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Quilt Title: Autumn Glory

Artist's Statement

I began traditional quiltmaking many years ago, moving quickly into contemporary designs and experimentation. In the last few years I've been developing my own process of fabric construction, called *faux-felt® and using this in many forms. I am interested in the spiritual dimension of creativity and from my studio in secluded Blue Mountains bushland; I am developing a series of works under the heading of 'Sacred Elements'.

I want to express my relationship with the natural world and the nature of Earth, Air, Fire and Water through colour, texture, line, shape and symbol.

*faux-felt ® is a registered trademark, the property of Gillian Hand.

RECENT INVOLVEMENTS AND SUCCESSES

Winner of International Masterpiece Award for Perfection in Wool - faux-felt ® quilt entitled Tattwa Cloth II.

Involved in a variety of community arts projects including Living in Harmony Community Cultural Development Project, Blue Mountains, Arts for Health, Nepean Hospital and Reconciliation quiltmaking, Blue Mountains.

Launch of faux-felt ® garments and soft furnishings range.

Email: gill5090@bigpond.net.au

Teaching Background and Experience

I have been an adult educator for many years, having qualifications in training, teaching and workplace assessment. I believe that we all bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the learning environment. Sharing our knowledge and experience and taking risks brings many a magical result.

Workshops

1. Creating faux-felt ® You will learn the unique process of creating your own designs in faux-felt ®, a fabric that looks and feels like a light, luxurious embellished felt, but is actually layered and machine-embroidered fibres and yarns. This fabric can be used to create garments, soft furnishings, wall pieces and other works.

2. Using faux-felt ® Creatively You will first create your own faux-felt ® fabric and then create your own garment, bag, cushion, throw etc. with input and support from the tutor.

3. Combining faux-felt ® with Other Techniques You will first create your own faux-felt ® fabric. This fabric makes a perfect foundation for a variety of surface manipulations and embellishments, such as embroidery, beading, pleating, etc. You can also combine it with piecing, appliqué, painting, knitting, crochet etc., to create unique garments, soft-furnishings and wall pieces.

4. Textile Art and Community Cultural Development As part of a group, drawn together with a common purpose or goal, you will be encouraged to identify themes, shared experiences, connecting threads etc., and offered processes to translate these ideas, via image, symbol, colour, texture etc., combining various textile art and mixed media techniques.

5. Textile Art and Spiritual Expression As a participant in this group you will reach into your inner world to make contact with your own personal spiritual expression, using colour, texture, image and symbol and a wide variety of textile-art techniques. Creative visualization, guided meditation and music will form part of the process.You can invite Gillian to lecture on any topics related to the workshops listed above.

Lectures
OTHER ACTIVITIES

Gillian has worked with many community groups. You can consult with her regarding community cultural development through the use of textile art and mixed media. You could employ her to work with a group to create their own artwork, or you could commission her to make the piece through a group consultative process.

ALSO AVAILABLE

You can find out more about Gillian's workshops and lectures or receive details of her exciting range of faux-felt ® garments and soft furnishings by asking her to send you a full-colour brochure. Please contact Gillian for more information: quiltmakers@ozquiltnetwork.org.au