What we’re about
abloom regularly runs art and design meetups in Zurich, Switzerland on topics including character design, life drawing, digital painting, game design, and portfolio development, with deep roots in traditional art and design practises (gestaltung).
Our approach is guided by the philosophy: what if empathy was the organising principle of teaching, and art and design production? We encourage a platform for self-exploration and sharing, where individual personalities feel safe to blossom and express themselves.
abloom was founded by renowned teacher and author Chris Solarski | SOLARSKI STUDIO. Tuition can be given in English, German and Polish.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Figure Drawing @ Department of Archaeology (UZH)Archäologische Sammlung, ZurichCHF 35.00
Do you enjoy figure drawing? Then take part in this exciting workshop with artist and designer Chris Solarski at the Department of Archaeology in Zurich! The museum's collection features a large and exciting selection of classical Greek, Roman and Egyptian sculptures—giving artists the perfect opportunity to study dynamic poses, form and anatomy from some of art history's greatest artworks. The workshop includes guided tasks and feedback tailored to each individual participant, from beginner to advanced. Mentoring is also available and feedback can be given in English, German or Polish.
PRICE
35 CHF for the 2-hour workshop, paid via TWINT (preferred) or cash.WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Drawing materials (paper, pencils, etc.) and guided tuition. IMPORTANT NOTICE: please bring 2 CHF for the locker, as bags and jackets are not allowed in the museum.CHRIS SOLARSKI
Chris Solarski began working at Sony Computer Entertainment's London studio as a character and environment artist for video games before taking a career-defining diversions into figurative oil painting. The unusual blend of game art and classical art eventually led to Chris authoring three books on game art, interactive storytelling and game design, which were recommended by 'Assassin's Creed' founding member Stephane Assadourian and 'Cyberpunk 2077' level designer Max Pears, among others. He also presented the groundbreaking exhibition ‘The Art of Video Games’ at the Smithsonian Museum, Disney Research, SXSW and Google, and now lectures regularly at SAE und FHGR. Please visit Chris' homepage for more info. - Cosplay Drawing @ GZ WollishofenGZ Wollishofen, ZürichCHF 25.00
Do you like cosplay and drawing? Then join us for an exciting workshop with artist and designer Chris Solarski! We'll be drawing Katsuko in her latest Lagiacrus Gunner S cosplay from the Monster Hunter video game series. The focus is on gesture drawing, a technique developed for animation to bring characters to life. Gesture drawing works with short poses of 1-15 minutes, focusing on the dynamic energy of the character. You will have the option of receiving input in English, German or Polish on the basics of art and animation.
PRICE
25 CHF for the 3-hour guided workshop, paid via TWINT or cash.WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Drawing materials (paper, pencils, etc.) and guided tuition.CHRIS SOLARSKI
Chris Solarski began working at Sony Computer Entertainment's London studio as a character and environment artist for video games before taking a career-defining diversions into figurative oil painting. The unusual blend of game art and classical art eventually led to Chris authoring three books on game art, interactive storytelling and game design, which were recommended by 'Assassin's Creed' founding member Stephane Assadourian and 'Cyberpunk 2077' level designer Max Pears, among others. He also presented the groundbreaking exhibition ‘The Art of Video Games’ at the Smithsonian Museum, Disney Research, SXSW and Google, and now lectures regularly at SAE und FHGR. Please visit Chris' homepage for more info. - Game Design Seminar @ Design++, ETH, ZürichETH Hönggerberg, Zürich (see map, Bus stop Zürich, ETH Hönggerberg), Zürich
SEMINAR TITLE
Choose Your Nouns Wisely: How Affordances Shape Sensory Experience
AbstractDATE/TIME
31. October 2024, 17.30 – 19.00LINK TO EVENT
Design++ Seminar SeriesSPEAKER
Chris SolarskiVENUE
Zürich Hönggerberg HIB E 52 ITA Open Space 2ABSTRACT
The fields of architecture, engineering and construction share many parallels with video games. However, video game design is arguably the youngest of these disciplines—reflected in the industry’s ongoing focus on entertainment and conflict-based experiences—which consequently diminishes the practical influence the craft has on traditional art and design practices.In this talk, game design and cultural heritage expert Chris Solarski aims to highlight new opportunities for cross-disciplinary discourse by spotlighting the lesser known roots that games share with neighbouring design fields. The talk will explore how game design has historically emerged from the development of new technologies, humanity’s playful curiosity and the imagination to embody other people, objects and places. Chris Solarski will demonstrate the central value that sensory objects play in shaping the user experience, and how a broader multi-cultural awareness can generate new and innovative sensations that invite audiences to reflect on who they are.
Attendees will learn how interactive mediums can be used to transport the memory of the designer's body and sensations, and how game-like experiences physically connect people across time and space.
