Fiber Constructions Workshop

One or Two Day Workshop

Artists and craftspersons who work in two- and three-dimensional media of all kinds will discover techniques and ideas for developing their own work in new ways, as they have fun exploring the potential of fiber as sculpture. Many will develop new ideas for original designs. Others will learn textile techniques that can be incorporated into other media, such as metal, paper, and clay. All students will come out of the workshop with new ideas and directions for future exploration.

Class members will develop a personal vocabulary as they develop projects using such techniques as netting and knotting, plaiting into shapes, skinning over, Japanese packaging, laminating, and constructing fibrous materials into simple sculptures using molds and lashing. A wide variety of traditional and unusual materials, from excelsior to paper twine to beeswax, will be provided and students are encouraged to bring any materials they wish to try. Color through dyes, paints, and rubbings will also be discussed.

Students are encouraged to go from conformity to curiosity and, in making various sampler pieces, will generate possibilities to develop further at a later time. Handouts will include techniques, materials sources, and worksheets. Slides will be shown.

The question many artists are asking themselves these days is: In a world of video, light shows and performance, is there a place for visual art? The answer is yes, there is. But in the 21st century, we must realize that visual art needs to make its special statement--that of being approachable, touchable, interactive with the viewer. Fiber supplies many of the answers for people living in our world.

please bring:
* clippers
* notebook/sketchbook and pencil
* three small containers of acrylic paint and a paintbrush 1/4 in. to 3/4 in. wide
* any materials you like
* sack lunch if desired

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