The miracle is this: the more we share, the more we have. - Leonard Nimoy

Workshops and Events

My goal in offering workshops is to make the techniques of art cloth design accessible to everyone. Many classes are offered at Art Cloth Studios in San Antonio (see current calendar). I also arrange to teach for guilds and alternative art programs. Contact me for information if you are interested in scheduling a workshop in your area. Consider joining us at one of the events scheduled across the country. Contact the hosting organization for more information. Art Cloth Studios does not handle registration for events in other locations.

Art Cloth Studios is now offering workshops and classes by members of The Collective as well as Visiting Artists.  Please see the calendar for dates and the descriptions below.

Calendar

2009 
 
October 7 – 11: Water Based Resists. PROChemical and Dye Company, Fall River, MA. Prochemical.com

Workshop Descriptions

Complex Cloth Intensive

This is an introduction to the techniques and processes featured in Complex Cloth (Fiber Studio Press, 1996). Students complete exercises in dyeing, overdyeing, stamping, stenciling, screen printing, and foiling. Demonstrations morning and afternoon are followed by independent work time. The workshop is worthwhile for any skill level. Beginners get a grounding in basic layering methods and more advanced students perfect their approach to layering processes.

Dye Play

Fiber-reactive MX dyes are versatile and easy to use. Spend two – five days playing with dyes—printing, pouring, immersing, spraying, whacking—you name it and it can probably be done! In the process, you will understand dye chemistry better and learn to predict more closely what happens when dyes intermix and mingle. Students will work on a combination of smaller samples and yardage, using a variety of fibers so that different fabric's ability to take the dyes can be compared.

Improvisational Screen Printing

The print screen is a versatile tool which can be used to print fabrics and papers. Spend two – five days exploring experimental techniques, including flour paste, crayon, wax, acrylic paints, and spray paint. Students focus on the creation of samples which can be used later as a visual guide to the processes.

Color Basics

Color is addictive and complex. Unravel the mysteries of color theory during this workshop. Many of the poor choices we make as a piece of artwork unfolds could be prevented, if only we understood more about how our eye functions and about how colors interact. Upon completion of this workshop you will have familiarity with the terminology and will be equipped to improve your work. Participants begin to make a notebook which will function as a reference for future color choices.

Working with Intent Developing Personal Imagery

This is an advanced level class. Students receive a design notebook eight weeks before the workshop dates and have regular/daily assignments to complete before meeting with the other participants. Our goal is to generate more than 50 images via the design work. These images, along with written exercises, are used to create personal imagery during the three-day retreat. Each participant develops a plan for a series of from 5 - 8 pieces, using the imagery he or she creates during the weekend. This has proved to be very successful in the past and is most helpful for artists who have considerable technical experience, but are ready to create a body of work with very specific and personal meaning. Because of the intensive nature of the class, enrollment is limited to 10.

Water-based Resists

Textile artists have used temporary resists to block dye and paint application for as long as textile printing has existed. This workshop explores several contemporary twists on the use of water-based resists. Participants work with water soluble soy wax, commercial water-soluble adhesives, and flour paste as means of blocking pattern temporarily so that coloration of the fabric can occur. Fiber reactive MX dyes are the colorant of choice. Stencils, silk-screens and hand painted application of the resists are the primary focus. Dyes and other shared supplies are provided. A supply is sent to participants upon enrollment. Some experience with fiber reactive dyes is recommended.

Archetypes as Artistic Inspiration

Pursuing an understanding of archetypes is at the heart of this workshop. This is a fascinating study for any artist who has perfected a number of textile skill sets, and is now interested in delving deeper into the potential for meaning in his or her work. Archetypal concepts are a springboard to a personal visual language. That language becomes the foundation for works roaming a very broad psychological terrain. The five days of class are spent balancing directed conversation—and contemplation—with active development of visual imagery, works in progress, or both. Participants can expect to leave the workshop with a series of design elements and tools with which to begin a series of artworks.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Please e-mail me if you would like to arrange a workshop or lecture. I tailor lectures specifically to the group or event, but some topics include the development of my own work, the steps used to produce complex cloth, and wide ranging lectures on color, design, and culture.

I can be contacted at:

Email: dunnewoldj@complexcloth.com

or you can write to me at:
Jane Dunnewold,
1134 West Agarita Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78201, USA

Visiting Artist's Workshop Descriptions

 The Collective Workshop Descriptions