Tapestry 2: Surface and Texture (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed: Tapestry 1: Introduction to Woven Tapestry

Special Information

This course requires you to bring your own art and design materials. Most of these can be sourced and purchased in advance from any good art material supplier such as the Art Shop at ECA Lauriston Place Campus. Essential items not readily available will be provided during classes and you will be invoiced at the end of the course for items used. Listed below are the materials and equipment requirements for this course and an estimated cost. You are advised not to purchase any materials until you have received confirmation the course is running – usually 7 days before the start of the course.  You will be guided by the tutor as to which materials you need to bring to classes each week.

Essential materials you will need to bring to the first class:

Basic Sewing/Tapestry Kit

* Pair of scissors - Small fine pointed embroidery scissors

* Tapestry needles

* Ruler/measuring tape

* Felt pens (non waterproof)

* You should also bring a sketchbook/notebook

Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:

* Small selection of cotton warp

* Small selection of weft materials

* Use of wooden frame loom for first sample

Essentials materials and equipment students will need to provide themselves:

* Your own wooden weaving frame. (not needed on first day)

Additional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:

* Tapestry Bobbins

* Table clamps

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

Introduction to historic and contemporary tapestry

Explore a range of traditional non traditional weaving materials

Creating surface and texture in weave using, knots, tufting, floating weft and extra warps

Developing a research journal/sketchbooks

Developing a personal project

Interpreting designs for tapestry

Presenting your work

Teaching method(s)

The teaching will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor.  Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

For work required to be undertaken after the class hours are complete, the course tutor will set students a ‘directed study plan’ which can be undertaken without the need for specialist workshops or access to models.

Directed study will include research into a range of suggested artists and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes. 

The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Research, context and ideas (33.3%) Create a sketchbook/visual journal which demonstrates a range of working practices, building a body of research that’s contextually aware for the creative potential of ideas to be explored through tapestry.

Practice, skills and techniques (33.3%) Demonstrate a practical knowledge to produce a range of experimental weavings that show a confident and enquiring use of materials and techniques.

Selection, presentation and reflection (33.3%) Demonstrate an appropriate judgment to document, select, edit and present a coherent a range of samples and finished works which demonstrate a creative an informed use of tapestry techniques.

Sources

Core Readings

Suggested Reading

Soroka, J. 2011. Tapestry Weaving. Ramsbury: Crowood.

Beutlich, T. 1976. The Technique Of Woven Tapestry. London: Batsford.

Wilcox, T., Fiona M. and Caron, P. 2011. Tapestry. London: Black Dog.

1976. Victorian Tapestry Workshop. South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Workshop, Print.

Rossbach, Ed et al. Ed Rossbach. Asheville, N.C.: Lark Books, 1990.

Constantine, M. and Jack L. L. 1986. Beyond Craft. Tokyo: Kodansha International.

Telos. Textiles of the world. (set of contemporary textile art book)

Journal and periodicals

Selvage, Crafts Magazine, The Journal of WSD, Embroidery

Web Sources

Weavers Bazaar                                                                www.weaversbazaar.com

The Handweavers Studio and gallery

www.handweavers.co.uk

The British Tapestry Group

www.thebritishtapestrygroup.co.uk

European Tapestry Forum

www.tapestry.dk

American Tapestry Alliance

www.americantapestryalliance.org

Dovecot studios, Edinburgh

www.dovecotstudios.com

Australian Tapestry                                         www.victapestry.com.au/news_index.aspx

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.