Amanda Whewell

Artist statement

“You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear”, or so they say, but creating beautiful interiors from the       detritus of modern society is perfectly possible.
Colour and pattern abounds in discarded packaging such as envelopes, gift wrap and bags, and also in clothing, wallpaper and curtains.
I take inspiration from the environments where these items collect and also from the designs printed on them originally to attract the consumers that have now rejected them. I manipulate the materials using      traditional crafts such as knitting, rag rug and embroidery to create new and sumptuous textures. I also   incorporate printmaking into my work producing contemporary designs inspired by the rich heritage of the printing industry in my local area.
By using the materials that society rejects the art also gains an important sociological and historical context.

Experience:

School Workshops

I run a variety of art and craft workshops in primary schools, working with both teachers and children. My workshops are created to provide a wide range of art skills and techniques whilst crossing into other areas of the curriculum for inspiration and design ideas. The emphasis is on enjoying creativity and boosting confidence. Wherever possible I work with re-cycled or readily available materials allowing participants to easily continue exploring their art experiences in the school or at home.

Community Sessions

I give talks, demonstrations and hands-on sessions to local groups.
I run a successful programme drawing and textile workshops for all ages and abilities at the newly established New Mills Original, a community interest group.
Recently I have been studying the textile sample books from 1910-1960’s at the local heritage centre both for my own research and to compliment the work I do with local community groups.
I have also worked with the High Peak Community and Voluntary Support and a local group of adults with learning disabilities where we are planning a large scale poly-fusion project.

Exhibitions

Aug 2009 - New Mills Original
May 2009 - Derbyshire Open Arts
March 2009 - New Mills Art Event, Blakes World of Hair
Feb 2009 - Dukinfield Library
Oct - Nov 2008 - Foundation Degree group exhibition at Macclesfield library.
May 2008 - Derbyshire Open Arts
May - June 2008 - New Mills Heritage Centre
Nov 2007 - One Hundred Tiny Artworks - Open 19 - Leicester City Art Gallery
Oct 2007 - Firbob and Peacock - Wilmslow
Jan - Mar 2007 - Art Link - Stockport Art Gallery
June 2006 - Open Exhibition - Stockport Art Gallery
June 2005 - St John Street Gallery - Ashbourne
April - May 2005 - Peak Art Cyber Cafe - Mew Mills

Other Work

2005 - High Peak Community Arts - Messy Arts Workshops for children
1998 - 2002 - Granada Breeze Television - Simply D.I.Y. - Craft challenges and “how to” sessions.
1998 - 2002 - Hobbycraft - Various craft workshops for adults.
1998 - 2002 - Card Creation Co. - Mixed media workshops for adults and children.

Education

Currently in final year of Creative Practice BA(Hons) at Manchester Metropolitan University.     
2009 - FdA Creative Arts for Employment - Distinction.
2007 - Foundation Diploma - Distinction.
Previous Qualifications - 2 x A levels,  9 x O levels.

Skills

Accomplished in a wide range of textile and printmaking skills.
Good at adapting everyday materials to use in interesting and practical ways to create artworks.
Teaching skills with both child and adult learners.
Business skills, I have run a successful business for the last five years.
Creative writing.   
Able to write planning, instruction and evaluation documents to support workshops.

References

phone: 01663 742204

mobile: 07790070897

email: amanda_whewell@hotmail.com