Basketry: exploring paper vessels

Paper is versatile and surprisingly resilient. With an emphasis on basketry techniques, work with different papers and construction methods, to explore the vessel form. Surface decoration will also be covered.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 17/02/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
6 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £204
Senior fee: £143
Concession: £99

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VC191

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

Paper comes in many different forms from flat sheets to fine yarns. This course is about how different types of papers can be used to make woven and constructed vessel forms.

What topics will we cover?

In particular several basketry techniques will be taught which work very effectively with paper, each producing very distinct results: flat sheets can be cut into strips which are ideal for plaited basketry techniques; and paper yarns and cords can be used for woven/twined basketry methods.

Paper’s versatility and strength can be pushed and explored in many directions; paper can be coloured with inks, dyes and paint, it can be decorated and embellished with hand and machine stitching. Textural variations are produced by combining different types of papers, cutting and tearing.

Come and learn some useful basic techniques, then use these to experiment and explore the vessel form with paper.

Each week the Tutor will bring in a varying selection of inspirational material for you to observe and handle: baskets (tutor’s own work, and from around the world), books, slides, postcards, sketchbooks, samples etc) to illustrate the potential and versatility of each technique through the use of materials.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Recognise and use the properties of different papers.
- Use a variety of basic basketry techniques for making baskets and vessels with paper.
- Have a wider appreciation of basketry as a subject and its potential as a medium for further study and exploration.
- Have the basic skills and confidence needed to enrol on one of the other short basketry courses at City Lit.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Beginners, and for those who want to expand on existing basic skills.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstration, verbal explanation, hands-on practice, handouts, observation of samples and baskets. There is no formal homework for this course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Basic materials will be provided by the City Lit or by the Tutor. Most tools will be available to use during class times.
You will also be given with a list of supporting books and publications which are available to borrow from the City Lit library.

You should bring the following to each class: sharp scissors, tape measure, notebook, pens etc, camera (optional), some clothes pegs.

It would also be useful for students to collect together a carrier bagful of assorted papers - just papers which catch your attention for any reason eg wrapping paper, brown parcel paper, paper packaging, paper bags, textured papers, thick/thin papers, foreign language/alphabet newspapers, graph papers, lined papers, music scores, maps, envelopes but there is no need to go out and buy lots of things, most of the papers you collect can just be things you come across or have at home already.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There will be basketry short courses running through the year which will focus in more detail on many of the techniques introduced in this taster course, as well as other basketry courses run at City Lit. For full details, please see the course guide or browse the website.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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