Fibers and Textile Studies

The Fibers + Textile Studies concentration in the Craft + Material Studies program will allow you to explore materials such as loom-woven and mixed-media fabrics and gain a thorough understanding of the inherent physical qualities and potential image-making possibilities of fabric. You'll learn in many ways, in and out of the classroom, through demonstrations, slide presentations, field trips, informal discussion and group critiques.

Overview
Faculty Spotlight
Curriculum
Alumni & Careers

Meet the Director: Mi-Kyoung Lee, International Fiber & Textile Artist

Faculty

Mi-Kyoung Lee is the director of UArts' Fibers program.

Her massive piece “Yellow Forest” was a featured installation in Terminal E of the Philadelphia International Airport. The 40-foot by nine-foot sculptural form was created entirely out of thousands of industrial plastic twist ties, knotted together to bind the huge amounts of material into a singular structure.

In the piece, the twist ties were joined to create a field of color and texture resembling a living wall.

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Explore Student Work

You'll have many opportunities to exhibit your work, both at UArts, through the annual wearable art show put on by the Experimental Costume Design and Performance program, and at major exhibitions such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show and the Philadelphia Furniture Show.

Explore Student Work /

UArts Fibers and Textiles Student work by Erina Matsunaga

Fibers + Textiles Student work by Erina Matsunaga

Fibers + Textiles Student work by Hailey Bryant 'Tension'

Fibers + Textiles Student work by Amanda Santini

Fibers + Textiles Student work by Logan Maakestad

Fibers + Textiles Student work by Oliva Jones

Fibers + Textiles Student work by Right Gilbert

Qiang Gong: International Costume and Set Designer

Alumni

BFA '13

Creating a new space by using different materials, it is playful. I begin every piece by playing, like a child plays with her toys. I believe this is the way to open my mind.

Since graduating from UArts, Qiang Gong BFA ’13 (Fibers) has, among other exciting things, designed and constructed costumes and sets for the International Opera Theater in Italy for its world-premiere project “Azaio.”

Qiang says that when she was 7 years old, she had the experience of nearly drowning in a river. “Years passed, and I still remember the first breath after being pulled out of the water. From that moment on, I have lived in the moment. The simple act of breathing- the inhale and exhale- become part of my attention in the work.”

Qiang’s work investigates people’s psychology, and she works with the idea of creating a space that can interact with the viewer, calling it “interior interaction.”

“Creating a new space by using different materials, it is playful. I begin every piece by playing, like a child plays with her toys. I believe this is the way to open my mind.”

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Student Experience

You'll learn in many ways, in and out of the classroom, through demonstrations, slide presentations, field trips, informal discussion and group critiques.

Student Experience /

You'll learn in many ways, in and out of the classroom, through demonstrations, slide presentations, field trips, informal discussion and group critiques.

UArts Student in Fibers + Textiles Studio

UArts students in Fibers + Textiles Studio

More than lecturers, professors in the Craft and Material Studies program are skilled artists and innovative thinkers. Meet the faculty in the Craft and Material Studies program by reading their profiles and artist statements.

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Mi-Kyoung Lee

Fibers and Textile Studies

International fiber & textile artist

Christina Day

Fibers and Textile Studies

Cross disciplinary artist: fiber, sculptural and photographic work

Rose Kampert

Fibers and Textile Studies

Launched, designed and manufactured under the LOVE NYC fashion label for 12 years

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Sample Courses in the Craft + Material Studies Major with a concentration in Fibers and Textile Studies

First Year
Drawing: Objects & Space
Drawing: Natural Forms & The Human Figure
Image/Time
Color
Object/Environment
Found & Fabricated

Second Year
3D Computer Modeling
Studio Practice
Discipline Fundamentals
Fibers Mixed Media Exploration
Color and the Loom Exploration
Constructed Surface Exploration

Third Year
Junior Projects/Discourse
Fibers and Textile Studies Junior Studio I
Fibers and Textile Studies Junior Studio II
Fibers and Textile Studies Junior Projects

Fourth Year
Fibers and Textile Studies Senior Thesis I
Fibers and Textile Studies Senior Thesis II
Fibers and Textile Studies Senior Studio
Craft Senior Projects

About the Curriculum

At the heart of the curriculum of the Craft + Material Studies Major with a concentration in Fibers and Textile Studies is the notion of thinking through making. Fibers and Textile Studies students are passionate about working with their hands and about discussing the ideas and concepts underlying their art. Fibers and Textile Studies students learn to express themselves through material and process. A student who pursues Craft and Material Studies will work closely with an advisor to determine the curricular path that best matches their artistic goals.

Students who complete the Craft + Material Studies Major with a concentration in Fibers and Textile Studies will:

Demonstrate independent, creative problem solving and original thinking. They exhibit a distinct and personal approach to art making.
Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues and historical precedents. They have an appreciation for experimentation/innovation as well as for the traditions of making as applied to contemporary craft practice.
Acquire and demonstrate the professional skills needed to be successful as artists, entrepreneurs, designers for industry and productive citizens.
Be able to talk and write about art (including their own work) critically, intelligently and with considerable insight.
Acquire the level of technical skill required for them to reach their career goals. They establish a work practice appropriate to their ideas and demonstrate a deep familiarity with materials and processes.

To earn the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Crafts + Material Studies, with a concentration in Fibers and Textile Studies, students will complete a total of 126 credits as follows: