Wendy Dolan
I encourage all students to work to their own potential, while having fun, acquiring new skills. I demonstrate a variety of ideas and techniques which students then develop individually.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?Confidence in using their machine for machine embroidery and an enthusiasm for working creatively with fabric, thread and stitch.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Freehand machine embroidery.
Piecing and patching fabric in layers, working into it with machine and hand stitching, then using fabric paints to apply background colour. Further stitching is applied to create definition, detail, texture, line and form.
The Landscape, in particular the South Downs, Natural forms, and Architecture.
Where can students see examples of your work?The Sussex Guild Shop, Southover Grange, Lewes. Art in Action and a variety of other Exhibitions and Craft Shows, details of which can be viewed on my website.
Where did you gain your training? Experience?I studied Art and Textiles in Brighton while studying for a B.Ed Hons Degree A few years later I qualified for a Diploma in Creative Stitched Textiles.
Teaching experience:
I have been teaching adults for 20 years as a freelance tutor and lecturer and as a sessional tutor in Adult Education in both Brighton, Hove and Worthing.
Is your work in any public or private collections?Aspiring Arches’(8.2 x 3.42 metres)– A Millennium wall hung textile for Ashridge, a ManagementDevelopmentCollege in Hertfordshire
‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘Starlight Serenade’ (13m x 4.5m) Two embroidered stage curtains for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Liners ‘Legend of the Seas’ and ‘Grandeur of the Seas’.
‘House Banners’Six embroidered banners for Hurstpierpoint College in Sussex.
Articles in ‘Embroidery’ magazine, following the design and construction of Aspiring Arches.
Professional groups and societies:The Society of Designer Craftsmen
The Sussex Guild of Designers / Makers
The Embroiderers’ Guild