Studio (390-0-3)

Topic

Textile Tactics

Instructors

Allison Wade

Meeting Info

Kresge 1410 Art Flex/Seminar: Mon, Wed 1:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

This studio course explores fiber and textiles as a medium for art making. Students will weave, salvage, deconstruct, piece, embellish, and reimagine materials as art objects, drawing inspiration from contemporary artists who use fiber in their work.
The quarter begins with building frame looms and learning basic weaving techniques to understand how fabric is constructed. The looms will serve as spaces for investigating composition, color, texture, and tension. Alongside weaving, hand-stitching and machine-sewing methods will be introduced as ways to assemble and adorn, with an emphasis on using found fabrics. The final part of the quarter will focus on the sculptural potential of textiles. In addition, a shibori dyeing workshop will give students the opportunity to hand-dye fabric.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think through making and to consider the capacity for metaphor and subversion inherent in fiber-based practices. Assigned readings will examine themes such as craft, labor, and identity. All are welcome to bring their own fiber-based skills and traditions to class, but no prior experience is necessary.

Undergraduate Only.

Class Materials (Required)

Estimated cost for materials: $50

• Scissors: $10
• Large eye embroidery needles: $8
Sub-total ~$20

At own discretion throughout the quarter, depending upon personal preferences, via Amazon, Blick, Vogue Fabrics, or WasteShed:
• Fabric/Yarn: $20
• Thrifting: $10
Sub-total ~$30

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Undergraduate Students Only
SoC Additional Distro