ObjectivesThe Fibres area provides a cross-media program of study that explores the relationship of material to culture. Informed by discourses of postmodernism and traditional aesthetics, the Fibres program allows for a rigorous and comprehensive study of the technical, conceptual and creative aspects of contemporary art and textile production. Inherently interdisciplinary in nature, the Fibres program encourages a cross-fertilization of ideas, techniques and technologies. In the Fibres Structure courses, students work in a broad range of fibre structure processes including hand construction, loom and off-loom woven structures and experimental approaches to textile and fibre art. Classes are small to promote personal expression and critical discussion, and to permit the opportunity for substantial technical exploration in the media. An open studio format is maintained to support the development of each individual's body of work. Aesthetic and conceptual concerns are emphasized in the approach to design and in the use of materials and techniques. Students are encouraged to pursue special interests and to further their understanding of the philosophy and historical tradition of the medium.
Academic titleBachelor of Fine Arts in Fibres
Course descriptionMajor in Fibres — 60 credits
Courses may include:
* Fibre Structures (Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced)
* Textile Printing and Dyeing (Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced)
* History of Textile Art and Aspects of the History of Textile Art
* Studio Art courses chosen from disciplines such as Sculpture, Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, Print Media, Intermedia/Cyberarts
FBRS 240 Fibre Structures I (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Enrolment in a BFA program or written permission of the Department. An introductory course in which students explore the expressive potential of various materials and processes of fibre structures such as loom weaving, feltmaking, basketry, surface applications, and other experimental constructions.
FBRS 260 Textile Printing and Dyeing I (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Enrolment in a BFA program or written permission of the Department. An introductory course in which students explore the creative potential of printing, painting, dyeing, resist work, and construction with fabric.
FBRS 340 Fibre Structures II (6 credits)
Prerequisite: FBRS 240 or permission of the coordinator. An intermediate level course which emphasizes the visual and conceptual development of the student in fibre media. Complex woven structures, painting and dyeing, fibre sculpture, and other experimental approaches are explored.
FBRS 360 Textile Printing and Dyeing II (6 credits)
Prerequisite: FBRS 260 or permission of the coordinator. An intermediate level course in textile printing and dyeing with an emphasis on content. Students investigate traditional and non-traditional approaches such as resist work, discharge, and photo processes.
FBRS 370 Papermaking (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Eighteen credits in Studio Art, or permission of the coordinator. The making of paper and its use as a medium of expression. The scope of investigation ranges from surface and image to embossing, casting, and three-dimensional construction.
FBRS 398 Special Topics in Fibres (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department. A workshop/seminar course providing an opportunity for study of specialized aspects of fibres.
FBRS 399 Special Topics in Fibres (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department. A workshop/seminar course providing an opportunity for the study of specialized aspects
in fibres.
FBRS 450 Independent Study (6 credits)
Prerequisite: 48 credits in the Major in Fibres; FBRS 480 previously or concurrently; and written permission of the Department. This workshop provides the opportunity for a limited number of students to independently pursue advanced studies in Fibres.
FBRS 451 Independent Study I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 48 credits completed in degree program; FBRS 480 previously or concurrently; and written permission of the Department. This course provides the opportunity for a limited number of students to pursue advanced studies in Fibres.
FBRS 452 Independent Study II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FBRS 451 and written permission of the Department. This course provides the opportunity for a limited number of students to pursue advanced studies in Fibres.
FBRS 480 Advanced Fibres (6 credits)
Prerequisite: FBRS 340 or 360, or permission of the coordinator. An advanced level course in which students create a personal body or work, refine technical expertise, and develop a visual and critical language related to fibres and textiles.