Mandy Southan: Leaves After Rain

Mandy Southan


Mandy studied Textile and Fashion Design at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design and has an international reputation as a Silk Painter. She is author of a number of books including bestselling 'Beginner's Guide to Silk Painting' and 'Shibori - Designs and Techniques' and has made numerous contributions to other textile publications and magazines. She is founder and president of the Guild of Silk Painters, a member of The Sussex Guild of Craftsmen and a qualified and experienced teacher who has taught in further and higher education for many years.

Mandy has a special interest in traditional Japanese resist-dyeing techniques. Her complex silk textiles are a fusion of traditional and contemporary methods, combining 3-dimensional shibori shaping with hand painting and resist dyeing techniques.

Describe your approach to teaching?
With group and one-to-one demonstrations and discussion, I guide students individually, helping them gain knowledge, skills and confidence in expressing their ideas and fulfilling their aims. I encourage a friendly, informative and enjoyable learning environment in which students can feel relaxed and supported in their learning.

What inspires your own work?
I find unending inspiration in the natural world - it's colours, textures, shapes and infinitely varied designs.

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