Erica Littlejohn

In this graduate-level class students will be introduced to the technical concepts of weaving and screenprinting within the context of Fiber and Material Studies. Print and Weave are foundational areas in contemporary and in the historic fields of Textiles. Through experimentation with print and weave processes Graduate students will engage in material explorations within the conceptual framework studio and research practices. Students will be introduced to foundational weaving methods, materials and concepts of off loom weaving using frame looms and tapestry weaving. Using basic weaving techniques students will explore and experiment with image, texture, color relationships, and structure. Students will also be introduced to practices in screenprinting for fabric, alternative, and pliable materials. Textile specific ink systems will be taught, including textile pigments, fiber reactive dyes, heat transfers of foils, and disperse dyes. Processes of exploring image/text/pattern making for screenprinting will incorporate methods of generating photographic, hand drawn, and computer-generated images. The class is augmented by lectures and readings that include contemporary, historic, and global references. This graduate level class includes in-depth discussions and faculty led critiques about students' work.