Drawing with threads: an introduction to weaving
Weekend-long practical course
18 September 2021 10.30am - 5.30pm19 September 2021 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£420. Includes all materials.
Terms and conditions
Join us for a weekend-long weaving course, to reclaim the magic of making through a simultaneously universal and often-overlooked artform.
Taking inspiration from self-taught artists and visceral art making practices – themes that RA Summer Exhibition Coordinator Yinka Shonibare RA will be exploring in this year’s show – artist and weaver Ismini Samanidou leads a course exploring the physicality of working with threads.
Over the weekend, using a small frame loom and threads from Ismini’s studio materials collection, you’ll choose and adapt images, as well as learning to develop a colour palette. You’ll focus on using colour, proportion and texture to develop ideas for a finished piece of work – an approach that is central to Ismini’s practice.
This workshop is part of our Summer Exhibition 2021 programme: Reclaiming Magic. Focusing on celebrating the work of historically marginalised and overlooked practitioners, this workshop will celebrate the artistic processes of traditional makers (very often women and people of colour), whose work is often deeply embedded in their cultural worlds.
Participants can bring their own visual references to work from, or will be able to choose from a selection of works relating to the Summer Exhibition and the RA’s permanent collection.
Workshop leader, Ismini Samanidou, is an artist specialising in weaving. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Crafts Council and numerous corporate and public collections. She has travelled and researched textile techniques worldwide and is particularly interested in the way in which weaving exists as a common autonomous language, crossing cultural and political boundaries and defying time. She has spoken of weaving as a combination of 'process and mathematical logic' and 'magic', the two coming together to create something entirely new.
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor, as well as to ensure participants’ safety.
Covid-19 update: We are looking forward to welcoming you back in a way that ensures everyone's safety. Numbers will be limited to allow for social distancing, and we will be following the latest government guidelines. In the event of another national lockdown or enforced closure, we reserve the right to move this event online or to a future date. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to discuss any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
Minimum age 18.
£420. Includes all materials.
Terms and conditions
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact the Academic Programmes team by calling 020 7300 5684 or email academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk
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