
Five Day Course
Monday 20th to Friday 24th October
In this five day workshop you will be guided in the creation of your own animal inspired textile sculpture.
I describe the process as ‘building with fabric and sculpting with stitch’
We begin by creating stuffed shapes for the head and body; using stitch to bring them together and to sculpt them in to fluid forms, looking at ways to suggest movement and poise. We use sculpting wire to add structural support for limbs. With larger pieces we may need to create a basic skeleton or internal structural support from sculpting wire.
Once happy with the form, we add features; eyes, nose, ears, claws etc. Instead of or in addition to the obvious ready mades, we can also use alternative media to create our features; beads, buttons, haberdashery, ephemera and natural objects – only limited by your imaginings.
To finish; layers of fabric are applied, stitched directly to the body using a naïve version of appliqué. The properties of each fabric are explored and applied to add texture or colour, or because the motifs or pattern help to accentuate muscle or shape.
What you decide to create is completely up to you, and while it is helpful to come with an idea in mind and to bring along a range of reference pictures of the animal that will inspire your creation, it’s also important to allow that idea to evolve and develop as your work takes shape. We can also play with scale to make our vision achievable within the time frame. I will be on hand to help you create and nurture your creature into being.
This workshop is suitable for anyone with hand sewing experience, however, Textile Sculpture is a step by step process, it is intuitive and not entirely predictable; it does not provide immediate results. It can be fiddly, and requires some strength and dexterity in the hands.
It is important to recognise that we do not use generic patterns and that we will need to problem solve as we progress. If textile sculpture is something that interests you and you are willing to get really stuck in, perseverance, patience and determination will see you through.
Includes homemade lunch and refreshments each day
This course is strictly limited to 10 students. You will have the opportunity to use the studio UNTUTORED until 8pm
About the artist
I am a textile sculptor, I create textile creatures entirely from reclaimed/repurposed fabric and haberdashery. My work is broadly inspired by an awe for the natural world that we have the great honour to be a part of; the timeless relationship between humans and animals, by animal folklore, anthropomorphism and narrative. I seek to convey character and personality in my creations, realism is not my thing!
I’ve always been drawn to textiles, and have collected and kept cloth that speaks to me for as long as I can remember. I explored textiles as a medium in college, and often incorporated textiles in my jewellery whilst studying towards my degree in Silversmithing at University.
My approach to textile sculpture is entirely self taught, the way I use stitch to create my creatures is a technique that has developed out of requirement.
Through perseverance and experimentation I have found out what works for me, allowing the development of my own unique style.
I love teaching and introducing others to the freedom and joys of creating textile sculpture. I am really lucky to have been able to teach all around the UK as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
My teaching focuses on encouraging individual expression and the outcomes never fail to delight and surprise, each sculpture comes to reflect the personality and mind of its creator; the result uniquely theirs. Sometimes the most challenging thing for students is the letting go of a need for perfection, or of the idea of ‘getting it right’ – there is categorically no ‘right’ to be had here. The most wonderful creatures are born out of an accumulation of happy – character forming – discoveries and accidents.
What you will need to bring
MATERIALS – Provided – (included in course fee)
A large selection of reclaimed and vintage fabrics
Copper wire, Steel Wire and Aluminium Sculpting Wire
A range of haberdashery bits and embellishments
Glass eyes and beads
Florists Tape in a range of colours
Embroidery Threads
Upholstery Threads
Upholstery needles
STUDENT MATERIALS LIST
Although I provide lots of materials, the following is a guide to what would be useful to bring along yourself
A selection of fabrics that you would like to use to cover your sculpture. These can be small scraps or larger pieces. A mixture of patterned fabrics, plain fabrics and a variety of textures will be helpful.
Any found objects or ephemera that you could use for the features of your animal. Marbles, Buttons, Beads, Old Jewellery and watch pieces can work well for eyes, beaks and claws.
Polyester Stuffing. – Cheap pillows for stuffing, toy stuffing or wadding can also be used. I will have a bail of stuffing available, but if you are thinking big please bring some of your own too.
A selection of sewing needles, embroidery needles that are sharp, sturdy and long will be most useful. (needles will be provided, but it’s nice to have your own to choose from)
Fabric Scissors, Embroidery Scissors.
Consider how you would like to present your sculpture, it can be freestanding, or you could display it mounted on a plaque or using some form of stand or prop – twigs and branches, domestic objects, blocks of wood. Sculptures can be freestanding but if you would like to use an object, bring it along.
If you would like to discuss the sculpture you would like to make or if you need any clarification on what to bring with you, please e-mail Bryony directly: bryonywings@yahoo.co.uk