MIXED MEDIA AND TEXTILE SCULPTURE WORKSHOP WITH NERISSA CARGILL THOMPSON

Nerissa’s work explores environmental issues like climate crisis, plastic pollution and waste through textile art. Objects that we use and discard on a daily basis become the vessels for contemporary sculptures that incorporate embellishing and embroidery.

In this workshop you’ll be able to create your own sculpture, cast with concrete inside waste plastic packaging. You will use a combination of embellishing, embroidery and recycled fabrics to create the distinct contrast between the manmade structure of the packaging, the soft textures of the textiles and the solidity of the concrete.

Workshop outline:

• Introduction, overview of the workshop objectives and schedule for the day
• Demonstration: we will examine various sample pieces of different complexities made by the artist. Nerissa will talk about her creative process and techniques.
• Hands-on practice 1: we will make a textile and rapid cement panel. The participants will work on their own projects using the demonstrated techniques, with one-on-one guidance and feedback from Nerissa. Stages include: panel design, creation of a textured textile piece with recycled materials using hand stitched embroidery and fabric manipulation. We will proceed to work on the casting.
• Lunch Break while the pieces set (30 min)
• Q&A and Discussion with insights into the artist’s career and personal experiences.
• Hands-on practice 2: release from trays and the finishing off process.
• Hands-on practice 3: Creation and casting of a second piece in a more 3D piece of waste (e.g. unlidded cup or bottle section) which will be taken away to set and released at home using the process learnt in Hands-on Practice 2.
• Closing Remarks: summary of key takeaway from the workshop.

All materials will be provided but if you have a favourite textile that you would like to work with or a piece of plastic packaging that inspires you, please bring them with you.

We will be working with concrete so please wear appropriate clothing or bring an apron or smock. Standard latex gloves and clean reusable dust masks will be provided but feel free to bring your own.

About the artist:

Designer, maker and facilitator with over 25 years experience of professional and community practice, Nerissa Cargill Thompson trained in Theatre Design. Her interest in fibre art and a desire to develop personal artwork lead to an MA in Textile Practice at Manchester School of Art.

She is a m ember of Prism Contemporary Textiles Collective, Design Nation, Spark Artist Network, Immaterial Collective and ArtCan.

To book and for more information call 01492 593413 or email rca@rcaconwy.org