Artist Lava Thomas is seeking a skilled and teachable Studio Assistant to provide studio support for various projects including drawing, fabrication, and installation.

Responsibilities:
Working closely with the Artist and Project Manager, the Studio Assistant will:

Draw (Approximately 50%)

• Set up and produce under-drawings based on photographs.
• Develop certain areas of drawings to match the Artist’s style; this will include articles of clothing, background, furniture, etc.

Fabrication/Installation/Miscellaneous Studio Tasks (Approximately 35%)

• Assist in preparation of Artist’s signature tambourine installations.
• Prepare and finish tambourines with leather, acrylic discs, and hanging hardware.
• Create templates and install manuals for tambourine installations.
• Label and pack artwork for shipping.
• Experiment with new methods and materials and produce small examples for review by Artist.
• Keep workstation and inventory area neat, organized and well stocked with supplies.
• Assist with on-site installations when needed.
• Produce digital “sketches” of artwork concepts in Photoshop (showing overall shapes of potential installations, planning placements of artworks for scale models, etc.)
• Miscellaneous studio tasks as directed by Artist and/or Project Manager.

Administrative (Approximately 15%)

• Create folders of necessary files and send shareable links to Artist via Dropbox.
• Update and maintain MASTER IMAGE_File in Dropbox when new works are finished and photographed.
• Photograph works in studio (if professional photographer is unavailable) and edit photographs in Photoshop.
• Print documents and reference images.

Required Qualifications:

• BFA in Studio Art or equivalent
• Drawing skills, especially in portraiture and with close attention to detail
• Painting skills
• Strong communication skills
• Macintosh, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook proficiency
• Dropbox proficiency
• Adobe Suite proficiency – esp. Photoshop
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Ability to travel
• Ability to work well under deadline pressure and juggle multiple projects

Location:
Most of the work will be done at the Artist’s studio in Berkeley, CA.
Other locations will include install sites if Artist’s studio team is required to visit or install.

Compensation:
This is a part-time, non-exempt position, approx. 20-25 hrs./week. ! Starting wage of $24/hr.

How to Apply:
Send your cover letter, CV, a portfolio of eight works showing a range of artistic skills (five that demonstrate drawing skills) and contact information for three references in a combined pdf file to admin@lavathomas.com.

BIPOC women are strongly encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: MAY 23, 2022