Lesson video

Hello, everyone.

How are you today? I hope you're feeling great.

My name's Ms. Afzal and I'll be your art teacher for this lesson.

I'm feeling very pleased about that because I love teaching art, and also because today we are looking at themes.

Themes in our textile work, so interesting.

Our lesson is called "Interpreting and responding to a theme in textiles." I wonder what kind of themes interest you as you look at other artworks and for yourself as you create your own artworks.

Our lesson comes from the unit of work "Finding your voice: an introduction to the creative process." So, if you are all set for our lesson with some energy, enthusiasm, maybe curiosity would be helpful too, then let's begin.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can interpret a theme and explore different aspects to develop my textile design ideas.

We have some keywords in our lesson, let's go through them.

Theme and interpret.

Theme is a subject or idea that guides your creative work, and interpret is to explain or show your own understanding.

So these are our two keywords, theme and interpret.

Let's look out for them, let's listen out for them.

They'll be coming up in our lesson today.

Today's lesson is called "Interpreting and responding to a theme in textiles" and it consists of three learning cycles.

First of all, "Interpreting a theme." Next, "Exploring aspects of a theme." And then, "Explaining your creative intentions." Let's begin with "Interpreting a theme." And the outcome for this lesson could be something really interesting and intriguing, like we can see on the screen here.

So what do these words have in common? Nature, reflections, journeys, boundaries and borders, adorn, decorate, embellish, identity, camouflage, light and shadow, time, and world cultures.

Pause here and share with someone, what do these words have in common? Hold on to that answer, I got one more question for you.

Do any stand out to you, and why? Pause here while you discuss this.

Thanks for sharing.

So, what do these words have in common? Well, these are all examples of themes given as starting points for a series of work.

They inspire creativity while allowing for individual interpretation.

So I wonder which theme you were perhaps most drawn to.

For me, I think it would be identity.

Maybe journeys as well.

A theme is the idea that connects your work.

Themes help your work follow a creative direction.

There can be many different interpretations of the same theme.

Themes can be explored through different materials, styles and processes.

What theme is being explored within the images below? Pause here and share with someone.

Perhaps you came up with the idea of natural forms. And can you identify any differences between these two interpretations of the theme "natural forms"? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

Let's hear from Izzy.

"One takes rubbings of natural forms, while the other draws a shell using batik and stitching.

Both interpret natural forms in different ways." What theme would you interpret from this textile sample? Pause here and share with someone.

Here's Sofia, "It looks like a landscape of sea-related theme." Let's have a check for understanding, true or false? Themes and textiles can inspire creativity while allowing for individual interpretation.

Pause here and decide if this statement is true or false.

Well done if you selected true, and now I'd like you to say a little more about your answer.

Pause here while you do this.

Perhaps you said something like this.

Themes act as a springboard for exploration, offering enough structure to guide the creative process while remaining open-ended enough to encourage personal interpretation.

Interpreting a theme means thinking about what it could mean to you.

This student interpretation of the theme "Light, Shape, and Shadows" demonstrates how personal imagination and creative connections bring the theme to life.

Izzy and Lucas are discussing the first thing they do when they are given a theme in textiles.

Lucas, "I research and record the definition.

Looking at synonyms for the word or words helps me to interpret the theme." Great first place to go.

And Izzy, "I start interpreting the theme by recording my initial ideas and visual inspiration." Yeah, what's the first thing that comes to you? Another great approach.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Which of the following are strong ways to begin interpreting a textile theme? A, research and record the definition.

B, think about how much time everything will take.

C, recording initial ideas and visual inspiration.

Or D, focus only on fashion examples and pattern.

Pause here while you decide which of these are strong ways to begin interpreting a textile theme.

Well done if you selected answers A and C.

Indeed, researching and recording the definition and recording initial ideas and visual inspiration are both great ways to begin interpreting a textile theme.

And now it's time for your first task.

I would like you to choose your theme, and then research and record what your theme means.

Look up the definition.

Find synonyms and related words.

Create a word bank of free associations or ideas that come to mind.

So pause here while you have a go at this first part of your task, choosing your theme and researching and recording what your theme means.

