The Space Between with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden
Course Overview
We will develop patterns derived from the gaps between spaces created by repeating and reversing the original forms.
Starting by using a camera, the internet or free drawing, to select an image. We will develop patterns derived from the gaps between spaces created by repeating and reversing the original forms. You will also explore a variety of materials and techniques to express your work including metal fabrics, wires, papers and stitch. I particularly like the use of metal cloth because it results in a work which is translucent and seems ephemeral and delicate, these metal cloths also have intriguing structural and dimensional properties which we can exploit by using heat, and print techniques. We will explore these alongside paper and fabric alternatives. Bringing together the materials and your designs is when you will build a layered and intensively worked piece.
One of my pieces using this technique won the Bernina Award for the most innovative use of a sewing machine, the highest award at ‘Changing Threads’ (New Zealand’s premiere contemporary textile art exhibition).
This course assumes that you are happy to use free machine stitch in addition to hand work, but does not require any prior design or drawing skills.
Teacher Profile
I offer a breadth of teaching and mentoring experience in the field of mixed media, fibre art, textiles and embroidery.
I have been working as a textile artist for over 20 yearsand have authored four books and many articles; I offer a breadth of teaching and mentoring experience in the field of mixed media, fibre art, textiles and embroidery. I enjoy in working with many varied media, enjoying incorporating unusual materials into my textiles.
I create work which is imbued with personal references. The pieces are rarely representational, but whatever their form I am looking for an emotive response from the viewer. My aim is to be at once personal, disconcerting and fascinating.
Materials List
Participant Requirements
As these sessions are flexible, you may not use everything on the list, or 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. Items marked with (*) I will bring to borrow or buy.
(#) indicates optional materials.
Materials Fee: (Wires and metal cloth) $30.00
Equipment
- General sewing requisites.
- Sewing machine, free machining foot and spare needles/other requisites. (#)
- General scissors.
- Small cutting board and knife.
- Few brushes. Flat, cheap paint brushes from dollar stores are fine.
- Biro pen/s (not gel pen)
- Print Brayers x 2
- Perspex sheet at least A4 or stiff plastic for a print surface
- Small pliers or tweezers. (#)
Materials
Note: I tend to stick with neutral colour schemes to match the papers and metal fabrics, if you wish to use colour, it is probably a good plan to choose a limited scheme from a tight band of the colour wheel.
Drawing and Printing materials:
- Drawing pens, range of nib sizes.
- Water based printing inks/acrylic paints – small selection of colours or black.
Papers:
- Basic:
A3 Cartridge paper drawing pad.
Layout paper pad A3 (30gsm) (*)
Firm Card, such as the back of the drawing pad. 1 or 2 pieces at A4 (ish) - Other: (#) A few sheets of these papers to try out would be great but not essential.
Thai mulberry 120gsm or heavier
Khadi paper
Plant papers
Wallpaper lining,
Packaging paper etc.
Fabrics and Threads
- Plain (not patterned), light coloured, mid or heavyweight cotton/calico or similar. Approx. 1m total. (#)
- Interfacing (Vilene ‘medium weight’ iron or sewin or similar) 1m maximum. (If you bring fabric)
- Soluble Film. Heavyweight/Romeo. 1/2m (*)
- Metal fabrics. Copper, bronze, brass or stainless steel. Approx. 1m maximum. (*)
- Hand stitch or cable stitching threads, such as string/perle/sewing threads etc.
- Machine stitch threads, but not viscose or rayon machine embroidery threads as they will sheer on the metal fabric, better are Gutterman/Sylko/quilting threads in cotton or polyester.
Other
- Sticky back foam 1 or 2 A 4 sheets (Kids art supplies/online -or I have it to buy) (*)
- Baking parchment. (*)
- Baby wipes for cleaning up. (#)
Venue Needs List
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.
