The Sewing Machine Lab - In-Person Workshop

Paper-Oriented Workshop

Welcome to The Sewing Machine Lab, a unique two-session in-person workshop that transcends the traditional use of the sewing machine. Led by an experienced contemporary visual paper artist with a rich background in costume design, this workshop explores the sewing machine as a multidisciplinary tool for creative expression, particularly with paper.

A Personal Journey with the Sewing Machine:
As the instructor of this workshop, my relationship with the sewing machine is a deeply personal and evolving journey that spans several years. Initially, my experience with the machine was rooted in costume design, where precision and functionality were paramount. However, it wasn't until I began experimenting with paper that the true versatility and expressive potential of the sewing machine became apparent to me. Unlike fabric, paper offered a new realm of possibilities—its structure, fragility, and surface quality opened up a different dialogue with the machine.

I was never particularly motivated to work with textiles, as the rigidity of traditional sewing felt limiting. However, when I started using paper, a material traditionally associated with fragility and permanence, I discovered a new dimension to my artistic practice. The sewing machine became a tool for exploration rather than just construction. It was fascinating to see how stitching could manipulate paper—attaching pieces together without glue, creating textures, and even adding structural integrity to the material. The perforations made by needles could both destroy and beautify, transforming simple sheets into complex, layered compositions.

One of my early experiments involved over-piercing paper with needles, creating delicate, lace-like patterns. This process not only altered the physical properties of the paper but also transformed it into a medium of expression that mirrored the themes of fragility and destruction. The interplay between the needle's punctures and the paper's surface became a metaphor for scars and the passage of time, a recurring theme in my work. This technique allowed me to explore the concept of paper as a skin-like material, capable of bearing the marks of experience and history.

As I continued to work with the sewing machine and paper, my practice evolved into a more profound exploration of topography and material manipulation. I became intrigued by the idea of using the sewing machine not just as a sewing tool but as a drawing instrument, capable of creating intricate, multi-layered artworks. The stitches and threads became lines and textures, adding depth and dimension to the pieces. My work began to resemble topographical maps, with each layer representing a different aspect of the human experience—emotions, memories, and scars.

This journey has led to the creation of numerous installations and artworks that have been exhibited in museums, galleries, and art fairs around the world. My pieces are often described as "fossils of thoughts," capturing fleeting moments and emotions in a tangible form. The multi-layered approach reflects the complexity of human experience, while the use of paper and sewing speaks to the delicate balance between creation and destruction.

One of the recurring motifs in my work is the moon. Its cratered surface and haunting landscapes serve as a powerful metaphor for the themes of imperfection and beauty in imperfection. Just as the moon bears the scars of countless cosmic events, my paper works reflect the marks of time and experience. The lunar landscapes inspire me to explore the interplay between light and shadow, texture and form, in my creations.

In this workshop, I aim to share not just the techniques but the thought processes and discoveries that have shaped my artistic journey. Participants will be invited to explore the sewing machine as a versatile tool for artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with paper. Through this exploration, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the potential of paper and thread as mediums of contemporary art.

Session 1: Unraveling the Possibilities
In the first session, we will delve into various techniques that showcase the sewing machine as a tool for more than just stitching fabric. We will explore paper-related skills such as alternative printing methods, embossing, cutting techniques, and screen making. You'll discover how threads and textile techniques can uniquely interact with paper, creating multi-dimensional images and textures that challenge traditional notions of the medium.

We'll cover techniques like free-motion embroidery and machine embroidery, focusing on how these methods can be adapted to paper. Additionally, we’ll explore innovative practices like punching, soldering paper, and paper felting. This session is designed to open up new avenues for artistic exploration, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with paper and a sewing machine.

Session 2: Weaving Your Creations
Between sessions, you will have the opportunity to practice and refine your skills, experimenting with the techniques introduced. In the second session, we will focus on consolidating these skills, allowing you to create unique paper-based assemblages. This is where your creativity and technical knowledge come together, enabling you to craft your own distinctive paper artworks.

A month after The Sewing Machine Lab concludes, participants are invited to a complimentary third session, inspired by the "Thirty Days on Paper" concept. This session offers an opportunity for continued engagement with the creative processes explored during the workshop. Over thirty days, participants are encouraged to engage in daily self-documentation on paper, exploring personal themes, emotions, and thoughts.

During this special session, participants will reflect on their creative journey, share experiences, and present the artworks and projects developed. It provides a platform for revisiting specific techniques, asking questions, and gaining insights from both the facilitator and fellow participants. This session aims to ensure the skills and concepts learned become lasting elements of the participants' artistic practices, encouraging ongoing exploration and experimentation.

Who Should Attend:
This workshop is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of sewing machine operation. Whether you're an experienced sewist or an aspiring artist with a passion for paper, this workshop will elevate your craft and offer new ways to express yourself through the medium of paper and thread.

The Creative Process:
Experimentation with paper and textile techniques is at the heart of this workshop. Participants are encouraged to embrace experimentation and incorporate personal touches into their work. From initial concepts to finished pieces, you'll explore the unique interplay between threads, textile techniques, and paper, discovering new forms of artistic expression.

Preparation and Participation:
To fully benefit from this workshop, participants are encouraged to complete homework assignments between sessions. These exercises will help refine your skills and enhance your overall experience. A preparatory conversation with the facilitator will tailor the workshop to your individual needs and aspirations.

Support and Materials:
All participants will receive comprehensive presentations and recordings of each session, allowing you to revisit the content and techniques at your own pace. Each session will last 4 hours, providing ample time for exploration and hands-on practice. Essential materials and information will also be supplied to support your creative journey.

Unlock the full potential of your sewing machine and explore a world of paper-oriented creativity. Join us at The Sewing Machine Lab for an inspiring journey into innovative crafting.