Between Surface and Structure Workshop with Alysn Midgelow- Marsden
Course Overview
Between Surface and Structure
This three-day workshop allows you to explore the relationship between richly layered textile surfaces and sculptural structures, combining paper, fibre, stitch and wire techniques to create work that moves between two and three dimensions.
Participants will begin by developing a series of textured mixed media surfaces using manipulated papers, fibre felts, waxes, gilding and stitch. Processes will include momigami-style paper manipulation, waxing and surface treatments, the incorporation of silk and linen fibres, and the application of fine gilding metal leaf. Recycled papers, handmade papers, tissue papers and found materials may all be incorporated.
Once a collection of surfaces and materials has been developed, attention will shift towards structure and form. Using wire as a drawn linear element, participants will explore techniques for creating delicate frameworks and sculptural extensions inspired by natural forms such as pods, shells, seed heads, marine structures and skeletal plant forms.
Fine wires will be introduced through looping and wrapping techniques, allowing surfaces to expand into space or become partially suspended, fragmented or layered. Subtle surface patinas using inks may also be incorporated to unify the work.
The workshop is designed to allow participants flexibility in approach. Some may create relief-like wall pieces with projecting structures, while others may develop small freestanding sculptural forms or hanging constructions. Throughout the workshop the emphasis will remain on thoughtful experimentation, material relationships and personal interpretation rather than producing a tightly prescribed outcome.
Suitable for those with an interest in mixed media, textile surfaces and sculptural experimentation, this workshop offers opportunities to extend existing techniques while discovering new ways of combining surface, line and structure.
Teacher Profile
ALYSN MIDGELOW-MARSDEN
Alysn is an Auckland based artist with a northern European heritage.
Her practice delivers an invitation to create pleasurably intimate connections to personal experiences, through subconscious, visceral and emotive interactions. Marked visually by a complex, lyrical fluidity the sculptural works articulate connections, responses, fragility and strength.
Alysn is driven by curiosity about the human psyche, about science and about the social stereotypes of textiles and stitch.
A scientific background, a continuing interest in the natural environment is often combined with a fascination about the traditions of widely differing cultures, times and connections with shared human existence.
Many works are composed of evocative forms and figures incorporated into surfaces articulated with complex, undulating, knotted and interwoven designs.
Themes emerge slowly through gentle yet obsessive mazes, exploiting the boundaries of the surfaces and creating subtle combinations.
There is a contemplative narrative formed through the patterns and figures in the works, along with the working of a mostly unconscious human ancestral memory swaying in the tides of unseen forces.
Materials List
“Wire and Line” Participant Requirements
Tutor: Alysn Midgelow-Marsden (takingtextilesfurther@gmail.com)
Materials Fee: $60.00
This includes all of the materials you need for your first trial sculpture, plus all of the following material which you will use during the workshop:
Fabric, latex, gilding size and gilding metal, alcohol inks, mica pigments and paverpol. If there are mediums and materials left at the end of the course you will be able to take them home. –In case this happens please bring 4 screw top jars and stickers or permanent marker to mark the jars.
Participant Needs
(*) denotes materials and equipment Alysn will have available to use/borrow/buy
As these sessions are flexible, you may not use everything on the list, or you may want to get more of certain items as you go. It’s hard to predict what will take your fancy! So, bring what you can.
Equipment to bring
Baking parchment (1 roll between 4 students)
- Brush x1. Small (less than 1cm wide) flat, cheap quality as it might not be useable afterwards! (I get mine from dollar stores or similar)
- Small wire pliers and cutters
- A small selection of drawing pen/pencils
- Images of natural forms and textures (easy to bring on your on phone/device and I will have a selection) – for inspiration.
- Disposable latex gloves, approx. 10 prs
- 3 x small pots to pour mediums into. (I use old cat food pots)
Materials to bring
- Fine wires between approx. 0.315 mm and 0.6mm. I will bring bare iron wire, stainless steel, bare copper, bronze or brass and coloured copper wire for you to buy. If you wish to. (I rarely use aluminium wires for this as it tends to be too soft and breaks easily)(*)
- Paper for sketching – a few sheets of A4 or A3 drawing pr printer paper
Optional materials (Only bring if you already have them in your stash)
- Alcohol inks (*) and applicators.
- Gilding metal (*) 1 or 2 packs gilding metal in colour of your choice.
- Fine fabric strips – such as sari ribbon, or for more textured – cotton bandage or scrim muslin (*)
- Wire – for main structural elements (*) Galvanised garden/tie wire 1 – 2 mm thick such as Jack 2.0mm Galvanised Tie Wire $15.69 from Bunnings . You won’t need more than 3m (*)
Workshop Terms
While our fibre art workshops are usually held in the gallery's historically significant workshop space, the workshop venue may change according to the needs and wishes of the artist tutor. Likewise, the times of the workshops may vary depending on the type of workshop and its presentation.
Timeless Textiles Gallery will, at its own discretion, where a participant is unable to attend a fibre art workshop, an exchange or credit note will be made available or a refund of the deposit or payment in accordance with the following Workshop Refund Policy.
Major commitments must be met, and in fairness to all, the policy concerning the refund is:
Cancellations 3 months prior to workshop date - refund 80% fees paid
Cancellations 2 months prior to workshop date- refund 50% fees paid.
Cancellations 1 month prior to workshop date- no refund.
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