I started my new course at Morley College this week and it felt really good to get back in the classroom. I’ve joined Intermediate and Advanced Textile Practice, which spans an academic year but is split up into three terms, with a different tutor for each term. The autumn term is being taught by Joanna Veevers, who has a background in textiles, ceramics, and drawing. This course is a little more flexible than the foundation; we are welcome to join in with the techniques being demonstrated to us each week, but there is also the freedom to work on your own projects. The benefit of joining the class is the expert input from the tutors and being surrounded by like-minded artists, all with their own wealth of making experience. 

My plan is to join in with and test out all the techniques I can as I love building up my skills and knowledge bank, because you never know when something could be useful to your own work, even if it doesn’t seem to fit in right now. After a morning of introductions, course briefing and of course health and safety, we spent the afternoon diving into taking rubbings using oil-based inks, rollers and a variety of textures. We tested out different papers and fabrics, and different compositions; overlaying textures and colours. 

I definitely had some results that I felt were more successful than others, but by creating these textures we are creating a catalogue of materials that can be used in other ways. They don’t have to stay in this format – they could be torn or cut up, photocopied and multiplied, or altered with other mark-making materials. Who knows what they could turn into!

I’ll be interested to see where this term takes me and my textile practice. I’m not a huge fan of messy arts and crafts, but I think it will be beneficial for me to get out of my comfort zone. I’ll just have to remember my apron!