Geelong Regional Libraries
Covid Art Workshop Proposal

Random Weave Cocoons

'Windows out to the World' Random weave made with dodder laurel vine

Workshop description:
A workshop to create sculptural woven ‘cocoons’ using locally sourced vines.
The weaving technique to make a cocoon is known as ‘random weave’, a process which requires a balance of manipulation of the natural materials versus acceptance of the direction the material will take you. Creative expression evolves as the individual pieces take shape through our innate need to create order out of chaos. The loose ends, twists and turns and variations in density from fragile to overworked sections are synonymous with a visual description of our recent experiences. In the unfamiliar world we are currently living in, there has been a renewed interest in spending time in nature; an environment which is unaffected by the pandemic, offering us a sense comfort in the familiar. We have found ourselves having to engage more with our local surroundings and to consider the origins of our purchases. My workshop taps into these interests by using locally sourced natural materials.
Workshop:
A morning session of 2 1/2 hours to make the structure followed by an afternoon session of 1 1/2 hours for weave throughs and linings
Initially the workshop tuition will be in how to create a random weave cocoon with the materials provided. Then as the structures develop, participants will be invited to weave through or line their creations ‘nesting fashion’. Items will be on hand, such as wool, fabrics, stringy bark, paper bark and feathers, as well as leaves which can be written on with Covid familiar words. Participants may also bring some of their own items to weave through their artworks or even consider uses for their cocoons; a plant holder or maybe even an artistic hat!
Finally, the works can be titled to verbally describe the felt emotions whilst creating the pieces. 

Stitched stringy bark lining

Stitched hay lining

Highlighted 'window'

Links:
Random Weave Workshop Photos
My Random Weave Artworks