24 Another Career in art is presented by Libby Ashdown and some Friday fun with sketch book ideas..

 Career

On Friday as part of 'Core' we were aging taken into the world of  an Artist and teacher this time it was 
Elizabeth (Libby) Ashdown who teaches at various institutions including City Lit where she is teaching Textiles on the Foundation Art and Design classes.


Libby spoke about how her Art education had brought her to working as a  Passementerie weaver which is an endangered craft, although the method of working the work produced is contemporary and non-representational.  


An artist working in the discipline of a  Passementerie (sometimes known as Jewellery for the home)  is creating an ornamental edging or trimming, if you follow this link you can find out what is encompassed in this craft.

It was interesting to learn how Libby gravitated to the work she now does, starting with a textile design degree and moving away from working with manufacturers.

 After her  first degree  Libby took a Masters in Textile at The Royal College of Art (2 years) and began teaching.

As well as regular  teaching Libby's work involves, commissions, exhibition work and visiting classes and it is what she is happy with.

During Covid lockdowns Libby has moved from working at Cockpit Arts Studios to  her own home studio. 

Sketch Book

 


As well as explaining the virtue and benefits of  a regular sketchbook Libby led us  through some great opportunities to free up some creativity from within.
We experimented with different approaches including  drawing in short bursts without taking drawing tool from the paper, using different media and our non-dominant hand, not looking at what we were drawing.

We had a selection of objects to draw and even did some without looking just feeling the objects!




I found the exercise really good,  here are some (but not all)  of my outputs ....

Crayon and pen joined with tape (a shell)



.
Two drawings combined and various pens!

We used fresh paper and Libby suggested we find some words for Water and fire and make some drawings around these words..
The Water ..



and the  Fire


All drawing was done at pace and it was actually a really great and  enjoyable way to spend a Friday afternoon. 

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