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Textiles

student work from the 2005 Bush Camp - this picture updates when the page is refreshed

Welcome to the Textiles studio specialisation. Study in textiles in the School of Art, Architecture and Design is oriented towards the visual arts. Graduates often set up their own studios, or work in one of the many cooperative workshops that characterise visual and craft practice in South Australia. Some complement their private practice by working as community artists in urban and regional areas. Others have expanded their practice to include writing, criticism and exhibition curation.

Graduates are included in significant national textiles exhibitions such as the Tamworth Biennale, or study textiles at postgraduate level in Australia and overseas. Teaching staff are committed to working with other institutions to create opportunities that promote textiles practice. Events (exhibitions, seminars and workshops) and visiting scholars and artists are hosted by the Textiles Studio, giving students the opportunity to interact with Australian and New Zealand indigenous artists as well as nationally and internationally renowned textile artists.

 

Courses offered

Textiles is offered as a broadly based, multi disciplinary medium with potential for the student to work expressively in a wide range of materials and techniques in either two or three dimensions on a miniature or a monumental scale. Students are introduced to the areas of woven tapestry and constructed textiles, handmade paper, artist made books and printed and dyed textiles, through technical and theoretical lectures, workshops and projects. More advanced levels are offered as well as projects which encourage cross- disciplinary study. Emphasis is on textiles as an expressive medium in the visual arts, and students are encouraged to develop a strong conceptual basis for their work, to be experimental and to work across traditional boundaries.

Constructed Textiles (VSAR 2023)

A studio-based course which explores the place of textiles in contemporary culture. Students are introduced to textile terms and conventions, and aspects of textile history and theory. Technical instruction is given in thread construction and interlacing techniques, knitting coiling, twining, netting, and feltmaking. More details (timetables, unit value and learning resources) 

Paper (VSAR 2088)

This course aims to give students an understanding of the place of paper as an medium in contemporary art practice. It offers an introduction to hand manufacturing of both recycled and fibre- based paper, the preparation of pulps, use of the Hollander beater, sheet formation, paper dyeing and casting, and simple book construction techniques. More details (timetables, unit value and learning resources)

Textiles: Field Trip (VSAR 2024)

This course is structured around an off campus field trip to an area of native vegetation in South Australia, preceded by textual research and followed by project work. More details (timetables, unit value and learning resources)

Textiles: Print/Dye VA (VSAR 2025)

This course explores the place of printed and dyed textiles in contemporary culture. Students receive instruction in screenprinting and dyeing processes and simple cloth construction techniques. Projects are designed to extend students conceptually, to allow for the development of technical capabilities and the expressive use of print/dye processes. More details (timetables, unit value and learning resources)

Artist Made Books (VSAR 2087)

The course extends students knowledge and understanding of contemporary artists books through research and project work. An introduction to aspects of the history and theory of artist’s books is given and to the practical skills of book construction. Japanese and European book construction techniques are taught with an exploration of paper, paper finishes and applications. Text and the book format is considered. Students are encouraged to work imaginatively and to challenge book conventions. More details (timetables, unit value and learning resources)

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Staff in the Textiles Studio

Studio Head: Marea Atkinson
Kay Lawrence (Foundation Textiles workshop)
Irmina van Niele (Artists Books)
Louise Haselton (Constructed Textiles)
Agnieszka Golda (Honours, Specialisation 1, Print/Dye)
Technical Officer: Alan Saunders


Studio facilities

The Textiles studio area on level 5 of the Dorrit Black building provides excellent facilities and offers a range of courses that introduce students to the areas of woven tapestry, constructed textiles, print/dye processes, papermaking, book construction and artist made books. Students can continue with courses which allow for the development and combining of textiles techniques and processes. Connections may be made with sculptural concerns and installation.

Occupational Health and Safety in Textiles

Occupational Health and Safety training in the use of machinery, the Hollander Beater, Photographic Screen Exposure Unit, chemicals, dyes, equipment, materials and processes is given at the start of each course to all students.

