Fold, cut, construct – adventures in drawing, making and textiles with Matthew Harris

Ref: S4D37613

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About this course

To roll - To crease - To crumple - To stretch - To join. A dynamic project that uses the artist Richard Serra's Verb List as a way to explore and develop drawn, constructed and stitched surfaces.

Course Description

‘To Cut On Fold’

Adventures in drawing, making and constructing for textiles

‘Play continues to be a big factor in my studio, because that’s how one allows oneself to move in directions which one could not have foreseen’ Richard Serra

This workshop will explore adventurous and playful ways in which to gather and manipulate visual imagery, both two and three dimensionally, in order to develop ideas for textiles.

Through the processes of, drawing, painting, stencilling, collage etc, you will create a collection of visual information that exploits colour, line, shape and pattern.

This gathered material will then be subject to a series of dynamic activities which take as there starting point the ‘Verb List’ of the artist Richard Serra. By subjecting both drawn image and textile materials to these series of actions, we will endeavour to explore the potential of both image and materials to do unexpected and surprising things.

Day 1 Drawing Day one will be about an immersive and dynamic gathering of visual material. Working primarily from observation and using a number of different approaches you will gather information and create images that explore line, colour, texture, shape, pattern and scale.

Day 2\3\4 Response and development Days two, three and four are about manipulation and development, playfulness and interpretation. Using Serra’s list of verbs and games of chance, you will begin to explore ways in which to manipulate and develop ideas in both two and three dimensions, taking imagery and process further into cloth and textiles by utilising the possibilities of stitch, construction appliqué etc. With the help of Serra’s instructions to roll, crease, crumple, stretch, join, repair, bind, laminate, knot, distill etc, we will be moving imagery away from it’s original starting point in an attempt to create new, unexpected and highly personal visual material.

Course Materials

Included

Wax granules for Wax pot P.V.A A1 sheets of Khadi paper 5 per student. A1 sheets Cartridge drawing paper 5 per student. Newsprint 10 per student. A1 Sheets Tissue Paper. 5 per student. Sepia drawing ink

What students need to bring

Drawing materials:

  • A range drawing materials to include graphite pencils, coloured pencils, oil pastels and chalk pastels.
  • Coloured inks and paints. Watercolours, Acrylics, Gouache, oils, whatever you have.
  • A selection of brushes of different sizes suitable for any of the above
  • A bottle of SEPIA drawing ink.
  • A dip pen with nibs.
  • A variety of papers on which to draw. Try to bring a selection of thicknesses, weights and sizes if possible.

Textile materials:

  • A selection and range of plain fabrics including things like calico, muslin, organza and canvas
  • A selection of different weights of thread eg fine sewing thread, embroidery thread, wool, ribbon, fabric tape, household string etc
  • Sewing equipment, including large needles for heavy weight thread.
  • Apron or overall.

Available to buy

Available from shop: A range of artists materials and some plain undyed fabrics, such as calico, muslin, organza, etc

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

General Information

Tutors

Matthew Harris

Matthew Harris studied at Goldsmiths College and makes work in both paper and cloth that is primarily concerned with the exploration and exploitation of abstract imagery. Matthew has work in the Crafts Council Collection and the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. He has exhibited throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Japan.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options for art craft and design short courses

Further study options

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.