Using the Found: Text, Paper and Image: Cas Holmes

 

AIMS OF COURSE:

Artists always make reference to other images and narrative. The primary focus of this workshop is to explore text and image as a means of visual communication. Working with paper and fabric scraps this course looks use of found materials and the use of text/image/writing both as a design element and as a means for informing work and the development of new ideas. This exploratory approach to textiles using paper-based techniques is an introduction to the tutor’s own approaches to making surfaces as a base for stitch or other creative projects and can be adapted to your own visual arts practice.

 

WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD ACHIEVE:

Experimental pieces resulting from this creative exploration could be used as a starting point for textile based work and mixed media, collage and stitched works.

TEACHING METHOD:

A combination of demonstrations and discussion in a workshop based course where students will be encouraged to work individually in applying techniques, and develop ideas in mixed media. Samples will be available to look at and the course ends with an open discussion of ideas and process in relation to the work produced.

 

GENERAL TIMETABLE:

Day 1:  Writing and creating mark making, on paper and cloth

Selecting text, cutting out sections for use, printing

Paper lamination. Layering of paper with found materials and cloth using techniques adapted from Japanese screen making and paper crafts. As you work you will look at the references to text and other images you have collected. And consider how you may want to place them together.

 

Day 2: Looking at ways of working with the papers and cloth pieces produced to date focusing on use of the use of text/image.

Machining over printed text.

Ways of joining pieces together  building towards textured and layered surfaces

Bringing the work together practical look at how you could start developing ideas further showing examples of how I have applied techniques

 

 

STUDENT PREPARATION FOR COURSE:

As you work through the course we will make references to personal images together with ideas and other materials you have collected for inspiration. Bring images for inspiration and one or two images of previous work (so I can get some idea of you practice) Photocopy images and photocopies of text. Themes to look for:

 

Natural History : Images and text relating to plant, insects, birds. Think of how things may be recorded, presented in books of illustrations, science etc

Journeys. Records of travel, maps, tickets, brochures etc

Your own theme if you have a particular project you want to develop but select some text images as well that relate to you your narrative.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

The tutor will instruct students in health and safety issues relevant to this course.  There are no health and safety restrictions on access to this studio/teaching space in the absence of the tutor.

 

 

MATERIALS FOR THE COURSE:

 

Students need to bring:

 

Equipment:

1 inch brush

2–3 items of additional writing media of your choice.

Small sponge

small tube of black  and white acrylic paint.

Any letter stencils/print blocks you may have

At least one waterproof soft-tipped pen

Cheap wax crayons for writing text and making rubbings (please make sure these are non-washable)

Scalpel (optional)

We will work with the colour found in your materials but you are welcome to bring small palette of colour if you want to use it such as koh-i noor. Or small pots of dye/paint you may have.

 

 

Basic sewing equipment:

Scissors*

Assorted threads of your choice (the second day focuses on hand stitching for those who wish to stitch but you may bring a sewing machine if you wish). I will demonstrate sewing machine use for experiments at home

 

Papers and fabric: , glossy magazines,, textured paper (wallpaper), oriental specialist papers,tissues etc. (No more than a carrier bag full!)

Pieces of cotton or calico– no more than a metre square, to be cut up and used as a base and dropcloth for some pieces.

Gathered ephemera e.g. lace, fabric scraps,

Photocopy images and photocopies of text.

Notebook/camera (optional)

Aprons and plastic gloves.

One whole newspaper. For table cover.

 

N.B.  The tutor will bring in some specialist papers and adhesive medium for the group to use at a small charge to the group.at an additional cost of approximately £3–4 per student.

Accommodation

The nearest Hotel for bed and breakfast is the Premier Inn Kings Lynn hotel, 12 Clenchwarton Rd, King’s Lynn PE34 3LW. This hotel is under 5 minutes away from the studio by car. Anyone who is booked into the hotel but has no transport we can collect and return you to the hotel at no extra charge.

Covid Postponement and Refunds

Here at Eau Brink Studio we want to ensure everyone who is booked onto one of our workshops is kept safe and we will follow the governments advice on educational workshops.

If government advice means face-to-face workshops cannot continue due to coronavirus (COVID-19), classes will be rescheduled to another date where possible.

Where this is the case, and you cannot attend the new workshop on the new date refunds will be provided.

If you have used paypal or card payments the companies take their fees out of refunds. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about this as they take their cut before they pay anything out.