Sue Lawty
13th - 15th July
£435
COLLECT - MAKE - DRAW
A Masterclass with Sue Lawty
Developed for Lund, this exciting masterclass investigates materiality and tactile sensibility. Using multiples of one element (natural / reclaimed / new / old) –– texture, rhythm, repetition and interval will be considered and developed. The aim here is to become increasingly discerning and singularly sensitive to nuance.
Collecting from the immediate environment you will curate a series of laid out ‘drawings’ by noticing and responding to the specific characteristics of the found marks. A non-precious undertaking, the inherent traits of shape, tone, colour, etc. can be explored freely and relatively speedily in multiple iterations of the same components – each composition documented before dismantling.
Creative enquiry continues with either the recently gathered natural elements or found materials brought to the course –– reviewing fundamental qualities by deconstructing and manipulating e.g. cutting/ tearing/ folding/ twisting etc. This will be followed by examining ways of reconstructing and joining –– stitching/ weaving/ knotting/ threading and so on; all the time noticing and exploiting potential for reiteration, cadence, pulse and pattern.
Both group and one to one discussions of the resulting assembled samples, will help navigate development of larger pieces that further push qualities of structure and scale –– with the objective of creating a dimensional ‘fabric’. Empathetic abstract drawings will subsequently be developed from the made works, bringing the process full circle.
Tuition is individual, personal and relaxed. All the above is flexible/ non-prescriptive. You will be encouraged to work at your own speed and follow individual instincts and interests. Over the three days you will create a small personal portfolio (plus some potentially larger works!) and will leave energised, with the motivation and stimulus to inform future projects.
Lunches and refreshments included.
Days run from 10am to 4pm (ish)
About Sue
Whether making drawings and assemblages using tiny stones creating a kind of pixelated cloth or weaving in linen, hemp, raphia or lead, Sue Lawty talks of the 'integrity of mark making intrinsic to particular thread or structure’. Compositions are strongly informed by the material of their construction and characterised by meticulous attention to detail.
In her works, nothing is predetermined. The physicality and subtleties of material and construction are explored with rigour and intuition during the process of making. Lightness of touch and a pared down palette give importance to each nuance of mark. The artist states that she seeks an ‘understated restraint, balance, tension, rhythm: an essential stillness’ Her works have been described as 'spiritual... meditative... a deeply contemplative experience’.
In education, the artist sees her role as a catalyst – aiming to draw out the unique creativity of each individual. As a highly experienced artist, designer and teacher, Sue Lawty has exhibited and taught extensively. Her work is in collections worldwide including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London where, as Artist in Residence/ Associate Artist 2005 – 2010, alongside a solo exhibition of her work, she developed bespoke affiliated education and community projects. Prestigious Artist Research Fellowships include Smithsonian Museums USA, the School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds and the International Studio Programme in Sweden. All these experiences continue to provide stimulus for her creative thinking.
Lawty is also a keen fell runner and an accomplished trekker, leading both hard mountain treks and specialist textile trips to Bhutan, India and Central Asia for the travel company Mountain Kingdoms. In 2017 the book 'Earth Materials' was published about her work.
From previous course at The Lund…
Sue’s personal practice…
