Process of Transformation: A 3-day workshop transforming cloth with Sue Hotchkis
Course Overview
Over this 3-day workshop, we will be exploring mark-making, using various papers and drawing media to create a collection of images to work from. We will also be mono printing and block printing.
You will be experimenting with ways to manipulate and transform your fabric, and you will be shown various machine embroidery techniques, such as drawnthread work, smocking, free motion embroidery and stitching with water- soluble fabric.
You will also be doing the paper lamination print technique and using foils. Through this experimental stage, you will build a library of samples.
Using the knowledge gained from day 1 and 2 you will then be supported to develop and create your own individual abstract collage samples.
Please note that students must be willing to experiment and be confident in using a sewing machine. $50 material fee
Teacher Profile
The core theme of Susan’s work is texture and surface, strongly influenced by the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi. .
Susan Hotchkis studied at Manchester Metropolitan University where she earned a BA (Hons) in Embroidery and a Master Degree in Textiles. She then lectured at a college in Manchester teaching adults and pre-degree students Art and Textiles, whilst gaining a post-graduate certificate in teaching (P.G.C.E). Susan left teaching in 2007 and this has given her the freedom to pursue her passion for textile art full-time.
The core theme of Susan’s work is texture and surface, strongly influenced by the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi. She is interested in the relationship between the natural elements and the man-made, such as that resulting from erosion and human use. Constructing abstract forms ‘fragments’ to highlight the beauty found in the inherent processes of ageing and decay.
She has a strong interest in experimenting with materials and uses a variety of media, including photography, print and stitch. She works intuitively, with print and stitch, marks, textures and colours are exaggerated, intensified to reveal the detail and complexity within the images. Traditional materials are deconstructed, ripped, burnt and dyed and time is invested in their reconstruction, pieces can take from a week to several months to create. Whilst being aesthetically pleasing the work can also act as a metaphor for deterioration and ruin associated with urban decay and ultimately death and loss. They evolve organically, built up with layers; into three-dimensional abstract forms that hover between object and image to create a unique, visual and tactile landscape of form and texture. Challenging traditional understandings of the division between the visible and the unseen.
Materials List
You will need to bring
A sewing machine (one that covers or lowers the feed dogs)
Something small to draw, i.e. a feather, leaves, shells buttons, keys etc.
A few Fabric scraps, patterned or plain lace, brocade
Hand and machine sewing threads
Embroidery hoop preferably one with a screw to tighten it.
Sewing needles/pins
Scissors
Pencil/ sharpie black pen
Assorted paper (scraps), old book pages, envelopes, tickets, newspaper etc.
Drawing paper or sketch pad
Cheap paintbrushes that you don’t mind getting ruined.
Ink roller/brayer (any size)
Estimated material fee ($40) payable to the artist
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.
