colour scheme
Ask an artist
This is an archived discussion forum. Edwina Jaques, a textile artist, answered questions online about fabric design and dying techniques as well as her own work as an artist.
1 June 2000
Welcome!
This discussion forum will be open from 5th June until the 7th July 2000.
Pam Rosenthall
p.m.rosenthall@exeter.ac.uk
6 June 2000
Dear Mr Jones
I look forward to meeting with you and your students next week. We were thinking it might be interesting to do something with them in an interactive discussion on line - would this be possible? Let me know if there is any particular approach you would like me to take.
See you soon
Edwina Jaques
6 June 2000
Good luck. This sounds like a very innovative idea.
M Jones
mrjones@waldersladegirls,medway.sch.uk
6 June 2000
Just to let you know I have at last accessed the website. Shall be thinking of you on-line and watching your progress. Good luck. Luv
Gay XXX
7 June 2000
What inspired you to become an artist?
Did you take any particular courses to get where you are today?
What inspired you to work with fabrics?
At school were your gcse grades high or average?
At what age did you know that you wanted to take art as a career?
lisa marie harman
y10oa9@waldersladegirls.medway.sch.uk
8 June 2000
While I was in "high school" (I am American), I took the regulation art class that everyone is offered. I pretty much did my own thing, though, because art was something you took for an easy time at my school - it was not considered a high level class, which is very sad.
Thanks to a caring teacher, I got a place in a summer program that was being offered in New York for young gifted artists. I learned a great deal and it gave me an idea what university might be like.
I then went on to the University of Michigan after high school and obtained two degrees - A Bachelor of Fine Arts and then a Master of Fine Arts. It took me nearly seven years of study and work to achieve this goal.
Since then, I have continued to study and acquire new skills to aid my creative output. You certainly don't need anything like the amount of education or degrees that I have, but you do need to have a constant curiousity about anything and everything!
As regards artistic fields, I feel the gcse grades is a good question to ask, because you can certainly be creative, but not necessarily academic. You often find that people in the arts are not academically minded or did not do well in school. There is definitely a "life" after poor exams!!! As long as you have a sense of curiousity and the desire to create, you'll do well.
I decided that I wanted to become an artist when I was 12 years old. I have always loved "making" things. There is no one in my family who is artistic, so I cannot tell you exactly where it came from except that I have always had the need to create.
My mother has an old notebook with drawngs of Spanish ladies that I did at age 2 - she was quite amazed!
As I got older, I was eager to learn about every form of art and read avidly about artists. We lived in a small community so there wasn't much chance to see "real" art.
If you are interested in becoming an artist, there is so much information for you to tap into, like this, for instance! There are books, films, museums, galleries, etc.- the list is almost endless. What you do need is the desire to "be" in the arts and keep believing in yourself. Work hard and love what you are doing.
Best of Artistic Luck_ Edwina
8 June 2000
Do you think you have to be good at art. It would be lovely to be able to do designs like these ones but however hard I try I am just not very good at art.
8 June 2000
Vicki
I'm not sure what "good at art" means....You are probably much more talanted than you think! The only requirement to be an artist is to want to be one. That doesn't mean, howver, that there isn't a lot of hard effort ahead of you, but if you really want something, you'll achieve it. Don't forget that there are many forms of artistic
outlets - you only need to begin to think creatively. Not everyone is cut out to be a Michelangelo or a Da Vinci, but there are many many levels to aim for. Design is a wonderful way to be in the arts and is necessary for virtually everything we do. Look around you - your clothes, shoes, cutlery on the table, glasses both on your nose and on the table, cars, posters, even this website took a considerable amount of artistic know how.
edwina
7 June 2000
When did you first develop your interest in textiles?
Beth Short
96shortb@waldersladegirls.medway.uk
8 June 2000
I have always been fascinated by the feel and colour of fabric and I have had a life-long love of clothing. I began to design clothing for my dolls and later began making my own clothes, cutting out patterns from old newspapers and sometimes NOT old newspapers, which greatly annoyed my father!
I was motivated by the fact that I had very little money for clothes and in the States we don't have school uniforms so you have to have a much greater wardrobe. Naturally, some individuals had lots of very expensive outfits while others did not. I got around this by making my own. Now, I dress for myself and I don't worry about what other people think!
edwina
7 June 2000
hi,
What do you like to design the most?
Why did you choose to do designing instead of any other career?
Do you make wedding dresses?
amykate
katlin78@aol.com
8 June 2000
Dear Amykate
What a creative name!
I enjoy the latest challenge. I usually do private commissions and these are wonderful as you need to work wih your client. Afterall, it's something they've asked you to make for them.
Because they ideas are usually different to mine, I tend to learn something new. This isn't easy, but very rewarding.
Design comes into anything artistic. I am a designer whether I am working in sculpture, painting, jewellery or clothing. The ability to create gives joy and a sense of meaning to life - art is the soul of any civilization...