Please note safety rules apply in the textiles studio. In addition to the requirements for PPE (personal protection equipment) for specific SOP (safe operating procedure) you must wear suitable shoes, clothing, gloves, masks and safety glasses.

Textiles Studios

The Textile studios include the Wet Lab, Print/Dye, Paper Mill and Dry/Clean areas, all well equipped and ventilated, with a combination of natural and overhead lighting.

Wet Lab (DB5-19)

The studio is well set up for all 'wet' processes involved in papermaking and print/dye processes. It contains

Print/Dye (DB5-19A)

The studio is well set up for dye processes involved in papermaking and print/dye processes. It contains

Paper Mill (DB5-19B)

This facility has industrial waste disposal and sump, a water purifying system, hot and cold water and non slip floors. It contains

Dry Clean Room (DB5-21)

This studio is used for Artist Made Books, Constructed Textiles, tutorials and student presentations. The studio contains

Collation/Seminar room

This facility has a projection screen, a video/TV facility with numerous tables and chairs for seminars, student presentations, finishing work and collation.

Honours Studio

Individual studio space is provided to Honours and Level 3 Textiles Specialisation students for installation and experimental work in textiles. Individual work spaces include tables, pinboards, desks, plan drawers and cabinets for storage.

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Useful links

DBVS Bachelor of Visual Arts (Specialisation) (UniSAnet)
Internet resources for papermaking, fibre arts and artists' books (UniSA Library): these sites contains links under headings such as databases, discussion lists, electronic journals, artists and studios, embroidery, tapestries, textiles, museums and more.
General Art Glossary (UniSA)

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News and events

2007

Every two years, the Textiles Studio offers the Textiles Field Trip as an elective requiring no previous textiles experience. The Bush Camp is held at Oratunga Station, Flinders Ranges. More information

2006

Claire Parkes, a weaver and basket maker from Arizona in the USA was artist in residence in the Textiles Studios in September. She participated in a short field trip to Camp Coorong to study Njarrindjeri weaving and culture with Constructed Textiles students.

Melinda Rankin, graduate in the Bachelor of Visual Arts, History and Theory, and recipient of a 2006 University Medal, was appointed Director of the Hahndorf Academy. As part of her studies Melinda studied both textiles and arts writing and undertook a mentorship with Curator Vivonne Thwaites to present Out of Site a satellite exhibition to Writing a Painting, an official 2006 Adelaide Festival exhibition.

Sera Waters won the Ruth Tuck Scholarship, and travelled to Surrey in the UK to study at the Royal School of Needlework. Sera's original interest in beauty in mass culture led her investigate issues of gender and 'women's work' and use of textile processes. In her later work her interest shifted to the nexus between nature and culture. Her scholarship will enable her to study the history and practice of embroidery while immersing herself in the rich history of English embroidery through visiting collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Constance Howard Museum at Goldsmiths College at the University of London,

Kay Lawrence, Irmina van Niele and Toby Richardson were selected to participate in the 2006 Tamworth Textiles Biennial opening in Tamworth, NSW.

2005

Patternbook is a drawing that took place at the SASA Gallery from 14 Sep-7 Oct 2005. The artist Ruth Hadlow drew directly onto the walls of the gallery, developing an installation work in-situ, with the gallery open to the public for the duration of the installation period.

Sanskriti residency
Louise Haselton, SASA lecturer, and Kim Beaman, 2004 Honours textiles graduate, were awarded a six-week residency at the Sanskriti Kendra in India. This cultural exchange was initiated by the Helpmann Academy with support from Malaysian airlines and the Australia India Council. While at the Sanskriti, on the outskirts of Delhi, they had the opportunity to mix with Indian and international artists, artisans, writers and scholars. Artworks made in association with this exchange were on show at the SASA Gallery in 2006.

 

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