BA (Hons) Textiles Portfolio
I was awarded my BA (Hons) Textiles by the Open College of the Arts (OCA) in July 2016. Below is a selection of work from the modules completed.
Textiles 1 - A Creative Approach
The first module was designed to give a good grounding in a range of different textile techniques. It covered drawing skills and colour theory as well as a range of different textile techniques including embroidery, trapping and layering, creating textures, braiding, quilting and weaving using a variety of techniques. This culminated in a personal project.
My interests lie in African and Islamic art and I used tile patterns to develop into a box. This box was subsequently included in an exhibition at the Oriental Museum, Durham. The box was constructed using machine embroidery, applique and beading. Cords were made to edge the flaps of the box and create a fastening.
My interests lie in African and Islamic art and I used tile patterns to develop into a box. This box was subsequently included in an exhibition at the Oriental Museum, Durham. The box was constructed using machine embroidery, applique and beading. Cords were made to edge the flaps of the box and create a fastening.
Textiles 1 - Exploring Ideas
This module included a more in depth examination of specific textile techniques including layering, using cultural sources as inspiration, creating surfaces for further development as well as knotting techniques. I combined these 2 to create my final personal project using macrame as a technique. This module also included a more in depth study of designers including Anni Albers, Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and others.
Art History 1 - Understanding Western Art (optional course)
In addition to the textiles courses, one optional course had to be selected. Understanding Western Art covered the history of art in Europe and the Americas from Ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. Part of this course was studied in chronological order and the latter part was divided into portraits, landscapes, still life and interiors. This course enabled me to gain a full understanding of a wide range of different artists, techniques and underpinning ideas behind art movements. This course also tested my drawing skills. As part of the course required a copy of a still life painting to be made. This is the result, a copy of Apple Family II by Georgia O'Keeffe.
Textiles 2 - Developing Creative Textiles
The main emphasis in this module was based on dyeing techniques. extensive experimentation was carried out using both manufactured and natural dyes. Techniques such as resist methods were also used. the personal projects included a conceptual piece and a scarf. I used a range of procion dyes to space dye this peice of velvet. The colours acheived almost glow as though the sun is shining through the autumn leaves. The scarf was finished with a beaded fringe.
Textiles 2 - Contemporary Practice
This module examines current practice with an emphasis on sustainability, recycling and the environment. Projects also look at traditional techniques and how these can be adapted for the modern market. The module also covers digital arts and how these can be combined with textiles including digital design and printing techniques.
Textiles 3 Advanced
This final module included a negotiated, self-directed project. I created a set of soft furnishings, throws, wall hangings and cushions using African textile techniques as a basis for this. This module included a detailed research aspect into the chosen topic as well as marketing and costing of the products produced. I produced 3 different ranges based on the textiles of Mali (mud cloth), Nigeria (adire indigo dyed cloth) and Ghana (Kente woven cloth). Each range consisted of a wall hanging, a cushion and a throw.
Textiles 3: Your Own Portfolio
This is the final module and includes a selection of initial projects to focus the final major project. This is based on the current conflict in Syria, and examines the international response to the preservation of heritage and culture and my own responses to the current situation. The initial projects covered myths and legends, working on a small scale and using colour as a psychological tool.
