TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING I SYLLABUS

FBRS 260, Studio B // Fall & Winter 2018-19

Sarah Nance sarah.nance@concordia.ca

Assistant Professor 514.848.2424, ext. 5926
EV 2.819
Office hours: Tuesdays 1.30-3.00pm, or M-T-W by appointment
Elaine Denis e.denis@concordia.ca
Fibres Technician 514.848.2424, ext. 4625
EV 9.729
Security / Emergency contact 514.848.3717

Studio Access EV 9.731 / 7.00am-11.00pm

*Please make note of supervised workshop times once posted

Course Description
An introductory course in which students explore the creative potential of printing, painting, dyeing, resist work,
and construction with fabric.
In this course, students develop technical skills and conceptual strategies pertaining to surface design
and basic construction in fibre. The relevance of screen-printing and dye processes, the role of fabric as a
carrier of social/historical content, and how fibre impacts the expanded contemporary art field will be
explored. Students will also consider three-dimensionality, performance and installation as additional
vehicles for printed textiles. Critiques and discussions will be supported by individual research, relevant
readings and writing assignments.

Course Objectives
• Develop proficient technical skills in textile printing and dyeing processes, as well as fabric construction
through sewn objects.
• Obtain and utilize knowledge of relevant historical and contemporary cultural, social and artistic contexts for
fibre, especially in the print and dye fields.
• Develop conceptual underpinnings of personal work through projects and samples. Successfully draw on
relevant methods of display such as installation, performance, fabric objects, etc.

Skills Covered (fall)

Direct application (canning), Screen-printing (stencil, mono, analog photo), Immersion dyeing, Machine-
sewing/construction, Printing with dye, Digital image preparation
Potential skills (winter): Shibori, Batik, Dye discharge (immersion, direct application, print), Analog cut-through
repeat, Pattern drafting, Digital image preparation for screen-printing (continued) **Schedule will be finalized
based on class interests

Studio Maintenance
You are responsible for cleaning up your workspace and general studio area. The print/dye room is a shared
studio, and it takes the participation of everyone to keep it well maintained. Please be aware of your impact on
the space and ensure that each time you leave the studio it is clean and ready for the next person. There will be
a required general studio clean-up session at the end of each term.

Attendance Policy
This is a studio-based course; therefore, your presence during each class period is essential. Class will begin
promptly at 8.30 am. Lectures and demonstrations will not be repeated for late or absent students—it is your
responsibility to meet with a classmate to obtain information you have missed. If you are unable to attend
TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING I SYLLABUS
FBRS 260, Studio B // Fall & Winter 2018-19

class for any reason, you must notify me via email. Unexpected absence on critique days will result in a failing
grade for the assignment. Two absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances are allowed; each
additional absence will result in a grade drop of 10% (i.e. one letter grade). Two late arrivals/early
departures are equivalent to one absence. Excusing additional absences is up to the instructor’s discretion.
Please see me regarding extenuating circumstances that affect your ability to attend class.

Required Readings
Readings assigned during the term will be made available through Moodle. A productive discussion requires
you to be very familiar with the material; you will bring to class a typed, printed 300-350 word essay response to
each text. In your response, include both an analysis of the assigned reading and your personal reactions to the
content. Make connections to your artwork, your other studies, your personal background, etc. Draw on your
existing bodies of knowledge to inform your interpretation of the reading and assess how it may figure into
your future research. Please bring a copy of the readings to class discussions.

Sample Portfolio
Your sample portfolio will include all technical samples assigned throughout the term and digital image
documentation of Projects I & II. Samples will be discussed throughout the course as they are completed, but
the entire portfolio will not be submitted until the end of the term. This gives you time to redo any samples you
wish to before final grading.

Grading Criteria
Attendance/Participation: 15%
Sample Portfolio: 25%

Project I: 20%
Project II: 40%

Grading Notes
A successful art practice is one that is continually progressing and is critically engaged. My criteria for evaluation
are based on the maker’s dedication to experimentation and progression in technical and conceptual practices.
Demonstrated commitment and advancement are critical.