I'll see you when you're finished.

All right, how did you get on with choosing your theme and researching and recording it? You may have said something like this, here's Lucas.

"I've been given the theme 'architecture' which means the design and structure of buildings and spaces, but it could also link to large fabric constructions.

I found words like form, pattern, and construction." And now we're onto our next learning cycle, "Exploring aspects of a theme." Lucas and Izzy are exploring aspects of the theme "architecture" for their textile project.

"I want to explore architecture through rubbings and photos of local buildings." And Izzy, "I'm interested in how buildings make you feel, like how light changes in a space.

I'm looking for dramatic angles and shadows." Yes, let's look for the drama.

So, how do you explore aspects of a theme? Pause the video and share with someone.

Here's Aisha, "I start with drawings, then choose one idea to push further." Jacob, "I test how my theme could look in stitch or print." And Sam, "I connect it to my own culture or personal experiences." Great ways to explore aspects of a theme.

Let's have a check for understanding, true or false? You have to stick to one narrow idea when working with a theme.

Pause here and decide if this is true or false.

Well done if you selected false, and now I'd like you to say a little more about your answer.

Pause here while you do this.

Perhaps you said something like this.

You can make bold personal interpretations and combine influences to create something original.

So, how do you know when you have a strong idea for a theme? You might feel excited to start exploring; think of useful materials, artists, or resources; make connections to your own environment or experiences; have existing ideas linked to the theme.

Which responses do you relate to? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

So what could you do if your response to a theme isn't working? Pause here, consider this, and share with someone.

You could reframe your theme as a question.

Focus on one small part.

Sometimes we can get a bit overwhelmed when we think of a theme.

Make it personal.

Try a new material or process.

Talk it through with someone, always good to talk.

Try a new direction.

Bring in some fresh energy.

These textile artists respond to themes in personal and imaginative ways.

Simone Elizabeth Saunders uses tufted textiles to celebrate Black identity, joy, and resistance.

Liaqat Rasul combines fabrics, collage, and fashion to explore British Pakistani identity and queerness.

Nicholas Ball uses improvisational patchwork to create vibrant quilts inspired by nature, games, and everyday surroundings.

And Deanna Tyson paints on fabric and makes costumes to explore cultural identity and global stories.

So we can see a number of textile artists responding to themes in personal and imaginative ways.

How inspiring.

A mood board is a design tool that can help define, record, and interpret your theme using imagery, materials, and textures.

So much to take in on this mood board that we can see on the screen.

Mood boards can be digital.

Online tools can be used to layer photos, colours and textures.

How can the images, colours, and textures you choose help show your theme or mood? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Mood boards can be physical.

Cut, tear, and paste images from magazines, newspapers, or other materials, like fabric or flat objects, onto a board to explore different ideas around the theme.

A mixed-media approach can create layered, expressive responses to the theme.

When creating a mood board, choose images and objects with similar colours, shapes, or textures to help tell a visual story about your theme and ideas.

So we can see some similar colours have been used here.

There are no set rules for creating a mood board.

You can be creative, experimental, and individual.

Three fantastic ways of being.

Let's have a check for understanding.

What are the benefits of a mixed-media mood board? A, it allows exploration of ideas using materials and textures.

B, it helps to create layered, expressive responses to a theme.

C, it must include fabric and photographs to be effective.

D, it works best when everything is glued flat and stays neat.

Pause here while you decide which of these are the benefits of a mixed-media mood board.

Well done if you selected the first two statements.

Indeed, it allows exploration of ideas using materials and textures, and helps to create layered, expressive responses to theme.

And now it's time for the next part of your task.

I would like you to choose one aspect of a theme that interests you and make a quick mood board of ideas and images in your chosen format.

Try to include personal connections or memories.

Think about symbols, materials, textures.

You can enhance your mood board by adding sketches and your own photography.

So pause here while you have a go at choosing one aspect of a theme that interests you and make a quick mood board of ideas and images in your chosen format.

I'll see you when you're finished.

And next I'd like you to spend some time on feedback and reflection.

Here are some discussion prompts.

What direction did you choose and why? What makes your interpretation personal or unique? So pause here while you discuss, reflect, and share feedback.

