Participants in this workshop will create a soft sculpture with Fiber artist Jenna Richards. The focus will be on designing and executing a 3-dimensional form that is fiber, fabric, felt, or yarn. The structure of the form will be stuffed fiber or a foam armature (understructure). The techniques will include shaping foam, hand seaming, applique with fabric or felt, sewing, or wrapping yarn. Through the design and fabrication of a soft sculpture, students will grasp an understanding of basic textile construction and assembling fabric, turning flexible flat material into dimensional form. This work will be created in conservation with, and by acknowledging significant historical sculptural works by artists such as Sheila Hicks, Anni Albers, Lenore Tawney, Bisa Butler, Ruth Asawa, Eva Hesse, Ann Hamilton, Louise Bourgeois, Anne Wilson, Joyce J. Scott, Claire Zeisler, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and Harriet Powers. 

Artist Bio: Jenna Leigh Richards is an artist working across sculptural media such as clay, wood, and fiber. She has an MFA in Fibers from Indiana University, a BFA in Fibers and Ceramics from University of Louisville. She currently sits on the Board of Directors and teaches yarn spinning at The Little Loomhouse here in Louisville Kentucky.  

Instagram: @jennaleighrichards
Website: jennaleighrichards.com