In this 2-day workshop we will learn about some of the history of Patchwork; early Patchworks quilts (traditional fiendship quilts ) to later styles (crazy quilts), those of more contemporary genre (Tracey Emin's Blanket Art) and the wall hangings of 1st Nations artists such as Marion Tu'uklook.
We will explore how fabric collage, composition, stitchery, embroidery and knitting can be used to create a variety textile pieces (blankets, wall hanging, fabric collages). We will also look at how text can be added to imagery and the effects of using different types of fabrics and textures to communicate visual meaning.
We will move from beginning to end stages of creation focusing on the differences between theme based and materials or image based artmaking and how one can borrow from all of these approaches to make beautiful and memorable art works.
Supply lists will be accessible 1 month before the workshop starts.
Piecemeals are doll-like creatures. They are hand-sewn and knitted, bits and pieces brought together from a range of fabrics (vintage, thrifted, wool, cotton, felt, and canvas, blends). The yarn used to knit their clothes and bodies could be knotted together bits of scraps of wool from yarny friends and knitters that have been rolled into a recycled ball of yarn. Some could be adorned with found objects such as roadside scrap metal. This act of re-use, of sewing and knitting fragments of material and yarn for repurposed art is a healing task. The hunt for materials, the collecting, the saving and then the re-creating with these items gives one the feeling of mending broken bits; taking parts that have been broken off or overused or misused and re-working them into new creations satisfies a deep seated and very human need for growth and transformation. By breathing life into these discarded elements, we start anew and open up the possibility for 2nd chances. And It is through these creative acts that we also instil change in ourselves.
These special beings are the keeper of secrets, they are story-tellers, friends, guides. They house sewn messages, wishes, hopes and dreams on knitted bits held in their soft bodies. Some may be tattooed with words and images adorning their soft plushy bodies. They are reminders, talismans, beacons, whispering to us, “ this is who you are.... remember ... remember...”. They can be humorous too, thoughtful, smart, goofy , loving. They are the one who gets us, who holds our shit together,. They may reminds us of who we are and/or were and/or want to be.
In this workshop we will explore the creative process inherent to the making of these beings; choosing materials, thread, yarn and concepts that best express who and what your Piecemeal is. We will start with some creative drawing and simple writing exercise that will help us hone in on how best to build this version of the Self.
Supply lists will be accessible 1 month before the workshop starts.
This workshop explores the connection between art and life; the symbiotic relationship between being and making. We will work through a variety of exercises that encourage thinking outside the box, loosening up, playing. We will draw, collage, write, work to music, and close with a round-table chat about tactics one can use to manifest more flow and happiness into one's life and work.
Supply lists will be accessible 1 month before the workshop starts.
Using wire, tape, yarn, fabric, sewing, knitting, twisting, winding and weaving we will build a collective textile sculpture. Groups will work and problem solve together to create a free standing life sized sculpture and showcase their end results in a gallery type setting.
This is a group based mask making workshop. Participants make a series of their own plaster gauze masks. They are asked to donate one to the group collective. Each participant's donation gets smashed. Everyone’s bits are piled together and each participant is asked to reconstruct a face/mask based on the mish-mashed parts of everyone else’s face/mask. We are all intricately connected.