Isaac Facio

This seminar will use the Textile Resource Center of the Department of Fiber and Material Studies as source material to explore artist research practices. An emphasis will be placed on slow looking and hands-on study of objects to gain an understanding of textile and fiber structures, material choices, modes of fabrication and production, while assessing larger frames of cultural context, meaning and metaphor. Through thoughtful guided close observation, we will learn about the complex lives of objects and the stories that they tell us to inspire and act as a foundation for our own creative work. Classroom guests will include artists and scholars from areas in conservation, science and technology, and anthropology to extend our perspectives in how we view and understand objects. We will take field trips to Chicago area museums and collections, and also address topics in collections care, exhibition, installation, curation, and collections management. Students will be expected to develop studio work, written research, and class presentations. Exploring these materials through drawing, notation, photography, video, live action, and remaking will be considered.