Concordia Marks and Letter Grades

90-100% A+ *Excellent: work consistently exceeds what is expected and demonstrates a high level of
85-89% A technical and conceptual skill
80-84% A-
77-79% B+ *Very good: work is above average and sometimes exceeds expectations; technical and
73-76% B conceptual skills are strong, with occasional weak points
70-72% B-
67-69% C+ *Average: work satisfies course requirements, does not go above and beyond expectations;
63-66% C some lack in skill level
60-62% C-
57-59% D+ *Unsatisfactory: work does not satisfy all requirements; significant areas of weakness in skill
53-56% D proficiency and personal investment
50-52% D-
0-49% F *Fail: work is incomplete or does not satisfy requirements

*Please note that I do not accept late work. This means that any assignment turned in past the original
deadline will receive a 0. If you are unable to make it to class on a due date, arrange to have a classmate bring
your work to class so that it may receive credit. This includes both the mini and final project.

TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING I SYLLABUS
FBRS 260, Studio B // Fall & Winter 2018-19

REQUIRED SUPPLY LIST

Found fabric + yardage (printed and solid)

Pad or roll of tracing paper (minimum size 14 x 17”)
Clean food can, top and bottom removed
Scissors
Tape (painter’s masking)
Black permanent marker
Black paint marker (water-based)
T-pins + straight pins
Print bases (clear + opaque, as needed) *purchase at Art Store; bring receipt to class or supervised workshop
Plastic containers with screw-top lids
WHMIS labels *purchase at Art Store or make color prints/copies from PDF available on Moodle
Silkscreen (mesh count of 125)
Squeegee *may be shared with partner. Fiber majors are advised to have their own.
Varnish for screen wood (if applicable)
Pad or roll of acetate
Xacto / craft knife
Pencil, pen
Notebook
Alternative substrates (papers, plastic, wood, etc.)
Binder or box for sample portfolio
Materials for projects

Optional
Brushes (foam and bristle)
Rubber spatulas
Sewing supplies
Vellum, frosted mylar
Print bases (metallic + puff, as needed)
Laser-printable acetate
Fabric marker
Flat opaque objects

Required Safety Equipment

Closed heel/toe shoes
Lab coat / work shirt that covers skin and clothing
Chemical resistant apron
Chemical resistant gloves
Respirator and cartridges
***Attend respirator fit test before purchasing: Check Art Store Facebook page for dates/times/location
Note: no food or drink 20 minutes before test; must be clean-shaven for accurate fit
Goggles
TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING I SYLLABUS
FBRS 260, Studio B // Fall & Winter 2018-19

COURSE SCHEDULE

DATES OVERVIEW ASSIGNMENTS

WEEK ONE Introductions / Tour of facilities / Syllabus / Due Sept 12: Natural dye samples;
September 5 Health & Safety brochures + info / Important Reading response
dates / Required supplies overview / Sample
portfolio / Register for EV locker / Art Store /
Assign reading

Demonstrations: Natural dyes

WEEK TWO Reading discussion / Introduce Project I Due Sept 19: Five mixed inks in
September 12 appropriately labeled containers;
Demonstrations: Mixing and storing inks / Canning samples
Pinning fabric / Direct application (canning)

Supplies needed: Receipt from Art Store for

purchasing clear base, labeled plastic
containers, 1 yard fabric, clean can (both ends
removed), painter’s tape, t-pins, lab coat,
closed toe shoes, gloves
WEEK THREE ***Health & Safety with Elaine*** Do not Due Sept 26: Monoprinting +
September 19 miss this, or no access to studios! Stencil samples; Found fabric for
Project I
Demonstrations: Monoprinting + Stencil /
Heat-setting prints **Used screen sale September 26

 during first supervised workshop,
Supplies needed: Xacto knife, assorted paint 6.30pm**
brushes, health/safety gear**
**Plan to have all your health/safety items on
hand in the classroom or your EV locker from
this point forward**
WEEK FOUR Share samples / Discuss fabric choices for Due Oct 3: Coated and exposed
September 26 Project I screen for Project I; Varnish wood
frame, if applicable
Demonstrations: Reclaiming and prepping
screens / Coating screens / Exposing screen /
Analog film positive


Supplies needed: Screen + squeegee, paint
marker, painter’s masking tape, plans for fabric
interaction **Sarah will provide acetate
sheets**
TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING I SYLLABUS
FBRS 260, Studio B // Fall & Winter 2018-19
WEEK FIVE Workday for Project I—printing! Due Oct 10: Printed, heat-set
October 3 fabric for mini-project; Sewing
Demonstrations: Domestic sewing machines samples

Supplies needed: Materials for Project I,

straight pins, scissors, assorted lightweight
woven fabrics
WEEK SIX Workday for Project I / Make schedule for Due Oct 17: Project I, installed and
October 10 critiques ready for critique

