Ref: SSS11650
The course will start with some set tasks to introduce different strategies for starting to make more three-dimensional work. This will have an emphasis on experimentation and personal interpretation.
You will learn some of the tutor’s signature techniques where relevant to help with these tasks, including inlay, over layered piecing, seams, darts, pintucks, trailing and wiring. We will be working with hand stitch and neutrals throughout which will help to simplify your decision making and choices.
There will be plenty of time for your own work to develop from your personal preferences and strengths. Critical analysis involving what you have liked and why, will be encouraged. You will be introduced where appropriate to some contextual and historical references to inform and support your decision making.
The course is not about producing one finished piece. The six days will allow you to experiment and take risks. Instead of one resolved piece of work you will have lots of ideas to develop back in your studio, as well as discovering a little more about yourself and your preferred work processes.
The course content will encourage you to respond to primary sources.
You will understand the process of developing concept, imagery and qualities.
You will work with the inherent qualities of cloth using hand stitch as a functional element.
You will have the opportunity to rediscover techniques in a new context especially the three-dimensions. Understanding and using your own visual language is a constant during the course.
All of the above skills are generic elements that can be used in anything that you do in the future. The most precious commodity an artist can have is time and the Summer School gives you that.
Summer School highlights:
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening, with a surrealist theme inspired by Salvador Dalí, who was one of West Dean founder, Edward James’ friends and collaborators. (Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish.)
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios
As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully. A detailed timetable will be given to all students on arrival.
(Please note that plans may be subject to change depending on GOV.UK guidance at the time.)
Timetable for Summer Schools
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.
Arrival Day
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).
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 should vacate their rooms by 10am please.
Having trained in Embroidery Amanda is still obsessed by the purity of thread and cloth. She is now working freelance after an enjoyable and satisfying few decades working on Art Foundation courses. She enjoys sharing her practice with others and is particularly interested in the way we all respond to similar elements with our own visual language.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
2 places available - Book now
2 places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
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.