Val Jackson's talk about her MA Textiles

Mapping the Interface between Two Contrasting Identities

the troussseau

We have been treated to a fascinating talk by Val Jackson, one of our members who has just completed an MA in Textiles at MMU.  Val's area of study was based on her Mother and her two contrasting identities she had as a member of the WAF and then that of a 'typical' wife/mother during the 1950's.  Supported with boxes of artefacts her Mother had carefully stored, Val had plenty to refer to, including her trousseau!

During the two years Val used the Irish machine, multi head and digital printing and was able to extend her skills.  She created banners and lengths of fabric, learnt pattern cutting and styled garments from the time.  Detailed journals and sketchbooks gave a wonderful insight into her thought processes and hinted at the heavy demands of an MA.



We all thoroughly enjoyed the talk and eagerly wait to see what comes next in Val's work.  Congratulations on the achievement and thank you Val.                                                                                

                                                                                  Jen

Grazyna's Sketchbooks

Grazyna's Sketchbooks



At the AGM in September we all agreed to be a little more resourceful and harness some of the creative spirit and talent within group for our regular meetings.  We are always keen to discuss what's on and exhibitions we have seen but we sometimes forget that as individual artists we could share more of ourselves.  This week Grazyna did just that and brought in some of her wonderful sketchbooks dating back to her time at Goldsmith's where she studied Graphic Design.

We were mesmerised by both the size and detail of Grazyna's botanical watercolours and the emotion captured in her figure drawings, they were indeed a privilege to see.

This style of drawing is very demanding and with a growing family Grazyna looked to City & Guilds Embroidery to broaden her skills and develop a freer approach.  Since then she has been an active member of Cheshire Textiles and continues to produce the most amazing sketchbooks.  They might be a different style with less realism but they still reflect Grazyna's skill and creative talent.  Thank you for sharing them.             Jen



Two pages from Grazyna's City & Guilds sketchbook.