Translation and Transformation with John O’Connor

Where does meaning originate in a work of art? How does an idea evolve and change as it moves through different mediums and processes? This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore translation and transformation as critical artistic strategies. Through guided prompts and discussion, participants will begin with an initial concept—whether a word, image, gesture, or personal story—and generate variations across multiple mediums of their choosing, including drawing, collage, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and beyond. Our focus will be on experimentation: What is lost, gained, or reshaped as an idea travels through different materials and interpretations?

Session 1: Participants will develop an initial concept and explore its transformation across two mediums, considering how material choices influence meaning.

Session 2: Building on these explorations, participants will push their transformations further by incorporating new materials and expanding interdisciplinarily across additional mediums. The session will conclude with a group discussion of everyone's works.

This workshop is open to all levels of experience. Materials included in price of workshop.

Are you a PAAM Member? Use code paammember at checkout to receive 10% off a workshop purchase.

Cancellation within 14 days of a workshop start date results in the full loss of tuition. Workshops may be canceled by PAAM up to one day in advance due to under-enrollment. In this case, tuition will be refunded in full.

The Museum School is not responsible for losses incurred due to housing, travel or other arrangements.

All participants are expected to arrive on time and to cultivate an attitude of mutual respect towards others. PAAM is committed to providing all participants with meaningful and productive educational experiences. As a result, PAAM reserves the right to refuse admission to any workshop, or to deny further participation to anyone who may adversely affect the quality of the educational experience. Anyone denied access to the remainder of a session, at the sole discretion of PAAM, will not be granted a refund.

No pets are allowed in our studios.