I can make wedding dresses, but they will be unusual to say the least!
All the best,
Edwina
7 June 2000
When did you first decide that you wanted to do Art/Textiles?
Nina Seal
96sealn@waldersladegirls.medway.uk
8 June 2000
Have a look at my answer to Lisa
Edwina
7 June 2000
What is it like to be a well known Artist?
Is it a hard thing to do, and hard to earn a living?
Do you enjoy your job?
What is your most favorite piece of work that you have ever done?
Would you ever change your job? If so what and why?
Rachel Brooker
96brookerr@waldersladegirls.medway.sch.uk
8 June 2000
Dear Rachael
It's very reassuring to have other people acknowledge what you do, but it doesn't make working any easier as it's a solitary profession and only you can make it happen. Lots of artists seldom get a mention and it means that they have to really have faith in what they are doing!
Being known does not mean, however that you are able to make a living from what you do. Materials are very costly in most of the arts and also time intensive. Galleries often take half or more of the price listed simply for allowing you to show your work! That is why you sometimes see that artists have their own gallery to try and minimise the costs.
My most favorite piece of work? This is a tough question! I tend to like the piece that I am currently working on just because I'm in a new adventure of creative exploration. However, there are some that sand out for me and I try to hold onto those that I feel are important. I have a favourite painting, sculpture and dress that I have made.
I am doing exactly what I love doing, so it makes it easy. I work extremely hard - sometimes I'm up all night, but it's because I am enjoying what I do. The only reason to change, would be because I no longer enjoyed my work... No, absolutely Not ever change my job!!!!
edwina
7 June 2000
Hi yah!! We are to young ladies at Walderslade Girls' School anr are currently taking G.C.S.E textiles and would like to know more info about textiles.
lea and maz
y10oa38@waldersladegirls.medway.sch.uk
Do you enjoy your work?
Are there many jobs available in the textile industry?
What inspires you?
Is the money good in this industry?
How did you get into your line of career?
Do you design and make your work or do you only do one of these?
Does anyone help you with your work?
Where is the best place that your work has been shown?
At what age did you start designing?
How long have you been doing your job for?
What is your favourite design?
Faye Clarke
billmandyclarke@compuserve.com
8 June 2000
About my work, see my answers to Rachel.
About the jobs in the textile industry, see my answers to Lisa.
About the money, it depends what you are doing and how much you want. If you are a top designer you will naturally be making more than people on the "floor". You need to set your own goals and then go for them. Nine times out of ten, you'll make it if you do the work. Be sure and do your research and know what it is you are heading for.
I have always loved designing clothes, but began to do private commissions about 10 years ago. I began with knitwear, but found it too labour intensive. I now have my own seamtress who sews up my designs.
On the cat walk is the best place - to see your designs in action. My jewellery and masks were shown in Milan with Megan Douglas,a New Zealand designer.
I designed and made my own doll clothes when I was little and caried on to make my own and hats for my Mum.
I've been doing my job for lifelong!
edwina
7 June 2000
I'm a GCSE student in textiles at walderslade girls' school and i would like to know how you started up your business as an artist.
Thank you!
sophie ansell
96ansells@waldersladegirls.medway.uk
8 June 2000
Dear Sophie
Thank you for your question - it's a very good one!
It has taken a long time and a lot of effort to maintain myself as an artist. People tend to not take you seriously and think of an art career, especially in Fine Arts as a bit of a joke. You need to believe in yourself and your ability and it helps if there are other people who believe in you as well.
Aside from that and ability of course, you will require many more skills than most jobs. In addition to making the work, I have to be able to:
1) Promote myself (contacting galleries or other outlets, brochures, letters, telephone calls, competitions etc.)
2) Find out where to get the best deal on mateials or help that I might need
3) A second job or other means. I teach workshops, but have also been a hostess on National Express. Sometimes, you can get a grant or loan to help you get started or buy equipment.
4) There is the usual business to attend to with tax forms, paying bills etc.
These are some of the practical things to be aware of, but certainly not to put you off as they usually happen gradually and you get better at them as time goes on.
edwina
8 June 2000
Do you make your own clothes with the fabrics you design or do you mainly use it for things about the house like cushion covers?
Do you know about whether it will be washable in advance when you use certain paints or things like tea, coffee etc. or do you just have to try something out to see if it is going to be washable before doing much work using it?
Thank you
Vicki
8 June 2000
Dear Vicki
Thank you for all your questions. I hope that you are finding the anwers of use!
Yes, I do make my own clothes. I started sewing as a child and I made my own doll clothes to begin with and just carried on from there.
I love unusual clothing and use a lot of upholstery material because it is generally more interesing and has a bit more body or weight to it. I also enjoy combining various media and will incorporate a painting or small piece of sculpture within the garment. You can create your own distinctive clothing by adding bits to it or changing the structure a bit. Try it on something old to begin with or find a garment from a second hand shop to give you inspiration.
edwina
15 June 2000
Edwina,
What does the world of textile arts owe to Susan Bosence?
