Lecture: Hyper-Sourced Materials as a More Sustainable Alternative to Water-Based Acrylic Paints Presented by Lara Cornell
Workshop: Tierra y Tradición (Earth and Tradition) Workshop Series Presented by Alfonso Fernandez
March 8, 2025 | Hyman Forum, Goucher College
Lecture at 3:00 PM | Workshop at 4:30 PM
Baltimore, MD – Goucher College proudly presents Tierra y Tradición (Earth and Tradition), a workshop series by artist Alfonso Fernandez, paired with an inspiring lecture by Lara Cornell on sustainable art practices. Supported by the Creative Baltimore Fund on behalf of the City of Baltimore and BOPA, as well as the Grit Fund, this event celebrates ancestral wisdom, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability.
Tierra y Tradición (Earth and Tradition) is a series of workshops selected for the 2024 Mayor’s Individual Artist Project Support centered on traditional Indigenous and Mexican knowledge of natural materials. In the first workshop hosted at Goucher College, participants will learn how to create pigments and paints from plants, minerals, and other natural elements, mastering techniques passed down through generations. These workshops emphasize resourcefulness, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage.
As an artist of Indigenous and Mexican heritage, Alfonso Fernandez explores the intersections of identity, memory, and materiality. Drawing from the oral histories and traditional practices of his ancestors, Fernandez uses natural materials to create art that embodies the vibrancy and resilience of Indigenous knowledge systems. His practice interrogates colonial legacies and centers marginalized narratives, celebrating cultural continuity. Through Tierra y Tradición, he invites the community to join in a shared exploration of cultural heritage, using creative practice as a means of reconnecting with the Earth and with each other.
Workshop Highlights:
Introduction to Natural Pigments: Learn the origins of natural pigments and their cultural significance in Indigenous and Mexican art. Participants will explore the history and symbolism of colors, gather local natural materials, and create raw pigment samples.
The Art of Extraction: Discover the process of transforming raw materials into usable pigments using sustainable methods. Participants will grind stones, boil flowers, and ferment plant extracts to produce powders, pastes, and dyes.
Creating with Nature: Use handmade paints to create artworks that reflect personal and cultural narratives, with storytelling and sharing circles to deepen cultural connections.
Lecture by Lara Cornell:
Hyper-Sourced Materials as a More Sustainable Alternative to Water-Based Acrylic Paints
3:00 PM | Hyman Forum, Goucher College
An advocate for sustainability and social impact, Lara Cornell brings a unique perspective on using hyper-sourced materials as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional acrylic paints. With nearly three decades of experience in sales, retail, and impact-driven brands, including Aveda and Laura Ashley, Cornell has made significant strides in the art world. She is the founder of Artisan & Company and the Artisan Academie, initiatives that support artisans in building sustainable businesses while fostering community connections worldwide.
Cornell’s passion for sustainability is deeply rooted in her family’s artisan legacy. Her grandparents and relatives were skilled in woodworking, floral artistry, quilting, and architectural design, influencing her understanding of craftsmanship. This legacy inspired her to help artisans leave a mark by creating handmade businesses focused on three pillars: planet, people, and prosperity.
In addition to her thriving art career, which includes exhibiting at the Louvre in Paris, Cornell is the author of two international best-selling books, Maker’s Mark and The Sustainable Maker. She also founded the Sustainable Artisan Guild, a global movement empowering artisans to build sustainable practices within their studios and products.
Her lecture will delve into the environmental impact of synthetic art materials and offer innovative solutions through sustainable sourcing and production methods. Cornell’s expertise is backed by her Master of Art in Sustainable Design and a Graduate Certificate in Biomimicry/Biomimetic Design from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, one of the top five art and design schools in the United States.
Event Schedule – March 8, 2025:
3:00 PM – Lecture by Lara Cornell: “Hyper-Sourced Materials as a More Sustainable Alternative to Water-Based Acrylic Paints”
4:30 PM – Workshop by Alfonso Fernandez: Tierra y Tradición (Earth and Tradition)
Location:
Hyman Forum, Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21210
Admission:
Free and open to the public. Spaces are limited; early registration is encouraged.
Contact Information:
For more details about the workshop and lecture, please contact:
Liz Faust
liz.faust@goucher.edu
About the Artists:
Alfonso Fernandez is an artist of Indigenous and Mexican heritage whose work explores the intersections of identity, memory, and materiality. Using natural materials sourced from traditional practices, Fernandez creates art that celebrates cultural resilience and continuity. His workshops aim to preserve and share Indigenous knowledge systems while fostering cultural exchange and creative confidence.
Lara Cornell is an artist, sustainability advocate, and founder of Artisan & Company and the Sustainable Artisan Guild. Her commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact is reflected in her art practice and educational initiatives. Cornell empowers artisans worldwide to build sustainable businesses rooted in tradition and community.
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of cultural heritage, sustainability, and creative expression!
