Joan Michaels-Paque
Shorewood, Wisconsin

Joan is an internationally recognized and awarded mixed-media artist who has taught in Japan, Mexico, Europe, Canada and the USA. She has exhibited and given lectures at major museums and universities, writes and reviews regularly for art journals and has written and published three books. Who’s Who in American Art has included her since 1980 and her work is found in prestigious collections both here and abroad, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Art in Washington, DC. In 1998 she taught and exhibited in Australia, at the University of Tennessee Arrowmont School of Art in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Peninsula School of the Arts in Fish Creek and the Clearing in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. She specializes in large scale site specific commissions. Her reductivist philosophy is concerned with the judicious use of resources that do not harm people or deplete the environment. 

A great deal of interest is being shown in the revival of knotting as an art form. Its fascinating history provides inspiration for new interpretations and applications in textiles. This hands-on session for all levels provides basic and advanced information that relates to the individual needs of the participants, whether traditional or contemporary. Slides, videos and visuals show the history, aesthetics and creative applications of knotting.

Supplies: A small assortment of cords and twines, i.e. natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, raffia, flax, linen, jute, sisal and manila; wool from animals and silk from worms. Man-made synthetics include rayon, nylon, plastic, swistraw, polypropylene and polyethylene; some wire and rubber products work well too. Sources for materials include hardware, grocery, variety, marine stores and upholstery suppliers; soft stretchable fibers do not work well. Knotting pad—polyurethane or other of your choice; t- or u-pins; rubber bands; samples, slides or photos of your work (optional); problems, goals or questions; enthusiasm.
Fee: None.
Level: All.

Participants in this class are introduced to a historical overview of textiles that will simplify the technical learning process. The instructor’s premise is that we all use the same design principles and techniques; it’s only the technical application, the term used and the medium chosen that make it differ. An understanding of this will enable you to learn and apply information quickly, creatively and easily. Instruction is given in off-loom, surface embellishments and finishing techniques. Included are basketry, coiling, twining, knotting, braiding and finger weaving. The multidimensional needle designs developed by the instructor are also shared. Applications in weaving are given. There will be slides and visuals; color, composition and design processes, as they relate to textiles, are addressed. Assistance and encouragement is given students to adapt methods to their own styles and needs.

Supplies: A small assortment of fibers for learning and experimental purposes and some firm fibers that do not stretch; sharp pointed scissors; assorted sizes blunt and sharp needles; ruler or yardstick and tape measure; rubber bands; notebook; pen; pencil; eraser; t-pins; knotting, pin weaving, braiding pad, polyurethane or material of your choice, or bring pieces (in process or finished) for sharing, evaluation or discussion; an open-minded philosophy and enthusiasm.
Fee: None.
Level: All.

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