Art and Design: Textiles

Overview of the course

Do you have a passion for colour and texture? Are you fascinated by fashion, costume or wearable art? Do you respond to the world through touch and feel as well as looking and drawing? Are you interested in how meaningful work and concepts can be communicated best through fabric, yarn or by using textile techniques? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then textiles is the subject for you!

You will embark on an exciting journey of learning which aims to integrate new skills and techniques such as batik, felt-making, machine embroidery, digital and screen printing, as well as more familiar techniques of painting, drawing, collage and photography. You will develop confidence in looking at and analysing other artists' work.

It is important that students show an adventurous, open-minded and experimental approach to their own textile practice and both contemporary and traditional artists. Students must also enjoy visiting Art Galleries, reading art journals, newspaper art reviews and books. In year 12 you will be offered a series of tasks and experiences to develop your skills, then in year 13 you choose your own theme or 'start point' according to your passion or interests. A desire to experiment, a willingness to draw and an open mind is more important than an ability to sew. You will keep sketchbooks and make painted and drawn interpretations by studying the work of designers, artists, fashion designers, theatre costume and contemporary makers.

Specification: https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/art-and-design-as-a-level/#tab_keydocuments

Opportunities

Students following a Textile course may decide to continue their studies or enter careers in Fashion, Textiles, and Interior Design, Photography, Animation,, Graphic Design, Jewellery, Advertising, Stage Design, Glass, Teaching, Sculpture or employed as a crafts worker, Architect, Film Maker and Special Effects maker.

https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/articles/art-and-design