Isabella Whitworth
I try to create a relaxed atmosphere during the course but I encourage everybody to achieve as much as they can, which is usually rather more than they think! I especially welcome beginners, or those who aren’t particularly confident about design.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
They should develop in confidence to explore, experiment and innovate, based on sound technical instruction. My aim is to offer the knowledge and inspiration to continue working in the medium I love.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I always demonstrate techniques to the group and bring sketchbooks and examples of my own work to illustrate the often eccentric ways in which designs develop! Courses usually include discussions and activities which explore everyone’s natural ability to observe and record. These contribute to confidence in an individual’s own creativity. On longer courses a talk or illustrated presentation on textiles may be included.
What inspires your own work?Mainly my own drawings and observations from the natural world.
Where can students see examples of your work?At several galleries such as The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey; Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Bideford; Verandah, Oxford; and on my website. I also show at events such as Art in Action.
Where did you gain your training/experience?I have a Dip AD (degree level qualification ) in Graphic Design, specialising in Illustration. I am self-taught in textiles, which has been my more-or-less full time occupation for 25 years. However, I have continued to study textile techniques with tutors who have an international reputation for excellence.
What teaching experience have you had?I‘ve taught at all levels, from primary school age through to university level, and also to adult students. I have been a tutor on adult residential courses at Denman College for about 10 years. I give courses, talks, demonstrations, lectures and workshops to Guilds and societies such as the Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, the Embroiderers’ Guild, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen etc. I have recently given papers on my historical research into natural dyes at the DHA (Dyes in History and Archaeology) conferences in Poland and Lisbon, and also to the Textile Society.
Is your work in any public or private collections?My work is often collected by private clients who may individually own such an astonishing number of my scarves that I hesitate to ask what they are doing with them! I believe they are often treated as wall-hangings.
Have you written any books/had articles published?Images of my work appear in many books on dyed and painted textiles. I am on the Editorial Committee of the Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers where I act as Features Editor for Dyeing and frequently contribute articles.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?I am a member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, where I am on the Selection Election Committee for those applying for membership in textiles. I also belong to the Batik Guild and am a supporter of the Heritage Crafts Association.