Jill Flower
The teaching is mainly through demonstrations, guidance and discussions. Small trial sampling is undertaken to develop and explore ideas.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?They will discover the fascinating world of experimental embroidery and be encouraged to be free-thinking and adventurous.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?The techniques include free and automatic stitching using a sewing machine sandwiching papers together to form a fabric. Additionally, hand embroidery and beading for embellishment and manipulation into a 3D form will be shown.
What inspires your own work?The work is inspired by my fascination of delicately patterned ‘Lace’ and particularly the Elizabethan period. I enjoy creating a fabric illusion whilst imparting human stories, influenced by Shakespeare.
Where can students see examples of your work?Exhibition: for up to date details are shown on my website: www.jillflower.com and updated on my blog: www.jillflower-textileartist.blogspot.com My next exhibition will be: ‘Inspired by the Past’ -Guildford House Gallery, Guildford, Surrey: June – September 2011. I am also showing at the Craft Councils ‘Origin’ this autumn.
Where did you gain your training/experience?Embroiderers Guild Scholar 2009-10 Licentiate of the Society of Designer Craftsmen 2007 Diploma of Higher education in Stitched Textiles @ East Berkshire College of Education /Buckinghamshire New University 2007 City & Guilds –Part 1 & 2 – Creative studies & extended embroidery skills @ Windsor College (now East Berkshire College) 1994 Teaching Certificate @ Eastbourne College of Higher Education 1975.
What teaching experience have you had?Since 2008 I have been invited to run short and weekend courses for creative embroidery workshops for both Textile groups and schools throughout the UK and Ireland. I have received several university students’ to my home workshop to undertake their work placement modules.
Is your work in any public or private collections?Private collections in UK , Europe and USA Commissions are taken.
Have you written any books/had articles published?I have had articles published within: ‘Workbox’ February-March 2011 no 127 ‘Embroidery’ – July/ August 2010 ‘Craft & Design’ – July/August 2010 issue 210 ‘Experimental Textiles’ by Kim Thittichai August 2009 ‘Embroidery’ – January/February 2009 ‘Art of the Stitch’ International Open Exhibition Catalogue for Embroiderers Guild 2008 ‘Workbox’- August/September 2008 no 112 ‘Stitch’ – April/May 2008 no52 ‘Upholsterers & Soft Furnisher’ – January 2008 vol 17 ‘Edges & Finishes in Machine Embroidery’ by Valerie Campbell Harding 2004.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societites?Society of Designer Craftsmen Surrey Society of designer Craftsmen Embroiderers Guild Studio 21.