Ref: D1D35389
On this course your tutor will teach you ways of making diverse range of marks by pulling threads, cutting into the cloth, collaging, layering and couching. We will have a range of fabrics for you to experiment with. You may want to bring a visual reference to work from or you can just work with the process in a more spontaneous way. Stitch is, by its very nature, a slow process and seeing this quality as meditative and purposeful is a good approach, a way of getting involved in surface texture and gesture.
Rachel will bring a range of samples to introduce the process and there will be a short presentation of inspiring artists.
Overview You will begin by using a very simple running-type stitch to start exploring the range of marks possible with needle and thread. You will then select a couple of contrasting fabrics to experiment with, starting to develop a series of marks that have a more personal flavour.
A range of small pieces of plain textured fabric, including cotton, linen, scrim, muslin, some threads and yarns, and cold water dyes.
Equipment provided All necessary equipment will be provided for use on the course.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Rachel studied painting before completing an MA in Fine Art Tapestry at the Royal College of Art. She has explored visual practice with communities around the UK to produce commissioned and public art and was a senior lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Chichester with a specialism in textiles and socially engaged art projects. She has exhibited widely including in the Cordis Prize for Tapestry exhibitions.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
