Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Launch

I have enrolled to do Creative Quiltmaking with Design Matters which is a City and Guilds recognised course.  This is something new for me as I haven't taken part in a textile course before, although I have learned a lot from some workshops I have attended.  I am hoping that it will help me with the design process as I don't want to feel I am just making things, my inner artist is calling.  There is nothing wrong with just making things, I love it, but I want to express something and the trouble is I'm not sure what it is I want to express - perhaps it is just the love of making things!!
I started this blog when I was doing photography with the OCA as a way of chronicling my learning, so I shall be doing the same again by sharing my work with you.  I haven't quite finished the Creative Sketchbook course, but that has given me lots of ideas and skills.

The course has kicked off with lots of drawing activities, and I love drawing.  However I don't usually draw from photographs so this was different.  I did similar work at the beginning of the Sketchbook course but this time I had more freedom to choose my own subjects.  I wanted to challenge myself so did not choose easy objects to draw.  Here are a few examples done in an A4 sketchbook.

My grandmother gave me these crochet gloves - they WERE a challenge to draw even working from a photograph.




I had to make a collection of items together that would be used for various exercises. I chose things for their shape, colour and sentimental value.  Grouping the objects together reminded me of the classic creative writing exercise where the teacher would present her class with a seemingly random group of objects and ask them to weave a story round them - thank goodness no one is asking me to do that! Although the key and little bottle do bring Alice's adventures to mind.

I hope I can keep you entertained as well sharing my learning curve.
Jill

19 comments:

Barb Cady said...

Sounds a fabulous course and I Shall enjoy watching your progress! I am Looking forward to the day when I can enrol in something Similar! Have a wonderful journey x

Marigold Jam said...

It sounds like a fabulous course Jill though I have to say I would probably find it easier to write a story about the objects than to draw them!!

Su said...

Your drawings are really good. I love the idea of continueing on from a photo. And I'd have to create a story linking the objects!

Joanna said...

Jill, you are a very talented lady. Your eye for detail is amazing. Really amazing. Those lace gloves would have had me sobbing over my sketchbook!

I WILL follow your learning curve with great interest.

ju-north said...

Hope we can learn something alongside you! Know you will do well!

Bernice Hopper said...

I loved doing the Creative Sketchbook course and I have enjoyed reading your blog as you have done it. I think you will love the Quilting course

Gina said...

It looks like you've made a great start Jill.

Carol Q said...

wonderful effect. looks like a fun course. one day I shall find time to join in I hope! lol

Clare Wassermann said...

Well you are really moving on! I have loved seeing your sketchbook progress and look forward to sharing this new adventure.

Unknown said...

Hi Jill,

I've been following your blog for a while and I love it. I've been doing the Creative Quilts course for a while (Module 4 is my current task). I am learning heaps and having a wonderful time. Who is your tutor - My is Catherine Nicholls. Enjoy

Sally

menopausalmusing said...

Looks like we shall being some beautiful, creative stuff judging by the start you have made.

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Hi Jill, I'm sure the course will help with the design process, you're very creative already. Love the drawings. Your Feb page are fab, love the lino tile? Not sure what you call the actual thing IYKWIM :-/
Anne x

Thimble Fingers said...

Wonderful drawings!

Anna said...

What fun starting a new course; lovely sketches Jill, enjoy this new journey!

Jill said...

Jill - It appears we not only share a name, but also a conundrum! Wanting to be creative -but needing it to somehow "mean" something. I continue to struggle with that, but in the meantime - LOVE your drawing!

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

The drawings and slices of photos work so well together. Drawing is so pleasurable, especially when tones come into play and there's an opportunity to use pencils of varying softness. Think you're going to enjoy this course, Jill. Good luck. Lesley x

LAC EMP 2020 said...

What beautiful subjects to draw Jill. You execute things with such skill and watching you work through this C&G course will be fascinating. It might be a steep learning curve but I think you'll take it all in you stride and fly through it. You're in good hands so enjoy it all!

vintagerockchick said...

Lovely drawings - and what a brilliant blog - very inspiring!

Linda Vincent said...

Oh my goodness Jill, you are so talented. I hope you enjoy the course....we'll certainly enjoy seeing what you do :-)