Process within practice: a study visit

The next study visit on offer is to two exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  This will take place on Friday 21 September 2012 at 11.30.
Amongst the many differing approaches within textile art, I feel there is one that stands out as having a major influence, in particular on outcomes. I am talking about the position of process within one’s practice.  Artists whose main focus is on the conceptual content of work often see an attention to process as limited to the vehicle which enables their art to exist. Other artists consider process to be the whole raison d’etre of their practice.  This study visit will look at the work of two artists to whom process is integral to their output.  The artists are Thomas Hetherwick and Bispo Do Rosario.
These are not artists who work exclusively with textiles. Materials and an understanding of material qualities are pivotal to their outcomes, and I propose that the study trip will enable us to look at their approaches.
Bispo Do Rosario (1909- 1989) spent many years in an asylum in Brazil, his native country, where he dedicated his time to his creative mission- to explain to God at the time of the Last Judgement. He used embroidery as the main media, but also collected, assembled and collaged, all methodologies found in art practice, although he was himself an autodidact.  The museum has organised a small exhibition of 80 pieces, his output was considerable, and is an unique chance to see the work of this man. More information about his work can be found on www.culturebase.net and www.vam.ac.uk
The next artist we’ll be looking at is Thomas Heatherwick.  At the heart of his studio practice is a profound commitment to elegant, integrated design solutions and the absolute dedication to materials, research, prototyping, industrial collaboration, tactility, texture – and above all, extraordinary form-making.   www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/heatherwick-studio/about-the-exhibition
Thomas Heatherwick (born in 1970) set up his studio in 1994 where he has undertaken, with his associates, many prestigious and innovative projects that challenge viewers and users alike. Heatherwick talks of his interest in the role of the ‘historical master builder’ whose accumulated skills ensured that ‘the generation of ideas was connected to the process of turning them into reality.’ and that
‘My experience of making my own design ideas convinced me that understanding materials, and gaining practical experience of using them, was essential to developing ideas and finding ways of making them happen.’
Heatherwick’s approach to his professional career reflects some of the questions that you as students should and could pose around your own practice, and these two exhibitions offer a chance to compare, contrast and discuss differing outcomes that stem from the same concerns of craft and making.
The Victoria and Albert is also running an exhibition: Ballgowns- British Glamour Since 1950,  which although not proposed as part of the study trip might interest some of you and make the trip even more fruitful.  To book your place on this study visit, please email enquiries@oca-uk.com to secure your place on a first come first serve basis. There are twenty places! Remember Friday 21 September at 11.30 at the V&A.