When: Saturday, 22 April 2023

Time: 9:30am - 1:30pm

Where: 170 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane QLD

Cost: $145 per person, limited to 12 places

Skill Level: Suitable for beginners and those wanting to extend their textiles skills.

About the workshop:

Using the techniques of the traditional Sashiko stitch, originating from Japanese folk-art, you will get to create a one-of-a-kind cushion cover decorating the fabric in a layered applique of textile samples and decorative stitching to create a curated textile art work.

This workshop is a perfect taste tester to get you started on your stitching journey or perhaps extend your existing textile skills. Experienced artists Maren Götzmann & Sylvia Watt will show you all you need to know to get you started, providing guidance and sharing their knowledge throughout the course of the workshop.

Diving into the slow stitching process of the Sashiko stitch you will notice yourself entering a state of mindfulness and relaxation through the creative process. The stitching techniques you will learn and apply in this workshop can be transferable to your textile or creative process across applications such as scarves, clothing, tote bags, slow mending, household decor etc. Depending on the complexity of the design, you will get to take home an almost finished piece and new skills to apply to your future projects - perhaps a series of cushion covers to refresh your home!

The workshop is suited to everyone wanting to learn news skills and an interest in the multifaceted world of textiles and associated practices from diverse cultures.

Included in workshop ticket:

One cushion cover of up to 40x40cm in size
All tools and materials required
Unique fabric samples, thread and yarn
Teaching from experienced artists
Guidance throughout the group workshop
New or refined stitching skills
Light refreshments

What to bring:

Small pieces of pre-loved fabric to up-cycle if you want to add a personal touch to your work (silk, linen, cotton, wool)
Your favourite fabric scissors (optional).
Closed in shoes

About the facilitators:

Maren Götzmann is a Brisbane and Berlin based artist, trained in and working across the media of textiles, drawing and artist books. Her work has been exhibited nationally and overseas.

During recent years, Maren has developed a range of textile art, motivated by her love of natural materials (linen, silk, cotton) and her commitment to re-use, re-invent and up-cycle. Each garment and textile piece is a unique and one-off handmade work, based on a minimalist design pattern.

Maren, who often focuses on collaborate working processes, is also a passionate arts educator. During her 30 year career, she has facilitated numerous textile workshops, art community workshops, and taught art history at tertiary level.

Sylvia Watt is a Brisbane based textile artist and teacher. She has exhibited in solo and group shows both nationally and abroad, developed and ran an arts program for people with mental health issues in Brisbane.

She has always been involved with fabric/clothing, whether it is vintage or second hand, with particular interest in reinvention and transformation into one-off pieces. Transformation is at the heart of her artistic endeavour.

Sylvia has facilitated numerous diverse art and textile workshops throughout her long career.

Maren’s and Sylvia’s artistic collaboration allows their passion and vision of art and textiles to be presented in up cycling workshops.

Workshop Cancellation Policy:

Please note this workshop can be cancelled by artisan due to unforeseen circumstances or if minimum numbers are not reached. In this event participants will be refunded accordingly and as soon as possible.

Participant Cancellation Policy:

Workshops have limited spaces and involve preparation by the facilitator. Bookings cancelled up to two weeks prior to the start of the workshop may be refunded, but a 20% non-refundable administration fee will be deducted. Bookings cancelled within two weeks of the workshop commencing will NOT be refunded. Refunds are to be processed by the attendee through Humanitix.

Workshop Transfer Policy:

You may transfer your booking into an alternative workshop up to two weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Any difference in cost will be charged accordingly. Please endeavour to complete any transfers at least two weeks prior to the workshop.

You are also welcome to transfer your booking to another person prior to the workshop commencing. Please confirm this arrangement 24 hours prior to the workshop in writing to workshop@artisan.org.au.

COVID-Safe Policy:

Please be assured artisan has well considered COVID-safe protocols regarding our workshop programming. You will be offered socially distanced seating, access to your own PPE sanitation options at your workspace, and a large extremely well-ventilated workshop venue.

Image: courtesy of Joachim Froese