“FROM the LAND: MIXED-MEDIA TEXTILES, DESIGN and STITCH” September 10, 2009

This mixed media, textile workshop will explore ideas relating to the land and landscape. Students will be introduced to the use of everyday objects for print, and look at the different ways of texturing and colouring surfaces of fabric and fine papers. They will combine paper with fabric using stitch; and look at stitching as an extension of mark making and drawing. A focus will be placed on the importance of keeping a sketchbook/journal as part of the process.
There will be a one-day break in the middle of this workshop to give participants an opportunity to relax and enjoy the various outings and countryside of this beautiful part of France; but also in order to give them some time to process what they have learned and to contemplate their design ideas.
After obtaining a Fine Arts degree in the early eighties from Maidstone College of Art (now the University College of Creative Arts) Cas Holmes’ understanding of paper and related media was further enhanced through two periods of long-term study in Japan in the mid to late eighties, with Fellowships supported by the Japan Foundation and the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Her current work relates to the natural and built world around us and she uses found materials as part of this process whilst looking at environmental links and sustainable practice. Cas is exhibiting her new work in two main projects this year, 'Traces' and 'Transitions' - both theses exhibitions are touring the U.K. Cas has also had teaching posts at various universities throughout the UK.

Official Website: http://www.lessoeursanglaises.com