About this Travel Course
Course Description
The primary material will be vegetable-tanned leather for its unique properties; it lends itself to tactile explorations of materials and techniques such as dyeing, wet-molding, etching, compression, stretching, folding, shaping. It can be soft and pliable – or hard and rigid. However, students are welcome and encouraged to explore alternative and additional materials throughout the process (=FOUND OBJECTS as a reminder of “MOMENTS in TIME”).
Course Objective
- Basic sewing techniques for hand-sewing “LEATHER” objects, examining different seams and stitches by learning how to work with the hand-tools on hand
- Exploring surface techniques for vegetable tanned leather. In particular painting and dyeing.
- How is “LEATHER” made? Learning through experiencing the process.
- Basic pattern making skills for “FORM” to develop prototypes/ideas/objects by applying the skills acquired.
- Exploration of “COLOR” – plant-based pigments and it’s possibilities for leather and other materials.
- What is “handmade” in comparison to “cottage industry” and “industrial manufacturing” – the evolution of making - the allure of the object made by hand. Understanding the revival of the “CRAFT”/MAKERS-Movement.
Learning Outcomes
Following the course-objectives we will explore, research and produce a variety of objects that can grow into many directions by applying the techniques learnt in this course - incorporating the student’s individual knowledge. The objects can be footwear related. Experimentation, exploration and applying manifold techniques such as: (and not limited to)
- Apply surface manipulation (embroidery, inlay/overlay, painting/dyeing, image transfer technique, casein dyeing, light influence on veg tan surface etc.)
- Experimenting with the material “vegetable tanned leather” (wet-molding, folding etc.)
- Incorporating “found objects” (per their own imagination – reminders of “moments in time”)
- Research and explore “sketching” techniques – in pen … and paper (mock-up’s)
- Document Work Process in sketches and notes – Workbook will also be on view for critique
The goal of this course is not a perfect single object, but rather a series of explorations to expand upon their personal skills, playfully gaining knowledge, sparking their curiosity to dance outside of their comfort zone. Aiming for a wide range of experiments, learning and exploring as many techniques as possible, creating as many samples and prototypes as students can.
For Final Presentation: Show process “book” for your projects, sketches/material explorations etc. as well as the final Projects.
Housing
To participate in RISD Global Summer Studios, all students are required to stay in RISD- provided housing for the duration of the course. Students live and work at the RISD site in Rome, Palazzetto Cenci, a 16th-century building in the historic center, where RISD has housed its European Honors Program (EHP) since 1960. Dorms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms, kitchens and laundry. The Cenci also includes several spacious studios, computer facilities, a library and a lecture hall/exhibition gallery. During field trips, students will also be provided with shared accommodation.