Layers of meaning – mixed media, stitched textiles with Amarjeet Nandhra

Art textiles

Ref: SLW11819

Beginners/Intermediate £411
Print
Book now

Places available

About this course

Discover how to build up complex layer of imagery using print, asemic writing and mark making on fabric, to produce a range of expressive stitched textile experiments.

Course Description

This course explores the potential that each layer and each mark tells a story and elicits a response. Whether your interpretation is observational, conceptual or emotional, every layer will create meaning and context.

The emphasis will be on creating a set of experimental and expressive samples that explore a range of ideas, rather than producing a resolved piece.

Personal research (sketchbooks, photographs, text or objects) will provide the stimulus for these textile experiments. It is therefore important that you choose a theme that excites and inspires you and will keep you engaged for the duration of the course.

You will build up layers of imagery and text on fabric, using the process of monoprint, mark-making, asemic writing, collage, and hand stitch. Experiment with adding, subtracting, obscuring, and overprinting to build up complex layers that compose a larger narrative.

Expressive hand stitch will be an important aspect of this course and you will be introduced to, or revisit, a range of stitches. You will be encouraged to find your own unique way of using these stitches to extend your textile practice.

Development of ideas will be supported by individual tutorials to discuss your personal pathways and the possible future directions you could take. This course is suitable both for students with basic skills, as well as more intermediate students who wish to develop a personal visual language.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

Included

  • Polypropylene sheet/plastic printing sheets, textile printing pigments and binder.

What students need to bring

  • Mark making tools; ends of paintbrushes, old pens, empty thread cones, empty sellotape roll, wire wool, knives, forks, credit card, spatulas... anything!
  • A selection of paint brushes
  • A hard printing roller and a foam/sponge roller (if you have them)
  • A selection of white medium weight fabric, you will need around 2 or 3 meters - this can be a mix of muslin, cotton, organza, sheers
  • Embroidery hoop
  • A range of hand embroidery threads - perle, stranded, rayon
  • A range of needles and scissors
  • Your personal research (sketch book, photo, objects, text)
  • Apron to protect your clothes from dyes

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Plain undyed cottons and calico in various weights are available
  • Embroidery hoops
  • Sewing needles and a small range of stranded hand embroidery threads
  • Water soluble pens, pens and pencils
  • Paper masking tape, craft knife or scalpel
  • Available from tutor:
  • Tip applicator bottles and fabric dye

Tutors

Amarjeet Nandhra

Amarjeet Nandhra is a practising artist, working with print, mixed media and stitch. Trained in Graphic Communication, later gaining a BA in Creative Arts. She has also worked as an Art Director on various independent short films. As a freelance tutor she has taught a range of courses; printmaking, mixed media and textiles in the UK and Spain.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.

Sign-up to be the first to know

Sign up to our Short Course enews to hear about new courses, late availability and get creative inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.