Guest blog by Hawkwood tutor and artist Gizella K Warburton
I first came to know Hawkwood through an invitation to teach a weekend workshop, as part of a new collaboration with the Stroud Arts organisation; SIT Select. Since that first successful time, I have been invited back to Hawkwood a number of times, sharing my contemporary fibre arts practice with students.
I know that I myself have found that the special experience of simply being at Hawkwood touches us on many levels, and helps to facilitate a deep connection with the course each chooses to follow, and to fellow learners. My teaching seeks to nurture and challenge personal creative experimentation, to support and mentor students as they ‘lose’ themselves…and as they ‘find’ themselves. Several participants have returned multiple times to my sessions, and I know that they find the convivial atmosphere and welcoming staff, as well as the delicious food, a balm to the soul.
Through my professional practice, I have delivered workshops in numerous settings, and Hawkwood remains one of my favourites. I have been able to utilise the spaces both inside the studios, and out in the grounds, enabling me to develop particular teaching approaches, and maximising the potential offered by this special place.
To find out more about Gizella’s work, please visit her website.
Gizella Warburton
Studies include a BA Hons Degree in Printed, Woven and Constructed Textiles at Manchester School of Art and a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts Practice with the University of Derby. Alongside the making of exhibition work, Gizella has been commissioned to deliver numerous creative learning projects in partnership with Galleries and Museums and Heritage organisations and has been an invited artist to deliver workshops in the UK, Australia and the US. The appointment of the first Artist in Residence at Coventry War Memorial Park from 2010-2011, involved research and the delivery of participatory sessions for Park users and staff. This project and a commissioned piece made in response to this residency were showcased as part of the ‘Making Moves’ touring exhibition curated by ‘Craftspace’. Work has been featured in numerous international exhibitions.
