Carol Shinn
Carol Shinn is an artist from Fort Collins, CO and has worked in this technique for 23 years. Her BFA is from the University of Colorado and her MFA from Arizona State University. She has taught many workshops across the United States and taught at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College, Arizona. Her work has been in numerous books and magazines and is in numerous public and private collections including the Museum of Art and Design, NY, NY and the Denver Art Museum. She was a prizewinner in the 2009 International Pfaff Embroidery Challenge and has authored Freestyle Machine Embroidery: Techniques and Inspiration of Fiber Art.
Workshop: Freestyle Machine Embroidery
Students of all levels explore imagery and surface design using freestyle machine embroidery. Cotton canvas is used as a base, but other materials are incorporated as well. After a few exercises designed to help students understand the process, students work on individual projects. Students should bring designing materials for their projects. Design materials will vary with each individual. Supplies might include such things as paints, markers, colored paper, magazine pictures, colored pencils, glue, etc. After designing, students will sketch out their designs on cotton canvas with acrylic paint, and then develop their idea with thread. Students should not worry about having any painting skills as the paint only serves as a guide for stitching. Students may work with fabric collage, and/or dissolvable stabilizers, and may use other materials according to their wish. I teach my technique for applying a heat-transfer image to fabric for the purpose of freestyle machine embroidery. I bring images already printed since a computer and printer may not be available.
Emphasis will be on creating a surface saturated with layers of thread. Individual styles of “mark-making” through shading, hatching, and visually mixing thread colors will be stressed. Cotton canvas and paint will be supplied, but students may experiment with other materials. Techniques for accommodating large pieces, techniques for troubleshooting and options for finishing and mounting will be discussed. There will be informal discussions about developing ideas. Students may work either three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally.
All levels, basic zigzag sewing machine needed.
Supply List for Carol’s workshop
(Supply lists are provided by the instructor and you are encouraged to direct any questions regarding required equipment and supplies to the instructor.)