Supplies needed: Materials for Project I

WEEK SEVEN PROJECT I CRITIQUE / Assign reading Due Oct 24: Reading response
October 17
WEEK EIGHT Introduce final project / Reading discussion
Due Oct 31: Cured & rinsed
October 24 printing with dye samples, finished
Demonstrations: Immersion dyeing with MX / immersion dye samples
Printing with MX dye

Supplies needed: 1 yard fabric, materials for

final project & revising sample portfolio, as
applicable

WEEK NINE Workday Due Nov 7: Progress on Project II

October 31
Demonstrations: Digital image preparation


Supplies needed: Materials for Project II

WEEK TEN Individual meetings / Workday / Assign Due Nov 14: Sample portfolio
November 7 groups for final critique

WEEK ELEVEN Individual meetings / Workday Due Nov 21: Project II installed
November 14 and ready for critique (Group 1)

WEEK TWELVE FINAL CRITIQUE / Studio clean-up Due Nov 28: Project II installed
November 21 and ready for critique (Group 2)

WEEK THIRTEEN FINAL CRITIQUE / Studio clean-up

November 28

*Note: this syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Students will be notified in advance of any
alterations in class information or expectations.
TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING I SYLLABUS
FBRS 260, Studio B // Fall & Winter 2018-19

GENERAL FIBRES + UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

Phone policy
Your cell phone must be on silent during class meeting times. Out of courtesy to your fellow studio mates, phone calls
are not allowed in the classroom at any time. I expect you to be fully engaged in each class period; use of your cell
phone should be limited to research related to your print/dye project or coursework.

Specific Accommodations
Please make arrangements with me as soon as possible if you anticipate needing accommodation in this course due to
disability related issues. I also recommend you contact the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (link below in
Services section) to identify possible accommodations. Please note that late arrangements may not allow for the
accommodation of your request.

Academic Integrity
Students are expected to be honest in all of their academic efforts. Please review the Code of Conduct at: http://
www.concordia.ca/content/dam/concordia/docs/AcademicCodeConduct2008.pdf
Carefully read Section III, titled Offences, and note that “multiple submission” is not permitted. You must present personal
research and ideas in your coursework. Plagiarism is not allowed in any form, including the realization of an object. The
borrowing of an image, a quote or a translation may be allowed as long as there is 1) a mention of the source of the
material used; 2) a reasoning on why it has been appropriated; and 3) an articulation of how the idea has been
developed beyond the intention of the original source. For the policy on plagiarism, please refer again to the link above.
**Please note that you may not submit work for this class that has been evaluated in previous courses without my
express written permission—even if you have substantially added to or altered the work. Collaborative work is also not
permitted without written permission from the instructor.

Showcases
There are two showcases located on the 9th floor outside the studio where you may display your work. A sign-up sheet
is posted to schedule individual or collaborative work. Students usually book it one week at a time although longer
periods may be negotiated. I especially recommend signing up for weeks when we have critiques scheduled, if it is a
good fit for your work. You must include a title/name card with your installation.

Fibres listserve
Please make sure to sign up for the Fibres List Serve—important messages and opportunities are posted there!
• To subscribe to this list, send a plain text message to Majordomo@lists.concordia.ca. In the body of the email, write:
subscribe fibreslist
• To check or change email settings from HTML to plain text, look under “options,” “preferences” or “settings” in your email
account. Please contact fibres.program@concordia.ca if you have difficulties with subscribing or unsubscribing. To send
a message to the public list once you are subscribed, send your email to fibreslist@lists.concordia.ca. No attachments or
photographs can be included, only text and/or web links.

Fibres Student Association

Join, participate, follow on Facebook!

List of Services
• Fine Arts Student Academic Services: https://www.concordia.ca/finearts/students/sas.html/
• Concordia Counseling & Psychological Services: http://concordia.ca/students/counseling.html/
• The Concordia Library Citation and Style Guides: http://library.concordia.ca/help/citing/index.php/
• Advocacy and Support Services: http://concordia.ca/offices/advocacy.html/
• Student Resources: http://concordia.ca/conted/resources.html/
• New Student Program: http://concordia.ca/students/success/new.html/
• Access Centre for Students with Disabilities: http://concordia.ca/students/accessibility.html/
• Student Success Centre: http://concordia.ca/students/success.html/
• The Academic Integrity Website: http://concordia.ca/students/academic-integrity.html/
• Financial Aid & Awards: http://concordia.ca/offices/faao.html/
• Health Services: http://concordia.ca/students/health.html/