An experimental two day course working on a large scale, with additional mentoring from Fraser Taylor.
This two day workshop will explore the relationship between the hand drawn and printed image. You will investigate both silk-screen and mono-printing techniques and how they can be used to create a single image and repeat pattern. An experimental approach will be encouraged and you will explore scale, layering and colour. As well as engaging in the physical act of making there will constructive individual and group critiques enabling you to identify and develop a personal and innovative body of work.
What will happen during the course?
Day 1: Fraser Taylor will introduce his work before conducting individual one-to-ones and setting you up for successful production over the weekend. You are encouraged to bring drawings, sketches or images which will prompt a discussion about the appropriateness of image and how best to transfer onto cloth.
Marks, lines, shapes will be drawn directly onto acetate, using a range of opaque materials, before being transferred onto screens. This will allow for a wide range of experimentation on cloth, investigating placement and layering. You will also explore mono-printing which does not require a screen.
Allowing time for experimentation will be vital during this first day as this will provide many ideas which can be developed in day two.
Day 2: You will experiment with transparent and opaque pigments printing on white and coloured cotton. Demonstrations will be given on how an image can be put into repeat and how that can be transferred onto cloth and printed as yardage. Through discussion you will identify what interests you and the remainder of the workshop will allow you to print a length of fabric which satisfies your goals. The intention, purpose and the final use of your printed cloth will also be an important part of our conversation. Fraser will return for the last part of the session to conduct tutorials and lead a concluding group critique, which will constructively allow you to share your experience and provide ideas on how to advance your practice.
What experience do I need?
This is a course for creatives with a passion for printed textiles. You do not need any previous experience but be ready to experiment and learn from Fraser’s wealth of experience in textile printing. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into Fraser’s practice, whilst learning new techniques and immersing yourself in making.
Your tutors:
Fraser Taylor studied Printed Textiles at Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art. He co-founded The Cloth, a creative studio focused on contemporary textile design and production. Since 1983 he has developed an interdisciplinary art practice and exhibited internationally, and his projects have included innovative collaborations with visual artists, designers, and contemporary dance. As an educator he has lectured at leading fine art and design institutions, and from 2001 until 2017 was a Visiting Artist and Adjunct Full Professor in the Department of Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2017 he was awarded an Honorary Professorship from Glasgow School of Art, University of Glasgow and co-founded The Textile Collective.
Arianna Mele is a practising Fashion and Textile designer and co-founder of Print Clan. She completed a BA in Fashion & Printed Textiles at Middlesex University, before being granted a scholarship to study an MA in Fashion Design Technology at London College of Fashion. She has spent the last 10 years specialising in printmaking for fashion. With her industry standard expertise in the technical aspects of textile printing, Arianna supports Print Clan members and artists including Helen de Main, Rosie Trevill, Zephyr Liddell and Lizzie Urquhart to produce ambitious fine art projects.
Equipment Provided:
Equipment and materials such as screens, squeegees, a range of ink colours, binders, chemicals, paper, pens, brushes, cutting mats and knives are all included. Fabric is not provided so we advise bringing at least 4 metres of white cotton and 2 metres of a dark colour. You might want to bring a sketchbook to take notes and sketch out ideas.
We are limiting this course to four participants to allow for the production of large scale works.