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Very pleased to be able to run my first workshop, hosted at Leyden Gallery, Whitechapel, London. The workshop runs in conjunction with the Platform 16 show, on from 21st November to 2nd December.
The workshop focused on exploring materials and 3D knitting methods for sculpture:-
Knitting with....
two contrasting threads at once (i.e. shiny and hairy, textured and fluorescent, knitting yarn and garden twine)
unusual materials (fine wire, fabric, plastic thread) between stripes of conventional yarn
short strands, make the knots part of the work
thread beads, buttons, sequins, cut straws, pieces of fabric, etc onto the yarn, and knit into the work
embellish after completion, with hand or machine stitch, beads, buttons, tied on yarn. If you intend to work with a machine – avoid creating knots in the making process.
Creating mood and narrative by...
choice of materials, textures and embellishments
considering mood (Happy/Angry, Calm/Chaos, Innocent/Disturbing), and making the piece duplicitous by shifting moods and rethinking clichés. Pastel colours are usually considered friendly, however changing the material and context can make the colour repulsive
considering the story behind your work, what materials/techniques convey the idea, and giving the piece a sense of place or history by recycling, darning or celebrating existing dirt and stains.
3D knitting...
choice of yarn, ie using a stiff yarn (fine knitting wire, twine, string, paper yarn), will automatically create a rigid structure.
stuffing, the choice of stuffing can also become part of the artwork (shredded paper, protruding coarse fibres, fabric).
felting the knit, using a wet or needle felted technique
painting the knit (if intended as artwork), with paint, varnishes, acrylic gels, wax, latex or other sculptural materials. NB Some these processes use chemicals which carry health and safety risks, please read the appropriate product information.
Due to popular demand the workshop will return on Saturday 13th January 2018!
