Course Description:
Fiber Sculpture is defined as the creation of three-dimensional form through the manipulation of flexible linear elements. Historically used to build functional objects, techniques such as knitting, crocheting, and embroidery were commandeered by makers in the revolutionary fiber art movement of the 1960s. Because these alternative methods of construction continue to invite critical reflection on themes such as gender, domesticity, and labor, artists in many disciplines are employing these materials and methods to reinvent their sculptural and performative practices in the twenty-first century. In these hands-on courses, students address content through experimentation with structure, texture, pattern, tension, density, gravity, and three-dimensional form. Courses rotate content by semester and year and include Knit One/Purl One; Hand Tech; Skin and Bones; and Narrative Stitching.

Section Description:
Gracing the decorated surfaces of nineteenth century fashion and interiors, lace and embroidery expressed ideas surrounding labor, gender, and social status. Historically rooted in Victorian mourning aesthetics, these hand techniques are exploding in popularity as a medium of expression in contemporary sculpture, painting, fashion, and textiles. In an increasingly fast-paced world of high tech, this workshop immerses students in hand tech-traditional hand techniques including netting, crochet lace, bobbin lace, embroidery, and re-purposing lace as a contemporary practice. Lace, although typically small and intricate, has the ability to grow exponentially in scale. The materiality of silk, hair, wire, according, rope, fabric strips, and other non-traditional elements may be investigated for their malleability and conceptual potential. This class will include demonstrations, current artists, slide presentations, critiques, and field trips, and is open to beginning through advanced students in all disciplines.

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