Studio (390-0-3)

Topic

Textile Tactics

Instructors

Allison L Wade

Meeting Info

Kresge 1410 Art Flex/Seminar: Mon, Wed 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This studio course explores textiles as a medium for artmaking. Drawing inspiration from contemporary artists who use fiber in their work, students will create flat and sculptural pieces, moving from the wall/bed/floor to the room/body. Basic hand-stitching and machine-sewing methods will be introduced and frame looms constructed for weekly weavings. Focus will be placed on tactile learning: materials will be salvaged, deconstructed, pieced, mixed, embellished and re-imagined as art objects. Due to the often slow and additive nature of textile work, students will engage in multiple simultaneous projects throughout the quarter. Readings and discussions will focus on themes such as craft, labor, utility, gender, identity and the vernacular. Thinking through making will be encouraged as will explorations of the potential for metaphor and subversion inherent in fiber-based practices. Field trips include outings to a thrift store to source materials and to the Art Institute of Chicago to see Jeremy Frey: Woven. Additionally, Chicago-based artist kg (karolina gnatowski) will visit to share about their work and process. Students are welcome to bring their personal fiber-based skills and traditions to class, but no experience is necessary, and no prerequisites are required.

Class Materials (Required)

Approximate course cost: $60.

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Undergraduate Students Only