Textiles: 3D Forms (10 credit points)

Special Information

 In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

Materials for Week 1:

• Basic art supplies such as scissors, glue stick, masking tape, ruler, eraser, pencil sharpener etc
• Drawing materials: Bring a range such as pencils, drawing pens, pastels, charcoal, brushes, ink, paints, oil bars, chalks etc
• Cartridge paper, A2 size
• Sketchbook: A2 size, hardback with a spine (not ring bound)
• Printed images and photographs for inspiration.
• Old magazines and different types of papers for collage. 

Materials that may be useful for the rest of course:

• Basic sewing kit including tapestry needles, pins, fabric scissors and embroidery scissors. 

• Craft knife and small cutting mat.

• Knitting needles and crochet hooks.

• Selection of fabrics, recycled and everyday materials such as strings, garden twine, window cord, plastic bags, newspapers, old textiles, fishing line, cable ties, wire, washer rings, inexpensive multiples etc. 

• Images and inspiration for sketchbook and personal project development.

• Mount board/ neutral coloured card to display work.

Content of Course

• Introduction to the use of Textiles in contemporary art.
• Learning construction techniques such as coiling, wrapping, knitting and weaving.
• 3D material manipulation through stitching techniques.
• Experimenting with materials such as fabric, paper, plastics, found and recycled objects.
• Combining materials and processes in innovative ways. 
• Researching and developing a personal project, documenting through sketchbooks.
• Presenting work: Learning how to display your research and samples for assessment.

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:

• Develop a sketchbook / visual journal which demonstrates an inquiring work ethic and range of personal strategies for recording and developing visual ideas and concepts, supported by contextual references.

• Demonstrate a range of experimental 3d samples that show a resourcefulness and inventiveness in the use of materials and processes, creating a range of focused and coherent samples demonstrating a distinctive personal vision.

• Demonstrate an independent judgment in documenting, selecting and editing to present a coherent range of samples and finished works, evidenced through the supporting research.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Oei, L. and De Kegel, C., 2002, Elements of Design., London: Thames and Hudson.

• Monem, N., ed., 2008, Contemporary Textiles - fabric of fine art, London:  Black Dog Publishing.

• Art Textiles of the World Series, Telos Books.

• Ferren, G., 2022, Women's Work: From Feminine Arts to Feminist Art, Minneapolis: Quarto Publishing Group UK.

• Elderton, L. and Morris, R., 2019, Vitamin T: Thread & Textiles in Contemporary Art. London: Phaidon Press Limited. 

• Wolff, C., 1998, The Art of Manipulating Fabric, Chilton Book Company.

• Millar, L. and Astrida B. 2007. Cloth And Culture Now. Canterbury: University for the Creative Arts.

• Textural Space. 2001.  [Surrey]: Surrey Institute of Art and Design University College. Print.

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

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

Journal and periodicals:

• Selvage

• Crafts Magazine

• The Journal of WSD

• Embroidery

Web Sources

http://www.textileartist.org

http://www.edge-textileartists-scotland.com

http://www.62group.org.uk

http://www.worldofthreadsfestival.com

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.