NEILSTON GIRLS GROUP
Fashion and Textiles
Jilli Blackwood

The aim of these workshops is to develop a sense of self-belief with each student working towards a finished textile piece. The artist has developed a programme on the theme of ‘identity’ tailored to suit the needs of the students. The artist will take the group through a creative journey of drawing and exploration to reach their final textile piece.

Prior to the first session the students were invited to collect items that have a meaning for them. These objects could be anything - shells, stones, photographs, stamps, feathers, old fabric, an ornament, crystals, toys or sentimental items. These items revealed something about themselves, creating a ‘private passport’. The artists talked with the group about the objects that they had collected, allowing everyone to open up to each other.

The students were asked to keep a notebook over the 12 weeks recording their thoughts, feelings and ideas over the period. Primarily for personal use, the manner in which they choose to use these books is up to the individual - individuals can write or draw, cut out and collage. The aim is to create a record of the individual’s creative thought process during the period.

The group members used luminous fabric and other materials to make accessories, including hats and belts, using needlework and sewing machines.