Explore the extraordinary possibilities of working with lightweight wire to create small-scale sculptures that incorporate found materials. 

During the workshop Priscilla will share with you her unique combination of creative techniques showing you how to shape wire by simply using pliers and fingertip manipulation to make a structure. Priscilla will than explore the process of applying layers of silk and wax to your piece – this can then be embellished by adding stitching, touches of paper, paint, buttons, broken jewellery, beads and anything else you may like to add. As the sculptures develop you will see their distinct characters unfolding and becoming your own creations. Repurposing materials is hugely rewarding as it allows you to use fragments of precious fabrics and treasures in your stash producing an original piece that is totally personal and unique to you. 

This workshop is aimed to inspire with lots different, techniques and process so you can develop them in a way that fits in with your own practice. It would suit anyone who enjoys working in a three-dimensional way with mixed media techniques. Priscilla will be bringing lots of her own work to the workshop and will talk you through how she puts pieces together, this provides the perfect insight into her own making and how she develops ideas. Please feel free to bring any additional resources you wish to work with; Priscilla’s workshops always encourages you to develop personal pieces of work. This workshop would suit anyone who enjoys working with mixed media techniques and would like to develop this approach to their own practice.

On the first evening you will look at examples of work provided by the tutor and have a play creating some samples to get a feel for working with the wire.

The course aims:

• To broaden a mixed media approach to textile sculpture.
• To develop new ways of working.
• To create a personal body of work.

You will: 

• To learn how to manipulate wire with pliers/finger manipulation.
• To explore different ways of adding embellishments to a three-dimensional structure.
• To gain confidence in making sculptural textile art.

Learning outcomes include:

• Learning to create sculptures using wire, fabric and wax.
• Execute ideas and concepts using mixed media techniques and processes.
• Apply personal reflection on creative practice.

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including, fabrics, wire, silk, threads, glue and haberdashery. 
The College will supply some of the materials including wax.

What students need to bring

• Apron
• Pen/Pencil 
• Paper or sketchbook
• Fabric and paper scissors
• Grip Pliers 
• Broken china, jewellery or doll parts or other items of ephemera of found objects. 
• Camera or camera phone

Plus if you wish…

• A small collection of light weight fabrics – cottons and silks work best.
• A small selection of scrap paper
• Haberdashery – including buttons, lace, and threads.
• Feathers
• Old zips

Available to buy

Available from tutor:
Additional haberdashery items, may be available

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).