nude models sharpens the ability to observe. In the form of a sketch this provides the ability to express and summarize a whole, as well as the ability to present details of a studied object while communicating an idea simultaneously. At Idun Lovén School of Art we utilize this simple yet effective method to develop an understanding of form and style, as well as an attitude toward shaping which is not limited to the individual senses. The result is an understanding applicable to all art genres, influencing ideas and actions.

Tools and Machinery
The students are given demonstrations for the proper use and care of the tools and machinery available at our institution. In addition to this, our faculty instructs each student regarding the rules that apply when using these implements.

Material Usage
This course offers instruction in the use of different materials, their possibilities and limitations, as well as different techniques to utilize them. Students are also informed about the impact of different materials on public health and the environment, about the working environment, and about the proper handling of these diverse materials.

Thematic Studies
Our thematic studies provide each student with the training required to use knowledge and skills in a theme. Each student is given several tasks and ideas to work with for shorter and longer periods of time. This creates an opportunity for each student to develop his or her own artistic creativity within each project, achieving a higher degree of self-awareness, as well as striving several steps closer to creating a unique identity as an independent, creative, and active artist.

Analysis and Revision
At the end of every significant task and project there is a revision period where teachers and other students, individually or in a group, discuss and analyze the contributing studentís efforts. The Idun LovÈn School of Art provides a stimulating working environment where students learn to openly and curiously analyze their own work as well as that of others.

At the conclusion of every school year a thorough review is conducted of each studentís completed works. Preparation is made for each student exhibition, as well as for higher studies if the student chosen to pursue artistic education further. Finally, artistic strategies are discussed in considerable detail.

Art History and Guest Lectures
Idun Lovén School of Art includes instruction in older art as well as more contemporary art. We host a lecture series that includes:

• A summary of art history.
• Problems and tendencies in picture creation.
• The function of the picture in different contexts.
• Art as an expression of differences in society.
• The role of the cultural sector in society and the labor market.
• Development tendencies.

Our school puts a great deal of emphasis on the personal interaction between our students and active artists, as well as other representatives from the cultural sector. Apart from daily contact with our own faculty members, this goal is achieved by an extensive series of guest lectures from artists and others with expertise and artistic ability. This gives our students perspective and concrete insight into the different directions and experiences involved in being a creative artist.

Landscape Studies
At Idun Lovén School of Art we have designed a seminar that emphasizes the unique process of creative expression while focusing on the landscape environment. Each student engages in a project that involves a broad across-the-board attitude, where established positions in painting and sculpture are dissolved. The question is posed: What can a certain location add to a piece of art, and what can a piece of art add to a certain location?

Video and Video Editing
This course teaches each student how to make video films by introducing them to video and video editing. We use digital video cameras as well as special editing programs in the computer. The importance of this course is learning how to create a video with ones own personal idea as the basis. The technical skills are mastered during this creative process.

 

THE IDUN LOVÉN SCHOOL OF ART EDUCATION IN SUMMARY

Thank you for your interest in our school. We are very proud of the quality and uniqueness of the education we provide. Through our studies, each student will:

• Develop his or her knowledge of art and the values of art.
• Develop the ability to effectively watch and observe with a creative awareness.
• Acquire the technical skills for artistic expression.
• Gain knowledge about colors and color theory.

Use experimental research to understand the different characteristics of a wide variety of materials and the techniques to use those materials in artistic expression.

Develop an individual artistic style through thematic studies and course projects.

Become adept at working in a group, and to analyze and critique theoretical and formal issues surrounding individual work as well as the work of others.

Sharpen the skills required for independent creativity.

Become familiar with the historical development of the visual arts, as well as understanding the relationship art has with other cultural forms, and society at large.