WORKSHOP - Painting and Printing on Fabric

This three hour workshop is an opportunity to join me for a relaxed and playful afternoon learning the skills of mark-making, painting and printing on fabric, using simple tools and equipment. You will leave with the ability to develop your own work, based around what you have learnt, at home.

WHEN: Saturday 12th April, 1.30-4.30 pm

WHERE: Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, Nottingham, NG1 2GB, UK

During the workshop we will be using a monochrome palette to learn about fabric paint and methods of applying it to cloth. We will experiment with mark-making and different ways of producing images and motifs, and explore composition, texture and pattern. After time spent learning techniques and experimenting on fabric swatches, you will then move on to creating your own design on a cotton tea towel which can be taken away and either framed, used or gifted. The skills and methods you will learn are transferable and can be used in very similar ways for working on paper.

The workshop will be held in The Studio at the iconic Nottingham Contemporary art gallery. The gallery is located in the vibrant city centre of Nottingham and offers a wonderful environment for creativity. The Studio is situated on the middle floor of the gallery and is fully accessible, with a lift to all floors. There is a café in the basement serving a wide variety of drink and food options, should you wish to purchase refreshments. You will also be able to visit the free exhibitions at the gallery, and browse the beautiful range of products in the gallery shop on the ground floor, with a complimentary 10% discount for workshop participants.

Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the UK, and is situated in the historic Lace Market area of Nottingham city centre. It is a short walk from the railway station and very close to bus and tram services, as well as a number of spacious car parks. The gallery is also positioned close to the main shopping districts and a vast array of eating and drinking venues. 

Included in your workshop are all materials and equipment, use of a wonderful space with up to ten other participants, and three hours of expert guidance with detailed information about tools and materials. You will take away a finished piece of artwork approximately 50 x 70 cm, knowledge about the processes I use in creating my work, and lots of confidence to continue your explorations.

The workshop is suitable for adults or young adults of all abilities and no experience is necessary. You do not need any drawing or textile skills. It is intended for those seeking a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon with other like-minded individuals; for those wanting to learn a new skill that they can then develop further in their own time; for those wanting to expand their range of skills for their own textile or art practice; and for those wanting to meet others with shared interests in a welcoming and supportive environment.

About me: I have been a practising artist, designer and maker for thirty years. I trained as a printed textile designer and have worked with textiles throughout my career, as well as creating designs for stationery, interiors, packaging, branding and fashion. My work has appeared on products for a wide range of well-known international companies, and I continue to collaborate with many of these. I have run workshops at Heal's in London and the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, and spent several years teaching on the Fashion and Textiles degree courses at Nottingham Trent and Huddersfield Universities.

IMPORTANT INFO: When purchasing your place on the workshop, it is only valid for the date and time detailed. Should you be unable to attend on the day, a refund can only be offered if the place on the workshop can be filled by another participant. 

Please bring an apron or wear clothes that you don't mind getting a little messy. Whilst the inks we will be using are water-based, you may still want to take precautions to avoid small spills or stains.