workshops with Joan Slack | Authentic Travel and Tours, LLC

Posts Tagged With: workshops with Joan Slack

Fiber art and Eco-printing in Ireland with Nicola Brown workshop

Posted on February 23, 2017 by joanslack

Fiber Art in Ireland with Nicola Brown :The Art of Eco Printing September 10-16, 2017

Join us for an Irish experience and art retreat with textile artist Nicola Brown in County Carlow, Ireland! An accomplished felt maker, Nicola has also researched and developed a beautiful line of “eco printed” textiles and clothing, using natural materials from the hedgerow, kitchen, gardens and woods surrounding her home. Once gathered, this vegetation is bundled in silk, wool or handmade felt and processed in well water to extract beautiful colour and prints. Participants will discover techniques, tips and processing methods, and can expect to create a variety of pieces during the week. This workshop is for anyone interested in learning the methods Nicola uses to achieve consistent and substantive prints on protein based fabric using a selection of local or easy to find natural vegetation (while enjoying the Irish countryside, food and culture!). These prints will be achieved in a simple and environmentally friendly way. Nicola is a renowned teacher, and has taught extensively on several continents. To learn more about her, and to see her at work, click on this video link: http://www.nicolabrown.ie/the-studio

Learn more about Nicola, read her blog, and view her artwork at http://www.nicolabrown.ie Expect an amazing workshop! There is also an “add-on” tour available in and near Dublin following the workshop.

See the full brochure here: fiber-art-and-ecoprinting-tour-2017

Contact your tour leader Joan Slack at joanslack33@gmail.com with questions …we hope you can join us! Space is limited to 8 people so sign up soon!

Categories: Fiber art tours, Ireland | Tags: ancient Ireland tours, art of eco-printing, artist led tour to Ireland, artist led tours, eco printing workshop in Ireland, eco printing workshop with Nicola Brown, feltmaking tours, feltmaking workshop, Feltmaking workshop in Ireland, fiber, fiber art classes with Joan Slack, fiber art in Ireland workshop, fiber art tours, fiber art tours and workshops in Ireland, guided tours in Dublin, hands-on fiber art tour in Ireland, Irish fiber art workshop, Nicola Brown workshop, scholar led tours in Ireland, trip to Ireland, workshops with Joan Slack

“Felted landscapes” workshops: How Fleece becomes Art

Posted on October 9, 2015 by joanslack

“Tree of Life” by Joan Molloy Slack

Several years ago, while in Ireland, I first learned to create felt from the local fleece. We used the wet felting method and created a variety of samplers. Top-9 Many people ask about the art of feltmaking, and I want to share some details of our workshops, as well as ideas about how the fiber work is created.

People have created felted objects for thousands of years, much of it functional, making everything from homes to capes to boots. National Geographic did a fabulous story about the history of wool and humans, tracing the ways people around the world have learned to use it for so many things. The fleece from various Top-10 animals, not only sheep, was created into magnificent rugs and tapestries, and many cultures have perfected the techniques to suit their needs and climate.

After years of teachi Top-12 ng workshops using wet felting, often combined with needle felting, I began to explore using this way of working in my own art, and find that I am continually excited about the possibilities. I have taught workshops with all ages, and have received grants to work with school programs. It is always fascinating how quickly people can learn the technique and how to use the tools, and what successful art is created!

Depending on the workshop length, I offer a variety of options. We often create samplers using blending

J. Campbell Felt class 004 J. Campbell Felt class 035-001 techniques and specialized ways to create shadow and depth. As we work, frequent discussions are held as the pieces progress, adjustments made, and the image takes shape.

I have often held workshops where we collaborate on a finished piece. 113_13511 113_1369 A favorite project was one where I developed a curriculum o 113_1360 n phenology, and taught students K-12 about the changes that occur throughout the year, such as the Equinoxes and Solstices. We created several panels that had to do with the 4 seasons, Celtic symbols, the Greenman mythology, and universal symbols.

I enjoy teaching workshops where there is time to go into more depth and explore ideas more fully than can be done in short classes. So much can be done with felt making! We can use the wool fleece as a “painting” medium, and can design a multitude of effects, from strong colors to blends.

Cloon Lough (9) For example, while walking in the landscape during a felt making workshop, I might take photos such as these, then , based upon the inspiration create a felted piece.