Ref: S3D41756
In 2013, your tutor made a small wall relief in which an embroidered figure was partially obscured beneath ruched cloth and tightly pulled linen stitches. Titled Ghost, this work forms the starting point for this workshop.
You will investigate how you hide, ghost, delete, redact, ignore and bury information, using layered textile processes to create a mixed-media relief.
You will construct a personal laminate formed from layers of semi-transparent or open-weave fabric within which information is secreted. Stitch acts as both a joining method and a means of excavation. The needle becomes an archaeological tool—paring back layers, exposing unexpected juxtapositions, and mapping your engagement.
You will work with:
Semi-transparent and open-weave fabrics
Layering, stretching and framing cloth
Concealment and controlled revelation
Stitch as structure and investigative tool
Prior to the workshop, you will select two wooden frames which overlay to form your working structure. These create multiple cloth surfaces and internal spaces where objects or information may be hidden.
You will explore:
The workshop has a clear outcome: the construction of a mixed-media textile relief. You may also engage more deeply with conceptual variables if you wish.
Learning takes place through:
Pulled, drawn thread and cutwork are quietly referenced as technical touchstones. You will leave with increased confidence, renewed self-belief, and a stronger sense of your own visual voice.
Two wooden frames per student
Fabrics
Thread
Acrylic paints
Objects / imagery to embed (essential)
Personal materials (threads, fabrics, wires, papers, etc.)
Basic tools (scissors, needles, pliers, brushes)
Acrylic paints (additional)
Sketchbook or reference material
Camera/phone
General art supplies available from our Gardens Gatehouse shop
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Michael has an international reputation as one of the most innovative artists working in textiles today. He has lectured at Universities in London, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Poland and USA.His work is represented in collections worldwide, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the National Gallery of Australia.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
