City Lit textiles: mixed media

What is the course about?

Investigation, exploration and discovery in textiles:
This term you will be learning about mixed media approaches to surface design with textiles. It is a very practical course. You will be working creatively with a variety of media, techniques and processes to develop ideas and samples that explore the potential of mixed media textiles using an initial theme as your starting point.
Through the development of your initial samples, visual research, drawing, sketchbook and discussion you will be able to work on a personal project that aims at you producing a more finished piece of work or series of portfolio pieces.
The course is structured across a year to provide a varied experience but can be taken on a termly basis. Each term has a different focus.

What students liked most about this course run in 2015/16:

"Tutor was inspiring and very helpful with feedback. Equipment and materials were great and plentiful, group atmosphere was great."

What will we cover?

This terms focus will be on stitched and mixed media approaches to textiles combining images and surface to create individual and stimulating textiles

We will work with a theme to start visual research and ideas. You will be shown the work of various artists whose work relates to that theme or to techniques that will be taught. You will be given a variety of drawing and design challenges to get your ideas moving, this will include using a viewfinder to select composition, creating mood boards, mixed media collage and the use of both wet and dry drawing materials. Techniques will revolve around both machine and hand stitch using a variety of fabrics, paper, plastic and an eclectic mix of materials. We will also look at the use of colour texture and composition in textiles

Using a sketchbook is part of the course for all levels as it is used to collect imagery, take notes, develop ideas and evaluate your own work. Outcomes will vary according to the individuals’ aims and experience.

More experienced students will be able to take these techniques and extend their possibilities through further experimentation or application to specific project work.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Use a sketchbook to research and develop ideas
- Interpret this research in sketchbooks and through samples
- Use a variety of textile related materials and mixed media approaches,
- Identify the properties of material and techniques used.
- Produce resolved work using surface and mixed media approaches

More experienced students will be able to:
- Extend the possibilities of these techniques in relation to ideas.

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

City Lit Textiles is suitable for all levels.
Beginners are very welcome – however,if you are a complete newcomer to textiles (i.e have not used a machine or hand sewing needle before or, do not have any art and design experience) you may find it useful to first complete a beginners Textiles course as this will introduce you to the basic principles making it easier to learn further textile techniques within a mixed ability group.

More experienced students will be encouraged to build on their creativity and skills each term
Whatever your level, you will need to be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English so you can work safely in the workshop.

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

The course will be practical with group demonstrations of techniques at the start of most session in the first half of the course. You will learn how to use tools and equipment safely in the workshop. Various books and journals will be available for you to look for inspiration and information.
Samples and slideshows will be presented to inform and share ideas on the variety of ways you can experiment with techniques. Handouts are provided to support your learning. You will also be encouraged to participate in group discussions. They will revolve around individual project work and the work of artists using related methods and ideas and ways of evaluating and developing work.
The second half of the course is for your personal project. You will be supported individually when needed and, additional techniques may be introduced as your work develops. Sketchbooks are essential for the storing of samples and any research you may do.
There will be some set homework for the group, for example, collecting images, planning designs and developing samples. Your work will benefit greatly from some time spent on sketchbooks and research outside of class where possible.

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

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. You may need to supplement this with other materials; fabrics, papers, threads etc. to suit specific needs or preference and to provide variation. You should have a sketchbook with you for every session and sometimes you will want to print out images from the internet to build up your research. A camera will also be useful.

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

A natural progression will be the next edition of City Lit Textiles as each term focuses on different aspects of Textiles.
Please browse the website to view the upcoming dates.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 the 16:00 – 18:00.