ELEMENTS: Art Through Tapestry
I thought I’d take up some space here on my weekly blog post to talk a little bit about a new online course I’m offering. It’s called ELEMENTS: Art Through Tapestry.
This course has been in my plans for quite some time. I was initially working on the idea long before I wrote the Soumak course, but there was so much interest in Soumak at the time that I put it on hold.
Think of it like an Art Course in Tapestry.
The course will focus on one element at a time to eventually include the following 7 Elements in Art:
Shape, Line, Value, Color, Texture, Form, and Space. Principles of Art (rhythm, movement, balance, emphasis, contrast, etc) will also be discussed as they relate to the element.
The format will be similar to The Many Faces of Soumak. A new Element will be opened every 3 weeks and will include lessons - for instance, Line: what it is, why it matters, kinds of lines, ways to create the lines (including videos demonstrating techniques), and how to use line in tapestry.
Design classes, drawing, and art history are the first subjects taught in an art program.
When I was in art school - and I believe it to still be true for most, no one was even allowed to take a studio class (other than drawing) their first year. So I see it as a beneficial structure for whatever level one is at- to move forward.
It is for that reason that I'm approaching this course similar to Design 1 and 2 courses in a college level art curriculum. The main difference being that we will focus on tapestry and the "assignments" will be purely optional and carry no grade! Oh, and no mid-term or final pressure, either. No staying up all night before a Crit - and no high cost tuition!
I've already mentioned that the 7 elements will be represented one at a time.
There will be prompts to choose from and lots of examples in each module. Within each section, there will be discussion and suggestions on how to apply that particular element through tapestry techniques.
And yes, the techniques will be demonstrated.
If you already know the techniques, that's great. You can skip over them. But I realize there may be some that haven't learned one or two along the way and so I will be including videos. For instance, in the Shape module, we'll talk about different forms of shapes (geometric, organic, implied, etc) and demos will include techniques such as slits, eccentric weave and various joins.
The course is open for registration now
Does this sound like a good fit for you?
If so, you can sign up here.
If you still have questions, check out the FAQ’s below.
Hope to see you inside!
FAQ’S
Q. Will this class be offered again?
A. At this point, there is no start and end date, so it is open for ongoing enrollment at any time. The only downside to signing up later is that the price will increase. I may close it for a period in the future and re-open it at a later date, but right now I have no plans of doing that.
Q. I wonder about the critiques. Will these be individual, small groups? Will the critiques be serious in the sense that they will be helpful with design etc.?
A: Critiques - done well - with suggestions of what works and what doesn’t and what could work will be encouraged. I have a whole section about how to approach a critique setting and I hope that will avoid the “I love it!” response followed by dead silence. “Constructive” criticism is what I’ll be after - and offering.
Q. Your class is interesting to me because I don’t have an art background. What level is Elements designed for- beginning, intermediate, advanced? Will the focus be on beginning tapestry weavers?
A: I see the class for all levels of tapestry weaving. Learning about design and composition is a foundation for any level. However, I’m not going to show how to warp a loom - but I will have videos to cover techniques as they come up.
Q. Will it include drawing to develop ideas for tapestry?
A: There will be sketching exercises. I like the term sketch better because it’s not so “precious”- I am a firm believer that anyone can draw. Some draw “better” than others, yes. If we think of it as a sketch and not a piece of artwork in itself, the pressure dissolves. So I’ll be emphasizing the importance of “sketching” over drawing.
Q. If I am gone for a period of time, will that impact participating in the class? I was also wondering about the length of time the class will be held.
A: It should not effect your ability to participate if you are gone during any period of time. The course is designed for you to go at your own pace. The monthly Critiques will encompass any stage one is at in the course. The total content will last approximately 21 weeks.
Q. Do we have access to everything for a long time? I’m worried I couldn’t keep up if there is a strict timeline to participate and might want to do it over a longer period of time.
A: Yes, it is forever access and you can work through the course at your own pace.
Initially when the course opens, you will have access to the sections on basics of design, elements, and principles as well as the first element, Shape. From that point on, a new element will open up every 3 weeks, but the previous content remains open so you can move on or stay in the first or previous one- totally up to you. I personally don’t like courses that close after a period of time!