Okay, it's great to be back with you, so how did you get on with choosing an aspect of a theme that interests you and making that quick mood board? Your work may have looked like this.

So interesting.

Great job, Lucas.

And you may have reflected in this way.

Let's hear from him.

"I chose to interpret a theme broadly, looking at both natural and human-made stimuli.

I collected rubbings and made a thread card and weaving to create a unique interpretation.

I matched colours to textures and shapes drawn from my theme." Wonderful reflection.

And now we're onto our final learning cycle, "Explaining your creative intentions." Artists often explain their creative intentions using an artist statement.

This is usually written at the start of a GCSE project to help clarify the purpose of the work; explain how the theme is being interpreted; connect ideas, influences, and materials.

Let's have a check for understanding, true or false? Artist statements are only used by professional artists.

Pause here and decide whether this statement is true or false.

Well done if you said false, and now I'd like you to say a little more about your answer.

Pause here while you do this.

Perhaps you said something like this.

Artist statements help all artists, including students, to explain their ideas, process, and creative choices.

So what will you include in your artist statement? Discuss with a partner.

What is your theme and how are you interpreting it? What ideas or messages are you exploring? What materials, techniques, or artists inspire you? What do you hope your work will communicate? So pause here and discuss with a partner what you'll include in your artist statement.

Thanks for sharing.

Using a writing frame can help you organise your ideas clearly.

One example of an artist statement writing frame could be, "My theme is.

." Insert your theme.

"I chose this because.

." And then give your reason or personal connection.

"I'm exploring it through.

." Tell us about your materials, processes, or techniques.

"I'm inspired by.

." Who's your artist or influence?" "Because.

." Give your reason.

"My work aims to communicate.

." What is your message, mood, or idea? Check for understanding.

Which of these best describe the purpose of an artist statement? A, to define your creative intentions.

B, to describe your final piece in detail.

C, to list what you've done so far.

D, to make links between theme, artists, and materials.

Pause here while you decide which of these best describe the purpose of an artist statement.

Well done if you selected statements A and D.

Indeed, the purpose of an artist statement is to define your creative intentions and to make links between theme, artists, and materials.

So we've talked a lot about artist statements, now let's get on to writing one.

For your final task, I would like you to write a short artist statement between four and seven sentences long.

Explain what your theme means to you, what you might want to explore or communicate, any initial techniques, materials, or artists you plan to use, how your personal experiences or ideas connect.

You can type, handwrite, or record your response verbally.

So pause here while you write a short artist statement.

I'll see you when you're finished.

It's great to be back with you, how did you get on with that task of writing a short artist statement four to seven sentences long? Let's hear from Jun.

"My project explores the theme of architecture through textures, form, and structure.

I'm drawn to contrast between modern and historic buildings, especially patterns found in bricks, arches, and windows.

I plan to use layered collage, rubbings, and stitch to explore these visual elements.

My work will reflect connections between buildings and nature." Thanks for sharing that, Jun.

Pause here and share with someone your impression of Jun's short artist statement.

Has he hit the brief? Thanks for sharing your impressions of Jun's short artist statement.

I really think he has done a great job in letting us know what he's exploring, what he's inspired by, and what he plans to do.

And I hope you've enjoyed writing your own short artist statement as well, and that hopefully it's been helpful for you to really help you reflect on your theme.

In our lesson "Interpreting and responding to a theme in textiles" we've covered the following.

A theme is a creative starting point that guides ideas but allows for personal interpretation.

You can explore a theme using different materials, textures and processes.

Strong textile responses show your voice by linking the theme to personal experiences or interests.

A clear artist statement helps you explain your creative process and connect your work to the theme.

Well done, everyone, for joining in with this lesson.

I hope you enjoyed choosing your theme and then diving into how you'll be exploring this theme through different processes and materials, and thinking about different artists that may inspire you as well.

And well done for writing your clear artist statement that can really help refine our thinking and give us some clarity around our textile voice and our intentions.

I've really enjoyed being with you in this lesson and I'm looking forward to seeing you at another art lesson soon.

Until then, stay creative.