Found Objects - Frottage Drawings

Join us at the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center for this free drawing workshop to be held on Wednesday, February 18.  As a child, if you enjoyed making a rubbing of a coin using paper and pencil, then you are already familiar with “frottage” which is a French word for “rubbing”.  The famous 20th century Surrealist artist, Max Ernst popularized this technique for his modern art.  Ernst hit upon the frottage method while experiencing an intense artistic block.  Making rubbings from the wood grain floors of the hotel he was staying in provided the needed stimulation to reinvigorate his art.  If you enjoy doodling, then you may become interested in the textures created through frottage.

Frottage is an excellent method to kick start ideas that can lead to finished, contemporary drawings which is how Max Ernst preferred to work.  Objects that are somewhat flat, have uneven surfaces and textures, produce the best results.  For this drawing experience, library staff member and exhibiting “Estuary” artist, Albertus Gorman, will supply found objects from the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, IN as well as a variety of papers and drawing materials to try out.  You are also welcome to bring in objects that you think will make nice rubbings.  We hope to see many of you on Wednesday, February 18, 2026