Q. Do you take only a certain amount of students and it can fill up if don’t sign up quickly?
A: I currently don’t have a limit on how many students can sign up, so it shouldn’t be a problem to sign up later. But the discount code is only good until the 21st of June.
Q. Do you weave from front or back and do you want us to weave one way or the other?
A: I weave from the front. You are free to weave in whatever way you prefer. However, any techniques I teach sill be from the front.
Q. Do you recommend / require we use certain yarns?
A: I do no not require you to use certain yarns, although I will suggest some that I’ve used from time to time as it applies to the content.
Q. Can I still participate and/or access the critiques after I have completed the course?
A: YES! You are always welcome to participate whether you have just begun the course or finished all the content. The same is true for any study groups that are added as time progresses. Currently, this includes the Silvia Heyden study group.
Still not sure? Here’s what other have to say about Elements:
“I finally came to the art of tapestry weaving after many years of knitting and spinning as casual hobbies. As someone with no formal artistic training or experience in drawing or painting, Kennita’s “Elements” course has given me an opportunity to explore and appreciate all the visual arts in perspectives and language previously unknown to me. Tapestry aside, I am starting to understand why a painting or sculpture or sketch appeals to me, and how to analyze and talk about it. Kennita’s lessons and videos are thoughtfully assembled and the suggested exercises have had me re-thinking my supposed limitations when it comes to drawing or watercolors or collage. Kennita’s applications of artistic theory in the textile realm have been mind-opening for me on three levels. 1.) The clearly prepared video demonstrations of tapestry technique and usage are invaluable for a beginner at the loom. The assignments are basic enough for mastery, but allow for exploration and individual expression. 2.) The Zoom Critique Sessions allow me to connect with others all over the country and abroad who are on the same path of discovery. We share our work with each other which, despite some initial apprehension on my part, has proved invaluable. These sessions bring validation and encouragement that fuel my desire to keep going and to try something new. 3.) Through her video presentations and associated links, Kennita has introduced me to a realm of textile work and a community of tapestry artists that I didn’t even know existed. I find myself being led in directions of interest and enjoyment that are refreshing and promise to sustain me.
There is some much more to “Elements” than gaining knowledge. It has provided a wonderful new framework for experiencing art, whether in the Gallery, or at my loom, or even looking out at the scenery. Take this class!”
Peg Kroll, Suttons Bay, Michigan
“Elements of Art Through Tapestry is an essential and game changing course for tapestry weavers. Kennita Tully has created a rich, informative and active course that draws on foundational aspects of elements of art, and then translates those elements into practicable dynamic tools to be used in weaving and designing tapestries. I am an experienced tapestry weaver and designer. I learned many new things about my chosen craft. I was able to finally feel that the sometimes amorphous and somewhat mysterious elements of art and design are actually much more accessible and available to a non drawing, highly tactile, fiber artist like myself. For newer tapestry weavers, included video tutorials that are super clear and easy to follow on many basic techniques were a very helpful part of this course. I came away from the course wishing for more of Kennita's wonderful content, and newly confident in my ability to design and execute tapestries. I will continue to participate in the friendly, inspiring and learning filled critiques Kennita offers as both a part of and a follow on of this course. Thanks to Kennita!”
Leslie Whitcomb
“Since embarking on the Elements course, my weaving practice has really developed technically. I enjoy the flexibility of the course which means I can fit it around my job, I like the way each element is covered, with slides and exercises and videos of techniques which are very useful to refer to, and the critiques are a great way to get feedback. I have recommended this course to other weavers, because it is an enjoyable way to develop your weaving practice at your own pace.”
“I really enjoyed the class and class mates. I learned some new techniques that have really enriched my weaver vocabulary.”
“Elements a course to consider … I have taken many online courses. This is right up there if not the best. Here’s my list of why to enroll
1. Cost. This is basically a college level course. the fee that is charged is much less. You do get your bang for the buck.
2. What i liked most was looking at the same elements in art and tapestry.
3. High quality slide shows. clearly there was a great deal of thought put into it.
4. Various excersises. With encouragement to try. Ms Tully encourages to have fun.
5. Beyond basic tapestry techniques.
6. Tons of resources.
I have taken other courses with Ms Tully. In this one i think she has reached her pinnacle as a teacher.
Bravo”
-Joe Wigon