Art and Design (Textiles)

Course summary

Textile design involves the creation, selection and manipulation of textiles across a variety of practices. Contemporary practice brings together different features of textile disciplines, often embracing both traditional and contemporary technologies. This course will require independent work allowing personal creation. Disciplines include constructed textiles, dyed textiles, printed textiles, fine art textiles and fashion textiles. Pupils will be required to work in one or more of these disciplines. Research into the work of textile artists and fashion designers will be significant and there will be opportunities to visit galleries. Work is presented in sketchbooks and work-boards, resulting in a number of exciting and innovative outcomes. The tools used in textiles are wide-ranging, encompassing traditional handcrafts and computer-aided technology. Pupils who wish to study Textiles need an understanding of the basic elements of art: colour, tone, form and texture, as well as some understanding of the place of art, craft and design in the world, its history and purpose. Above all, they should have an interest in creating art and be determined to investigate and explore.