Paper Symmetry Play with Richard Hutman

Join Studio Artist in Residence Richard Hutman in exploring the idea of symmetry by making paper cuttings inspired by anything from the rhythmic geometry of snowflakes to the freeform and evocative shapes of Matisse. For centuries in farflung lands, master builders of great monuments as diverse as the Parthenon, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, St. Peters and the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan were inspired by symmetry. Hutman's recent findings in his 'Lost Cities' project suggest that any form can generate a symmetrical arrangement with repetition, and a simple uniform building block can generate numerous and varied symmetrical arrangements. Participants will be encouraged to test these ideas and draw their own conclusions.

Short classes make parking a breeze! $1 for 2.5 hours at Structure 6, right around the corner.

Richard Hutman studied architecture at Cornell and urban design at Washington University in St. Louis. For years he grappled with complex projects like the Getty Center, and between building projects he traveled to distant lands in search of ancient cities. Drawing, painting and travel went hand in hand: discovering remote civilizations, sacred sites, hidden villages - and the people that inhabit them. On his way he used sketching and watercolor as a way to engrave these experiences in his memory. In 2010, his interests converged, catalyzed by a unique piece of folded paper - which he soon combined to create a modular sculpture, then added his surface designs to make a three-dimensional form evocative of his travels. As a paper artist, he searches for and creates Lost Cities of the imagination. Six variations, 40 works, and five Lost Cities later, the search continues!

Hutman will be working in the Studio from April 15 - June 15, 2015 on a new Lost City project inspired by the hidden corners of Santa Monica, and leading weekly workshops around the theme of 'A Search for Lost Cities.' Regardless of prior artistic experience, just bring your energy, imagination and curiosity to enjoy these workshops. Experience firsthand the elusive possibilities awaiting discovery in simple things - like a letter-size piece of paper. richardhutman.com

The 1450 Ocean Studio Artist Residency was created to introduce the public to artists and artisans working within and between the worlds of fine art and craft. Residents share their work with the public both informally and through workshops and master classes. To join the Artist Opportunity list and get occasional alerts about Residencies and other project and proposal calls for artists through the City of Santa Monica, or to view current calls, please visit the Cultural Affairs website.