Val Holmes
I love giving and sharing everything I know about the subject. My courses work on the notion that they are very well organised and constructed, but if students need ‘extras’ they get them. This makes the courses lively and interesting.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?A lot of technical information and practical experience relating to the subject. But also an insight into designing with the techniques looked at.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Machine embroidery, an very many textile techniques.
What inspires your own work?My own drawings, sketchbooks and development
Where can students see examples of your work?On my website and I’m at Alexandra Palace for the Knitting and Stitching show every year. We also have a gallery in our own home in Luçon.
Where did you gain your training?Foundation course in Art and Design at Gloscat, Cheltenham (1977 – 78)
BA(hons) Embroidery at Manchester (MMU)(1979 – 82)
Post grad at Coventry (1982 – 83)
Part-time art college teaching 1982-88
Have taught for Embroiderer’s Guilds, private studios, groups and associations since leaving university as well as my own established studio space
I've written a series of articles on Machine Embroidery for Stitch Magazine.
Books:
Gardens in Embroidery – Batsford – 1991
The Machine Embroiderer’s Workbook – Batsford – 1991
The Encyclopedia of Machine Embroidery – Batsford Amova- 2003
Creative Recycling in Embroidery – Batsford Amova- 2006
Broderie Machine – LTA- 2006