Archive for 2006

Teaching Kumihimo

The class for kumihimo braiding went really well. We started by working on ideas of measurement. Using our bodies to find an approximate metre length, then measuring 2 each of 4 colours, each 2 metres long. This produced eight strands which were then halved to place 16 strands on the circular board in preparation for braiding. Nearly all of the students completed the braid within 3 hours and some attached them to a keychain fitting.

A couple of students wanted the braid coiled into a circle, as seen in the second photo, which was particularly effective.

This lesson was really one on practical literacy combined with an appreciation of art and the development of an expressive technique. The skills of measurement, understanding verbal and symbolic instructions are important in all work places. So the idea was to introduce these skills in an indirect way…then lead to more direct work skill applications.

By the end of the class, students were readily able to understand the process instructions from a symbolic diagram. But this wasn’t just an intellectual exercise, the braiding gave a ‘real’ quality of experience for concentrating and using the hands to manipulate the pattern.

I was also fortunate to share the teaching with a colleague, Robyn, who skillfully broke down each process into smaller units so the students could successfully achieve at each step.

Teaching is the greatest, most creative and rewarding job in the world sometimes.

Keeping Track

Photographing textiles is sometimes as good as making them. As I said "goodbye" to these, I photographed them for my samples and notes collection. But my notes are so messy. And I don’t really know how I can make them better. There as so many processes connected to handweaving.
Firstly I have my large journal design book. This is ring bound, so I don’t loose my thoughts. I draw, colour, shape and design here. Then I add some calculations; how wide, the starting sett, how long, add in the shrinkage and loom waste. Importantly, I now name the textile, (more so I can find the multiple references later!)

Secondly, I go to my software on the computer - PCW Fiberworks, where I design the actual construction of the textile. There is a place for notes, which I also complete. It is filed under the chosen name.

Thirdly, I have a proforma made up on lightweight system board where a copy of the notes, perhaps photos and a sample can be glued on.

Also, the fabric must be actually woven in amongst all of this.

All of these are then put into a plastic folder. What do you think? Too many processes, too many bits – but they all have an important role, albeit chaotic. The artistic, the technical and the form. How do other weavers go about this?

What is Art?

Just what is art? and how can we recognize it. I’ve been thinking about this because I have to teach a short introductory class to a group of teenagers.

I think the immediate response to my question "What is Art?" will be "pictures". What sort of "pictures", perhaps painted, drawn. What about photography, is that art. Our family photos don’t seem to fit into that category but perhaps a Max Dupain photo would. Why? What’s the difference? Is a basket art? Well no, but then we see many we would call art. Textiles; are they art? Well the tea towel in my kitchen wouldn’t be considered art by these teenagers but I could show them tea towels that are art. What is the difference?

When the students begin to struggle with words to answer this, I will tell them they have the answer. It’s impossible to describe the differences. We don’t seem to have the right words to define what is art and what isn’t…we just seem to know. This is exactly what art is. The unexplainable, the things where our language fail us. It’s a feeling towards a work by the viewer and an attempt at describing the unexplainable by the artist. An artwork captures another human’s attempt at describing their human experience .Writers, musicians and artists all use their mediums to try to describe concepts which lay beyond our general speech. Making experience tangible.

There is an ancient Polynesian belief that the artist is a vehicle through whom the Gods create. Art has not always been a separate division of life left to ‘talented’ people. It was seen as a birthright. Just as a right to clean air and water. I think the activity of making art is for everybody but everybody shouldn’t be forced to agree with me! Painting, drawing, pottery etc. are not the only forms of art and it may take some experimenting to find a medium that suits. A medium where you can feel comfortable to explore technique. Yarn is that medium for me, but others may like cement, metal, needle and thread, clay, software, pencils, paper etc., etc.

So what art form will I introduce these young students to? Textiles of course. A form where technique, function and beauty can meet. We will do a 16 strand Japanese Kumihimo braid in wool.