A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.
Continuing Studies faculty Emilka Wolniewicz.

On This Page

Emilka Wolniewicz

Continuing Studies Instructor

Contact

Professional Site

Bio

Emilka Wolniewicz holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago within the Fiber and Material Studies Department, and a B.S. in Nutrition and a B.A. in Human Physiology from the University of Minnesota.

 

Emilka Wolniewicz has several publications. Her Master of Fine Arts thesis “Revolt Fashion: Polish Resistance Fashion Art Movement” is published within the School of the Art Institute Repository, and her Bachelor of Science research paper “Polylactose and Bile Extraction in Rats” at the University of Minnesota Conservancy. Emilka published an essay “Landfill Anatomy” in Wovenutopia Mag 5 S/S, and poems “TRASH PROCESSING” in Wovenutopia Mag 6 W/S and “Babka Je Babkę” in Vernacular Magazine, Volume 2.

 

Emilka has participated in group shows with works "PURSES X SHOULDERS" at the International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago, IL; “HOT PLASTIC BAG 1” at the 18th Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit in Chicago; “STRONG LEGS” at Air Gallery Glencoe, IL; performance “AND THE HOME OF THE [PLACEHOLDER] - S1E3” at Nonation, Chicago, IL. Emilka had her video and film work  “HAPPY MEAL” and “perfumes” screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Personal Statement

Emilka Wolniewicz, MFA (she/her) is a Polish-American artist, writer, and researcher. She is fascinated by theories of fashion and objects, chaos, consumerism, text, collected materials, translation, beauty and wit, and how these entities merge together. Guided by words, and working through hand and body, Emilka uses material from packaging, informative labels, and magazines, as well as surrealist automatism and photography. Her practice investigates politics of consumer culture, magazines, advertisements, and temporality. She plays with collaging in digital weavings, code, garment construction, stitching, and embroidery, with specific material considerations such as cotton, found objects, light, and heavy conceptual thought. 

 

Taking the theory of objects, Emilka constructs pieces that correspond to utility, but retain artful auras, allowing them to hold passions of the subject. In response to the particular chaos of commodities and pop culture at large, her work disrupts the innate utility of textiles, while still preserving their history. It is ornamented with extravagant bizarreness, story, and wit through overwhelming scale, texture, and hue. It is these conceptual considerations, as well as study of text and objects that are substrates to her artistic work fostering reflection on the peculiar actions of contemporary popular culture.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

Young designers will learn to enhance and embellish existing garments using exciting surface design techniques like embroidery, beading, and applique. They'll also experiment with non-traditional materials to create one-of-a-kind accessories that complement their style. Activities will guide students through developing original ideas, finding inspiration in their surroundings, and engaging with the works of other artists and designers.

Class Number

1059

Credits

2

Description

This engaging course invites you to unleash your creativity as you explore innovative design methods and materials, focusing on illustration, styling, draping, and fabric selection rather than the construction of specific garments. You'll learn about the rich history of fashion and discover research techniques that will spark your imagination. Plus, you'll examine contemporary works and practices currently reshaping the fashion industry. Visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, a treasure trove of fashion history and stunning collection of garments and accessories, and the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of art and textiles will inspire your designs. Throughout this course, you'll create unique textile and garment designs while exploring how clothing communicates who you are. You'll develop skills in fashion illustration, draping, and even patternmaking while gaining a deeper understanding of garment history and contemporary designers. Whether you're new or have some experience, this course will help you unlock your design potential and express yourself through the powerful medium of fashion.

Class Number

1275

Credits

1

Description

In this course, students will learn to create, manipulate, and sew patterns for the upper half of the female form. They will draft a basic bodice using either their own measurements or by measuring a dress form to create a professional sloper. The course also covers how to create sleeves and collars. Additionally, students will learn how to manipulate darts, add fullness, and contour their designs. These principles will provide a solid foundation for each student's design work.

Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals would provide you with an introductory experience.

Class Number

2297

Credits

1

Description

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

2298

Credits

1

Description

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

2434

Credits

1

Description

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

2435

Credits

1

Description

Through handwork and machine stitching, this course will cover various traditional and experimental techniques for fabric embellishment and manipulation. Explore technical processes like embroidery, cording, appliqué, trapunto, pleating, tucking, smocking, gathering, darting, and ribbon work. This course will reference historical and contemporary examples of these processes as research for inspiration. Students will create a sample book of foundation techniques and experiments and produce a final design project.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

2299

Credits

1