During this workshop we will be considering the line, through observation, mark making and interpretation. Using different start points we will explore linear and spatial relationships, and ways of introducing ‘content’ and detail. This will be extended through material play; manipulating yarns, threads, cloths and papers into collaged and woven compositions.

Students will work through a series of small studies; ‘weaving the line’ through drawing with paper, cloth and thread in order to find their own language of ‘meaning and materiality’, and we will share our reflections around what this might be.

We will work with a more restrained neutral palette, moving on to discussions around colour and tone, and students are encouraged to bring their own ‘collected’ studio materials to experiment with. Becoming aware of the detail and nuance in surface, line and space, and depending on individual progress and preference, there may be the opportunity to move towards ‘form’, and see where this leads us.

This course is suitable for those new to drawing or making, or for experienced artists wanting to revisit or refresh their practice. With supportive mentoring and shared inspiration, the sessions are designed to encourage participants to notice detail, challenge usual approaches, and be aware of their creative responses; developing the confidence to take risks with their ideas and nurture their own creative voice.

Highlights and outcomes:

• This tactile and engaging workshop will give you time to look outwards, and inwards
• Develop your observational skills and personal language of marks
• Experiment with fibres, cloths and papers to create ‘woven’ interpretations
• Supportive mentoring and shared inspiration
• The opportunity to explore and develop different approaches to drawing
• The confidence to experiment with materials and create start points for future making

Summer School Highlights
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (discounted if pre-booked through West Dean)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘Fantasy and Myth’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios

All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including some cloths and papers, and yarns, and basic paints and drawing materials.

What students need to bring

These are suggestions only, please don’t buy anything especially as some will be available, but bring along anything you already have that you might like to experiment with.

• Neutral plain and textured cloths and papers, yarns, strings and threads
• Different types of cloths -muslins, silks, gauzes, hessians, calicos, etc
• Different types of papers and cards
• There will be opportunities to introduce your own saved colour materials (as above) - do consider these carefully and be selective
• Drawing and mark making materials - inks, charcoal, paints, pastels, etc
• Basic stitching tools - needle, scissors - some will be available
• An old or second-hand ‘picture frame’ - square/rectangle proportions
• An old or second hand wooden or metal hoop - circular
• Camera
• Sketchbook/Notebook
• Apron/Overshirt

Additional information

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

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  

All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during Summer School due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.  
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.  
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.

Terms & Conditions