Under the Influence...or how to make your fabric art personal

Description

Most artists look at and admire the work of others. Therein lies a dilemma however, in that how can one learn to appreciate, absorb and make use of our visual knowledge without appropriating that artist's vision and imagery? How can one achieve a personal content to our work and avoid the dreaded label of "derivative"? In the genre of fabric collage/art quilt, Pamela will help the student to translate a work of art into an original and personal vision. There will be discussion and critiquing of the nature of art history and how it can benefit the student by broadening her visual vocabulary. At the same time, there will be exciting hands on translation of that influence into a small art quilt with the emphasis being placed on a personal expression rather than copying.

Materials

A selection of reproductions of art by your favourite artists

Fat quarters or any fabric suitable for backing a small quilt

A selection of scrap fabrics all types all colours, prints and plains, for an added personal incentive don't forget to raid your closet for old clothes as fabric source.

Spray basting or other spray adhesive...plus mask (optional)

Stitch witchery and plain old Glue stick is fine as well as a quick adhesive

Selection of embroidery floss...lots of colours!

Materials Cont

Thread of your choice

Scissors, beading, embroidery and darning sized needles, thimble, other basic sewing regalia

Polyester batting suitable in size for small quilt........... fusible batting is great too!

Sewing machine ( unless they are provided by conference. This method can be done quite nicely WITHOUT a machine except for the final quilting)

Embellishments of all kinds. This means thinking about unlikely but interesting additions such as found objects, manufactured items ( artificial fruit, plastic eggs or bugs or frogs...in fact anything) and hand made items such as copper tooled shapes (Pamela will demonstrate) etc. There is always a way of attaching such items either by drilling small holes or by capturing the shape with floss. Of course more conventional beads, buttons, lace etc is also useful.

Pamela will provide a Dremel tool ( for piercing holes for embellishments), a sewing machine, and a selection of HER favourite doodads to share with the class. Students are encouraged to pool some of their fabrics as well, in order to offer a wide variety to all participants.