Browsing by Subject "Textile"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Cultural capital : production and reproduction in Emaré
(2012-08) Bristol, Abigail R.; Scala, Elizabeth, 1966-; Lesser, Wayne
Using the central romance narrative object in the Breton Lay Emaré, the anonymous poet creates a conversation highlighting the importance of class structure, religious difference, chivalric duty, the generic traditions of romance, imperial wealth, desire, and power within the narrative. The protagonist, Emaré, serves as the focus for a version of the traditional calumniated wife narrative, with few distinctions, the most intriguing of which is the focus on the particular textile that identifies her. This paper investigates how the textile and Emaré herself demonstrate the importance of production and reproduction—the fruits of both kinds of labor enabling her son to inherit two empires and their associated capitalist wealth, a social value that the likely middle class audience would have admired. This combined both the traditional dynastic focus of romance narratives with a capitalist, mercantile one, suggesting a move away from a chivalric, martial culture to one based around economic production.
Exploring the application of the green movement to the theatre with a focus on the costume shop
(2011-05) Maynard, Natalie Lynn; Glavan, James; Martel, Denise
Theatre is an art form that combines the art of storytelling with the visual arts. Every production begins with a blank canvas, and it is up to the director and a team of designers to discuss concepts and decide on an artistic vision for the piece. Skilled artisans work quickly as a team to produce the vision of the designer and director. During the production process waste is generated in the scene shop, props shop, costume shop, and rehearsal space. The products that are used to create the design can often contain harmful ingredients for both the artisan and the environment. No longer willing to ignore the responsibility that theatres have as stewards to the environment many artisans are leading the way by exploring safer practices and products. The research for this thesis is focused on the theatrical costume shop and examines dry cleaning, fabric painting and dyeing, and waste disposal. Alternatives to regular dry cleaning practices and commonly used and otherwise toxic products are available for a variety of processes we use in the theatre. For this study I conducted one hundred and sixty five surveys, ten interviews and a quality test amongst the dry cleaning alternatives in Austin, Texas. Three sets of seven different fabric samples were cleaned using the standard solvent and the alternative methods for dry cleaning. Four professional dyers and painters were interviewed about their dyeing process, disposal practices, and the impact that “green” products have on their work. I spoke with two experts working in wastewater about the impact dyes and paints have on wastewater treatment plants. Finally, I conducted an anonymous survey in 2010 to find out what new products or methods are in use amongst costume shop managers, dyers and painters, and production managers.
Tiny textiles : an exploration of surface design for small-scale fabrication at the 1/6th scale
(2023-04-20) Thorson, California; Arevalo, David; Dawson, Kathryn; Acosta, Nanette; Buchanan, Jason
The purpose of this MFA Thesis study is to examine surface design techniques for small-scale fabrication, specifically for stop motion animation at the 1/6th scale. Within the stop-motion industry, “surface design” refers to the use of embroidery, airbrushing, laser-cutting, stenciling, and other techniques to alter the surface look of a textile. Since purchasing textiles at the 1/6th scale is nearly impossible, the ability to alter pre-existing fabrics to give the “illusion” of textiles at a reduced scale is necessary for small-scale fabrication. Furthermore, since most small-scale fabrication skills are passed either through oral or apprenticeship arrangements, very little about this art form has been written down. As such, this thesis will serve to fill a gap in the field by conducting three case studies in the surface design of tweed, brocade, and denim, as well as engaging in a practical project in the form of costume work for a short stop-motion film, all of which will serve as a template for further people practicing small-scale fabrication.
Weaving experiences : a study of the learning experiences of two Maya weavers in Guatemala
(2020-02-05) Lopez, Elainy Rebeca; Bain, Christina
This thesis is an autoethnography that explores the informal learning and teaching experiences held by two Maya weavers from Guatemala. I traveled to Guatemala where I conducted interviews and made observations in order understand how weavers learned to weave, as well as how they maintain the tradition alive by passing their knowledge on to younger generations. Through this research, I began to see the significant role ancestral and familial connections played within the weaving experiences of the Maya weavers. Culture and tradition were at the center of the weaving process, but the creativity and ingenuity of the weavers allowed for changes to occur within the weaving practice allowing it to stay alive. The experiences and perspectives of Maya weavers are often overlooked, but through this research I share how learning more about their informal learning and teaching experiences influenced my personal art educator pedagogy. Exposure to multiple perspectives and experiences can help art educators, like myself, create more inclusive art curriculum, as well as learn about different forms of teaching art that can potentially apply to the art classroom.