Meeting on Saturday 17th January

Report on January meeting:

In-house challenge sharing session

In September 2014 Carol Wilkes and Sandy Snowden introduced an in-house challenge for members; the theme was ‘Scale – Nature’. The idea was to think about nature in its broadest sense and also in relation to scale. This had encouraged much exploration and development of ideas. The purpose of the challenge is personal development only, but the work can of course become part of a series of work that may be used in a different context. Today the members were given an opportunity to show their work so far and share their thoughts behind it.

There was a great variety of approaches to exploring nature, from direct prints and marks made on cloth outside to looking at microscopic images of cell structure, of birds, the movement of the body, the changing seasons and many more. People worked in a variety of techniques, printing in many several different ways, dyeing, layering, applique, slashing, embroidery, trapping, crocheting and more!

Introduction of Exhibition Challenge 2016

The Thames Valley Contemporary Textiles Challenge for exhibition in 2016 was introduced to the members by Marion Robertson. The concept was developed by Jane Glennie before she stepped down as exhibition officer; this is her innovative idea for the next exhibition:

We would like you to make a piece of work inspired by a garment. This can be any item of clothing or shoes. You must submit a photograph of the specific garment. It may be a photograph of the garment before it is cut up to create your piece or may be a photograph that shows the garment e.g. a wedding dress, soldier’s uniform etc. However, whether it is old or new, currently existing or not, you must be able to link your piece to a specific garment. The piece can be 2-d or 3-d, use a variety of techniques and work in a variety of scales. The final twist is the hanging, all pieces will be displayed on coat hangers to give visual coherence to the exhibition. Small 3-d work will be on plinths, possibly incorporating mini hangers or other garment related items, such as shoe boxed.

Workshop

In the afternoon, Kate Crossley ran a workshop called Acid Etching on Fabric; this is a technique she uses regularly in her own work. Kate demonstrated layering of different fibres to create a mixed fibre cloth, followed by the application of Devore paste; this was heated and dissolved some fibres. All members had the opportunity to make their own sample.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Hope you are getting off to a good start. Did you get any art or sewing related presents? Or perhaps inspiration for work to make in the coming year?

As you know, our next meeting is the 17th of January. I am looking forward to seeing the work you have been doing for the In-House Challenge Scale: Nature. Even if it is a work in progress for you, do bring it along. This is about encouraging your journey, not judging the artwork or techniques.

In the afternoon, Kate Crossley will be doing a workshop involving Fabric Etching. 

We will also be presenting the theme for making work for our Exhibition for 2016. As you know, we are hoping to put in a proposal to exhibit at the Spring Knitting And Stitching Show again. If you have ideas for other venues, please let our Exhibitions Officer - Marion Robertson know.

If you have other work you would like to display in the Gallery, do bring that along. And of course some money to spend at the 'Been There, Done That' table!

Do you have a friend who might enjoy the day, do bring them along.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Sandy