education residency
Funded by Arts Tasmania
Creating textiles
My education residency enriched my creative experience, with both tangible creative outcomes and a dynamic exchange with the students. The core of the residency focused on translating newly created and existing artwork into a commercially viable product. The main activity was crafting a series of illustrations that were then digitally constructed into captivating textile designs and printed onto fabric. The students were able to witness this transformation firsthand, from initial sketches to vibrant fabric prints. The entire process was meticulously documented, allowing me to share my artistic development with the students as the project progressed. Towards the end of the residency, I taught students how to make their own repeating patterns for printing to understand the process in its entirety.
Beyond individual artwork creation, the residency fostered a collaborative learning environment. Concerned with empowering the students to explore their own artistic horizons, I initiated activities to facilitate art making in the classroom and with students individually. One of these activities was to make our own concertina art books. These unique, accordion-style creations provided a captivating canvas for students to express themselves and a more professional way to display their drawings. Sharing my expertise, I guided them through the process, equipping them with the tools to design and assemble their own creations.
The residency exceeded basic instruction. I actively sought feedback from the students, fostering a critical dialogue. Encouraging them to voice their opinions on my artistic choices, I inquired about their interpretations and potential applications for the artwork. This exchange proved invaluable. Their fresh perspectives and unbridled enthusiasm injected fresh inspiration into my creative process and familiarised them with the function of critical analysis.
The culmination of the residency was a testament to its success. The artwork I produced during this enriching period now forms the cornerstone of a textile collection aimed at capturing the attention of commercial design showrooms. Eager to bridge the gap between artistic expression and commercial viability, I am now in the stages of pitching and receiving feedback for this collection. Ultimately, the residency served as a catalyst for artistic growth, nurturing my creative vision while fostering valuable connections with the students, whose insights proved invaluable throughout the process. It was an enriching experience that underscored the connection between artistic expression and collaborative learning.