Why are we doing this?
Sewing is a great alternative drawing media for further analyzing line, shape, texture, color, and repetition. It also brings up a conceptual challenge because it is such a loaded medium (think of all the cultural associations with sewing). Our In-class Assignment gives us a chance to practice our skills, and prepares us for this out-of-class assignment, which is more open in concept and materials.
Objectives/Requirements:
These sewn drawings must display an interesting composition (even it is small) and consideration of sewing’s associations, as well as consideration for the material/object you sew on. Line, texture, color, and repetition will be particularly important, as these elements are very apparent when you are drawing with sewing techniques.
Process:
– Brainstorm ideas (you must generate at least 3 viable options). IMPORTANT: You can sew on any surface you like (including photographs). Be ready to explain your concept/choices. Remember that sewing is very time intensive (you have a limited amount of time to complete this project), and it is important that you challenge yourself, but still remain aware of time constraints (don’t propose you will embroider a full length cape, unless you know you can complete such an ambitious project in the given time). You can sew by hand or with a sewing machine for this assignment.
– Present your research/sketches.
– Sew your drawing on the material/object.
– Complete a reflection assignment on Blackboard.
Grading criteria:
5pt – strength of overall composition
5pt – how well did you use line, texture, color, and repetition?
5pt – Craft (how well did you sew? Was there evidence of effort, or does it looked rushed and sloppy?)
5pt – creativity/originality (can be expressed through conceptual associations, subject matter, chosen materials, etc)
8pt – Written reflection assignment on Blackboard
Artists to consider:
![Jenny Hart, "Blue Dolly (Dolly Parton)" 2003, hand embroidery on cotton.](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/jennyhart.jpg)
Jenny Hart, “Blue Dolly (Dolly Parton)” 2003, hand embroidery on cotton
![Marie Yoho Dorsey, "Starry Night," (2010) Direct Gravure, Hand Embroidered on Gampi Paper 20" X 24"](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/MYD1.png)
Marie Yoho Dorsey, “Starry Night,” (2010) Direct Gravure, Hand Embroidered on Gampi Paper
20″ X 24″
![Marie Yoho Dorsey, "Stardust 2," (2007) Direct Gravure, Drawing, Embroidery, 18.5 X 30 in.](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/MYD2.png)
Marie Yoho Dorsey, “Stardust 2,” (2007) Direct Gravure, Drawing, Embroidery, 18.5 X 30 in.
![Anna Torma, "Bagatelles 1", 210x140cm](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2014-02-23-at-4.49.09-PM.png)
Anna Torma, “Bagatelles 1”, 210x140cm
![Andrea Dezsö, "Lessons From My Mother" cotton and metallic floss embroidery on cotton fabric, 2006, 5X5 inches](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2014-02-23-at-4.50.50-PM.png)
Andrea Dezsö, “Lessons From My Mother” cotton and metallic floss embroidery on cotton fabric, 2006, 5X5 inches
![Tilleke Schwarz, "Into the woods," (2002) 74 x 66 cm](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Tilleke-Schwarz.jpg)
Tilleke Schwarz, “Into the woods,” (2002) 74 x 66 cm
![Sarah at Totally Severe, "Star Trek: Set Phasers on Stunning"](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/em_startrek.jpg)
Sarah at Totally Severe, “Star Trek: Set Phasers on Stunning”
![Sarah at Totally Severe, "Napoleon’s Little Pony"](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/em_napoleon.jpg)
Sarah at Totally Severe, “Napoleon’s Little Pony”
![Bettina Matzkuhn, "A MAP OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS" (2008), 120cm w x 110cm h (appx), fabric paint, hand and machine embroidery.](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Bettina-Matzkuhn.jpg)
Bettina Matzkuhn, “A MAP OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS” (2008), 120cm w x 110cm h (appx), fabric paint, hand and machine embroidery.
![Orly Cogan, "Sexy Beast," 34"x34"](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2014-02-23-at-5.11.25-PM.png)
Orly Cogan, “Sexy Beast,” 34″x34″
![Meredith Grimsley "Keep My Words"](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Meredith-Grimsley-keep_my_words.jpg)
Meredith Grimsley “Keep My Words”
![Nicole Licht at Astulabee](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2014-02-23-at-5.17.25-PM.png)
Nicole Licht at Astulabee
![Joetta Maue, "little boy sleep," (2009) hand embroiderd re-appropriated linen, 17 x 13 in.](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/littleboysleep.jpg)
Joetta Maue, “little boy sleep,” (2009) hand embroiderd re-appropriated linen, 17 x 13 in.
![Li Yen Chong (2007) "Forward a Crafty Madness"](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Li-Yen-Chong-2007-skull-sideways.jpg)
Li Yen Chong (2007) “Forward a Crafty Madness”
![Maggy Rozycki Hiltner, "Cowboys and Davy Crocketts" 14.5 x 28.5”, hand-stitched cotton and found textiles 2011](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Maggy-R-Hiltner-CowboysAndDavyCrocketts.jpg)
Maggy Rozycki Hiltner, “Cowboys and Davy Crocketts” 14.5 x 28.5”, hand-stitched cotton and found textiles 2011
![Wendy Huhn, "Just Desserts and a Bell Pepper" 12″ h x 12″ w](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Just-Desserts-and-a-Bell-Pepperweb.jpg)
Wendy Huhn, “Just Desserts and a Bell Pepper” 12″ h x 12″ w
![Shuyu Lu, "The Picnic No.06" (detail), 2012](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2014-02-23-at-5.35.57-PM.png)
Shuyu Lu, “The Picnic No.06” (detail), 2012
![Shuyu Lu, "The Picnic No.08" (detail), 2012](http://teaching.ellenmueller.com/drawing-alternative-materials/files/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2014-02-23-at-5.37.11-PM.png)
Shuyu Lu, “The Picnic No.08” (detail), 2012