artintextilez

Darren Calder I have always loved colourful images and expressive objects, and since the age of 11 have been using arts as a form of expression and creativity.    My work has incorporated drawing (which I am hoping to do more of), printing and mixed media on a variety of surfaces, and creating images through experimental weaving.    I was introduced to a variety of mark making and object making training on Decorative Arts course at Camberwell School of Arts 1990. I was introduced to a textile based way of working in print and weave which I loved and continue to work in that way ever since. A decade later I did a Contemporary Tapestry weaving Post-Grad study at West Dean College 2001 My main art forms are textiles and tapestry weaving, and I completed a 1-year tapestry post grad at West Dean College.    In the past, my weaving has incorporated a range of experimental styles and objects, including installations in disused buildings and local parks.    I made an evocative series of tree weavings, and have used rolled-up newspaper sheets, electrical wire, park fencing and cable flex.    Many of my projects have a community element – for example making work for a charity auction to raise funds for a school in Somalia in 2003, two pieces inspired by the issues in Afghanistan at that time also in 2003 (both pieces are owned by the A&D gallery in London), the Black History Month exhibition in Brighton in 2009 with a piece entitled ‘contribution’, and a recent ‘Aids Awareness’ piece which was exhibited in London and Newhaven.    I have also used the controversial medium of graffiti to weave pieces with text such as ‘Banyan Budda’ and ‘Landmind’. My current projects are focusing on community engagement, identity and wellbeing,I use intentional breathing and moving while weaving art works and also as a separate practice like Chi gong. I Incorporate various textiles, weaving and print-making – through these mediums I explore the world around me and the people in it.    I run tapestry and rug-weaving workshops and have developed a series of workshops and courses focusing on weaving for wellbeing and ‘words that express emotions.’    I hope to share my skills and enable other people to develop their arts and craft practices, whilst also building on my body of work.