Mandy Southan
Mandy studied Textile and Fashion Design at Ravensbourne College of
Art and Design and has an international reputation as a Silk
Painter. She is author of a number of books including bestselling
'Beginner's Guide to Silk Painting' and 'Shibori - Designs and
Techniques' and has made numerous contributions to other textile
publications and magazines. She is founder and president of the
Guild of Silk Painters, a member of The Sussex Guild of Craftsmen
and a qualified and experienced teacher who has taught in further
and higher education for many years.
Mandy has a special interest in traditional Japanese resist-dyeing
techniques. Her complex silk textiles are a fusion of traditional
and contemporary methods, combining 3-dimensional shibori shaping
with hand painting and resist dyeing techniques.
Describe your approach to teaching?
With group and one-to-one demonstrations and discussion, I guide
students individually, helping them gain knowledge, skills and
confidence in expressing their ideas and fulfilling their aims. I
encourage a friendly, informative and enjoyable learning
environment in which students can feel relaxed and supported in
their learning.
What inspires your own work?
I find unending inspiration in the natural world - it's colours,
textures, shapes and infinitely varied designs.
