Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Design Workshop for Textile Artists


A two-part intensive hands-on workshop series
Susan Furneaux will provide tools-of-the-trade information and take participants step by step through the creation process in this two-part textile oriented workshop. Participants are encouraged to work in their preferred technique (rug hooking, quilting, knitting, embroidery etc.)
Colour and texture are two of the artistic elements or building blocks of a work of fine craft or art. Colour and texture are present in all craft items from production work to one-of-a kind fine craft. Creators that can identify these elements, and evaluate their role in the composition of a piece, whether it is a sweater, pair of mitts, embroidery or wall hanging, will be better equipped to create work that is successful. By isolating and defining the elements of colour and texture students will learn to evaluate each element's role in the pleasing composition of a finished piece. Participants will also learn to use the common language of design by which to better communicate our ideas and intent. Networking, materials and inspiration sourcing will also be discussed.Part I Texture with Textiles Texture is the way something feels when we touch it. Many people are drawn to textile works primarily for their textural qualities. There are two types of texture: physical (real) or implied (the illusion of texture created with shading). This workshop will cover the creation of both types of textures and the making of samples to achieve different textural effects in a variety of techniques.
Wed, Thur & Fri . March 18 - 20 . 9am - 4pm . Anna Templeton Centre . $75

Part II Colour with Textiles
Colour is the most important part of any textile creation. Colour evokes memory, sets mood, and pinpoints fashion eras. Fashionable colours vary according to intended use such as home décor versus haute couture. Many craftspeople and artists are intimidated by complex descriptions of colour theory. Many more are displeased with the colour choices offered by suppliers when putting together a colour palette. This workshop will discuss the characteristics of colour and allow ample time to fully experiment with each concept. Much of the workshop will be spent in the dye studio where mixing primary colour will further reinforce the use of the colour wheel. Discussion will also be given on choosing fabrics, fibres and yarn that have been dyed by the manufacturer.
Wed, Thur, Fri . March 25 - 27 . 9am - 4pm . Anna Templeton Centre . $75
These Workshops are made possible with support from the The Craft Industry Development Program.
Workshops are available to all practicing craftspeople/artists throughout NL.
Funding for travel may be available to craft/gift & apparel producers through CIDPContact Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development in your region for detailshttp://www.intrd.gov.nl.ca/intrd/staffdir.htm

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Contours


March 22 to April 26, 2009,
Craft Gallery, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Duckworth Street, St. John's NL

Tara Bryan, Diana Dabinett, Audrey Feltham and Susan Furneaux. A book artist, painter, printmaker and fibre artist interpret their common world of edges, surfaces and form.Tara Bryan, Diana Dabinett, Audrey Feltham and Susan Furneaux each have a distinctive style and individual concerns as artists. Yet they all work closely with the Newfoundland environment, drawing inspiration, materials and subjects from their natural surroundings. From dandelion dye to the shadow of a mountain range, from the stitch of a binding to the bite of a printing press, these women artists explore the subtle and dramatic places where things come together. Folding, tying, manipulating; this show presents a group of artists who work with media and techniques traditionally associated with craft production but do so in innovative, contemporary and personally relevant ways. - Gloria Hickey