Cas Holmes
Hands on, experimental with a strong emphasis on using found materials and inventive applications of textile and mixed media processes as part of the exploration of developing a 'creative language'
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?Gain confidence in working from their own resource material in the creation of samples/ pieces of mixed media textile and paper works. Inventive use of sketchbooks to inform and inspire new work exploring different approaches to mark making and use of materials to express their personal ideas
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Demonstration, practical work and discussion exploring a range of techniques from mark-making and print to multi-layered methods combining found materials, paper, fabric, mixed media and stitch.
What inspires your own work?Informed by personal experience, places visited, stories of my Romany grandmother. I am interested in the shadows of marks made by man in the earth and reflections in water and flooded fields, the changes and impact on the flora and landscape. The use of land as a reference in art (floral patterns, colour and images); my concern is political, social, as well as climatic change. My training is in Fine Art and I work between two disciplines, painting and mixed media textiles.
Where can students see examples of your work?My on-line presence can be access through:www.casholmestextiles.co.uk www.casholmes.textilearts.net
Where did you gain your training experianceI studied Fine Art, Maidstone College of Art (KIAD) in the eighties before studying in Japanese art, textiles and papermaking in Japan under a Japan Foundation Fellowship and a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship. I have held a professional practice working on commission, teaching and on community project since then.
What teaching experience have you had?I have been involved with teaching since 1985 including the Fine Arts Department, Middlesex University, UCCA and free-lance work in schools. I also tutor at Kent Adult Education. Teaching supported learners (learning difficulties), family learning and adult learners.
Is your work in any public or private collections?In both public and private collections, Bilston Craft Gallery, Kent County Council, Museum of Art and Design, New York,Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnham, Oji Paper Museum, Japan,Schroders Finance, London, Arts Council England, South East Collection.West Dean Collection of |Limited works.
Have you written any books/had articles published?Author of The Found Object in Textile Arts, Batsford 2010 as well as several professional articles for Embroidery Magazine, The Quilter, on line articles as well as catalogues including,Paper:Papier, Sassoon Gallery, Folkestone. (curator). Transitions and Six continents of Quilts.
Click "The Found Object in Textile Art
Winston Churchill Fellow. Japan Foundation Fellow.