Linda B
lb@altavista.org.uk
15 June 2000
Susan Bosance's knowledge of Afican textiles, particularly resist and overprinting inspired her own work and that of her students, creating an interest in these techniques and the viability of them for Western artists.
She used the methods to create her own distinct forms which were designs primarily for function - fabrics to be made into clothing or other useful articles. She belived that people should have cloth that was beautiful to look at, wearable and tangibly comfortable.
edwina
20 June 2000
This message is from Pat Baker via Gay Smith. Pat says that unfortunately the Shakespeare Road Community Centre doesn't yet have the internet although it is part of a project for the autumn. She says the group involved got so much from Edwina's workshops there and they WANT MORE, PLEASE! We have had super responses in the evaluation forms which will be shared with all in due course.
Pat Baker
Shakespeare Road Community Centre
21 June 2000
Dear Pat & Gang
Thank you for your kind mssage- I very much enjoyed working with all of you at the Shakespeare Centre and am pleased that it was mutual. I would be delighted to do more workshops! It is exciting to see such good work come out of this project.
The Exeter Museum has created a template for future work in the community of this nature. There are too many people who feel that museums are just not their "thing", but are keen to learn about the things they have to offer. So, a program like this which offers a link and an actual "hands on" approach within a specific community context is vital. It helps to create a more user friendly atmosphere where children as well as adults, are encouraged to seek out the unknown. The children who are introduced to the museum are tomarrow's supporters.
The online discussion - talking with lots of new persons and learning some new skills, has been particularly good for me. It is my hope that I have helped to inspire interest and point out some new directions.
edwina
21 June 2000
Susan Bosence took a lot of her inspiration from african cloths. What has been your inspiration?
Pam Rosenthall
p.m.rosenthall@exeter.ac.uk
21 June 2000
Dear Pam
See the list of design inspiration in "Workshops". I could add to that list indefinitely. Everything and anything could be of use. I am interested in religious and cultural artifacts - they were formative in my original work.
Edwina
21 June 2000
Do you design textiles for others to use or just for the garments you make yourself. Are your designs for the clothing industry or for furnishings?
Pam Rosenthall
p.m.rosenthall@exeter.ac.uk
21 June 2000
Dear Pam
I make textiles for my own specific garments - usually painted insets. My wok is "mixed-media ncorporating a variety of techniques and media such as sculptured clasps, buttons etc., paintings either direct or transferred
I do one-off clothing commissions, but I wouldn't preclude other design options. As primarily a fine artist, I see textiles in a slightly different light.
Edwina
21 June 2000
Dear Edwina,
One more question!! Do you design mainly for one material such as silk,wool or cotton?
Pam
21 June 2000
Dear Pam
Ok! One more.... When I paint, print or transfer, it is usually on silk or cotton.
Edwina
28 June 2000
An overview of the Molli Project
To all Molli Participants
This project has been exciting because it has sought to involve the community - making what the Museum does acessable and user friendly.
Workshops have been set up throughout Exeter, involving a variety of sites and groups. Some who might find the Museum a daunting or boring prospect are now looking with interest and there were requests from all the community sites involved for more of this kind of hands on project.
Art is an excellent key to understanding and a window to learning new ideas. It has the natural capacity to break down barriers and to help establish relationships between people of all sorts. This project could be carried on in many forms, tied to virtually any exhibition or theme.
It was intended that a suite of computers would be made available in Exeter Museum so that people could access this discussion forum. It is possible that we didn't have many persons responding for a variety of reasons: participants may not have had use of computers or the internet, had problems accessing the site or did not see the relevance. Better publicity in the right venues might havr helped.
There were varied venues and groups of persons who participated in the project. Workshops were conducted with students in schools, mother and toddler groups, members of a particular community and youth groups in community centres, teacher trainees and college students as well as a "mixed" group held at the Museum. Some of these had very little experience with art or with the tenets of the exhibition it was inspired by, but everyone enjoyed the experience as well as learning new skills and the indivdual confidence that is gained by creating something.
I have gained much from this experience, both as a workshop leader and the online "expert". It has helped me to coalese my thoughts about the work in the community, why I do it and how I can better achieve my goals. It has provided me with the opportunity to work with various groups in the community, locally as well as outside. It seems that I will be visiting students in a school in Kent who made contact with the site and contributed many excellent questions. This is exactly why this kind of forum is so exciting and valuable and has unexpected ramifacations for everyone!
Thanks to all
Edwina Jaques
28 June 2000
Dear Edwina, Thank you for your overview which in many ways reflected mine. I have learned so much during these six weeks or so of the workshops, reeling from crisis to crisis, leaping from success to success. Even one "convert" from the group is SO VALUABLE. Thank you for your support and I think we have a lot more to work towards. Best wishes and many thanks, Gay.
Medina
