Textile, Art & Artefact
The creative process, and that of ‘making’, is founded on an informed insight into, and understanding of, materials and techniques. As a student in the Department of Applied Material in the School of Fine Art, you continually expand your knowledge through practical studio work, by connecting your practice to contemporary culture and audiences, and through interdisciplinary debate. This department offers two unique pathways to a BA in Applied Materials: Textile, Art & Artefact and Hard Materials (formerly Ceramics & Glass). ‘Making’ as a personal response to materiality is the fundamental principle at the heart of this fascinating Textile Art & Artefact programme. The fundamental and complementary skills you acquire enable you to create textile applied art and textile artefacts. We encourage students to have an existing awareness of a broad range of both new and hand-crafted textile processes.
What will I study?
You will develop your personal creative identity, a proficiency in design principles and techniques, and learn the theory of contemporary art practices. Practically, you learn through ongoing studio work and a blend of workshops, lectures and tutorials. Textile Art & Artefact provides an ideal environment to experiment with new material considerations, and to explore what ‘making’ means.
Year 1
First semester explores interdisciplinary Art and Design research, observation and analysis. In the second semester, all Fine Art students get a working taste of subjects with six weeks of workshops in two pathways selected from: Hard Materials, Media, Painting, Print, Sculpture and Textile Art & Artefact. The remainder of the module is spent in the Applied Material Department, making work with student peers similarly interested in exploring different kinds of approaches, materials and processes, and developing skills in the language of Textile Art.
Year 2
The focus is on developing a personal visual language and the skills necessary to translate this into a successful practice. You also explore how to research and define an audience, and how to develop an understanding of the market through professional practice.
Year 3: Studio+ & International
An optional opportunity to gain experience in a range of social and cultural contexts in the world beyond NCAD. Build your skills as an artist while working with an organisation with links to the School of Fine Art. Studio+ can also include a period of study abroad through the Erasmus programme with internationally recognised art faculties partnered with NCAD. Students who choose Studio+ will complete a 4 year BA Fine Art or a 4 year BA Fine Art (International).
Final Year
Develop a programme of study which reflects your individual skills, interests and knowledge base in textiles. This will culminate in a substantial body of work for assessment and display at your degree show, and at exhibitions and events.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment in both studio practice and in Critical Cultures is continuous: at the end of each completed module and each semester (half-year). Formal assessment results are issued at the end of each academic year. Modes of assessment include practical and written assignments, oral and visual presentations, portfolios and exhibitions.
Critical Cultures
Become a critically engaged, reflective and effective practitioner through studying the connections between history, theory and practice in modern and contemporary contexts.
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Opportunities after graduation
Textile Art & Artefact graduates discover opportunities at national and international level. Graduates have careers as visual artists, entrepreneurs, couture designers, milliners, accessory designers, stylists, costume or prop designers, illustrators, and in art education and art therapy. Increasingly, graduates are bridging contemporary art practices, and pursuing further study to refine their creative abilities and approach. Postgraduate opportunities exist at NCAD with MFA and practice-based PhD pathways, as well as nationally and internationally.