Rosalind Davis
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
Confidence! Plus a wide range of skills that will have a long term impact on their approach in their work. They shall have the tools for greater artistic expression, a wider understanding of contemporary art/textiles, being able to have the freedom and guidance to explore ideas and finally to create networks.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Experimental and creative drawing and embroidery techniques. Exploring yarns and fabric qualities.
I am a mixed media painter and graduate from the RCA, creating melancholy dystopian landscapes that explore human experience and identity
I am interested in buildings in areas of social deprivation, which may initially seem hostile or neglected, yet which serve a vital function to the individuals and groups connected to them. I am fascinated with the creation, evolution and destruction of these buildings and their underlying humanity. I like to explore ideas of transience and survival, community and isolation.
In my own work I fuse painting, collage and embroidery onto printed floral fabrics, selected for their historical, cultural and symbolic representations.
This complex relation between mediums is integral to the pieces. Embroidery is used as a mode of paint. The meticulousness of the textiles, its intimate and alluring qualities are used to emphasise the fragility of the spaces depicted and the disconcerting juxtaposition between aesthetics and meaning.
On my website.
Where did you gain your training?MA, Royal College of Art (2003-2005) Mixed Media
BA (Hons) Chelsea College of Art. (2000-2003) Textiles
BTEC diploma in Foundation Studies, Camberwell College of Arts
As a professional artist I have exhibited widely securing exposure through exhibiting internationally in many prestigious shows and galleries and am represented by Long and Ryle Gallery in London.
What teaching experience have you had?I am a lecturer, teacher and workshop practitioner.
I have worked with a variety of age groups, primary, secondary, adult FE and HE education.
Clients have included The Stephen Lawrence Centre, The Tower of London ( Royal Historic Palaces), Bedford College and Ashford College, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Brighton Phoenix Gallery and Castlehaven Community Centre.
I was a guest speaker at The Stroud International Textiles Festival 2009 and have delivered talks on contemporary art and textiles as well as professional practice within education and gallery settings.
Is your work in any public or private collections?I have paintings in the private collections including that of Lady Sue Hollick (chair of the Arts Council), Professor Nigel Coates (Head of Architecture at the RCA) and the collector Julian Hartnoll. Also in the Public Collection of the Health Professions Council.
Have you written any books/had articles published?A blog that I wrote for A-N, artists newsletter was named a choice blog in July by Matt Roberts (Matt Roberts Arts and chair of the Salon 08/09) I still publish a blog on my website and A-N.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?Axis
Lonsas
Artscape
The Crafts Council National Register of Makers.