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Tui Ridge Retreat |
In a rural corner just north of Rotorua lies a retreat camp called Tui Ridge. It has been the location for the last 18 years of the Regional Retreat for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Embroiderers’ Guilds. I last taught here 2 years ago and have very distinct memories of a lively group, eager to learn from their tutors and have fun. I find that in New Zealand there is a preponderance of tutoring in very specialist traditional hand stitch techniques, and that as a mixed media experimenter, I offer a very different experience to this – as you might imagine goldwork, fine hand stitching versus burning, ripping, waxing etc. which form part of my repertoire (an interesting position to be in as I am more used to considering myself as mainstream!).
Two years ago at Tui Ridge we explored both metal and Angelina fibres and how
to incorporate those into their work. It was a great validation when one
participant from that course told me how many pieces she had developed with the
techniques and that it had stayed with her as part of her art and textile
practice, and another brought me an example of work she had developed after the
course, and several others commented on their positive experiences then also.
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Angelina and metal book cover |
This
involves hot wax, paper, hot water, hot irons, wet fibres and sticky glues. We
spent time learning the techniques and by the afternoon session on day two, we
were starting into developing individual pieces.
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Jo Ann getting hot and wet |
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A typically busy workshop space |
Watching participants have to
make the transition from being led through techniques under close instruction to
then be putting their creative thinking hats on is always a delicate time in a
workshop. Guiding people through examining what they have enjoyed, how the
techniques fit with their own style and interests and which ideas they will put
together is a very important time in a workshop situation and can cause more or
less trepidation for participants. However, with a gentle nudge here and there the
ideas soon flow and by evening time all are on their own journey. On the
Sunday morning session, we all continue to personalise the pieces and if not
complete, then solve any issues and ask the questions which are required to
enable everyone to complete their pieces.
Here are just a few examples in various stages of 'finished':
Here are just a few examples in various stages of 'finished':
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Participant work from 'Hot, Wet and Sticky' workshop with Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |
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Robyn Hart |
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Shirley Pygott |
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Kerry Seeley |
The
organiser, Linda, was kind enough to send through some of the comments she received
on the feedback forms. Including:
- Great tutor - plenty of time.
- Great tutor - plenty of time.
- Fun,
uses low cost supplies.
- Everyone (I think) able to achieve what they wanted. Lots of options and freedom to be able to develop own ideas.
- Everyone (I think) able to achieve what they wanted. Lots of options and freedom to be able to develop own ideas.
- I
liked the new techniques.
- There
was plenty of time to practice what we learned and were given good, supportive
direction during assembly.
- I like
the class because it gave me scope to be creative.
- Always
love Alysn’s classes.
- Most
enjoyable class.
- We
could work at our own pace and not feel inadequate and makes one relax more.
Thank you to
the ladies of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Region, you were fabulous.
A little
reminder that everyone has their own journey, whether it shows on the outside
or not – Thank you to Maureen, a stately lady, moving around with some difficulty
who only lately started to visiting the retreats. Maureen told us her story
about being a Bluebell girl in Paris and her backstage encounter with Frank
Sinatra. Never forget that others have experiences and lives to be proud of – and
don’t keep your stories hidden – they make us what we are. It reminded me of why I made the piece below called 'our personal journeys mark us'.
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Our Personal Journeys Mark Us by Alysn Midgelow-Marsden |