A Passion for Colour

Ruth Issett's talk on Friday evening about her "passion for colour" included a fascinating slideshow of her work and some of the countryside views that have inspired her.  The tables were covered in a wonderful selection of dyed fabrics and stitched pieces - in fact, the hall was transformed into a riot of colour!

Ruth Issett

Ruth explained how she keeps books of reference samples of all the dyes she uses on a range of fabrics, showing how the same dye reacts with each fabric to produce different effects.  

Often starting with collaged papers, she translates her ideas to fabric or other surfaces.  Any dye left over can be used as an ink to add or alter colours further.  

Ruth Issett

The following day's workshop focussed on using a number of accessible print techniques on fabric, and then modifying them with the addition of direct dye colour.  Ruth showed us how to apply fabric paint with a roller - not necessarily as straightforward as one might expect - and how to create patterns with brushes or stamps.

  

Ruth advised limiting one's colour palettes, in order to keep colours clear, and then playing with combinations.  Not that the results were in any way limited!  Playing with colour is fascinating and addictive, and "a passion for colour" is in no way an understatement.

Ruth Issett: A Passion for Colour, Friday 1st November

We are delighted to be able to welcome renowned textile artist, Ruth Issett, to talk about her passion for colour.  Ruth’s illustrated talk explores the use of colour through her own work as a textile artist, designer and and embroiderer.

Ruth is one of the foremost colourists in the textile art world, and her passion for colour is evident in the vibrant combinations used in her stunning artworks.  She says she is “fascinated by how colour responds to different surfaces, such as papers, fabrics, threads and fibres, as well as printed and stitched surfaces.”

After studying at Art College for five years, working within all areas of textiles, Ruth went on to lead a textile department in Kent before moving to  Shropshire.  Here she works from her studio, concentrating on her own work with some limited teaching.

Ruth is a member of the Textile Study Group and the PRISM exhibiting group.

Anyone who is interested in exploring the use of colour in their work will definitely enjoy Ruth’s talk, and visitors are always welcome.