“Decisions I make are never based on how long it’s going to take me.”
“Anybody might not consider themselves an artist but yet they can, by some need to survive, make things, which is something I think we’ve sort of lost with high technology.”
Craft In America Theme: Origins
Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, students will explore the work of weaver James Bassler and learn about the basic techniques of weaving. Students will view the “Origins” segment of Craft in America featuring Bassler. They will discuss the role of technology in craft, as well as consider the importance and origins of weaving in our world. After spending time learning about weaving and dyeing, students will create a piece of woven cloth dyed with indigo.
Grade Level (8-12)
Estimated Time (seven to eight 45 minute class periods)
Background Information:
The act of using a set of sticks and yarn to create a piece of fabric is one of the oldest crafts created by humans. Materializing in cultures all over the world, weaving met the daily needs of our earliest ancestors who required the creation of fabric to clothe, house, feed, and comfort them. Today, weaving still meets those needs, however many craft artists use the medium to express their own ideas and interests.
James Bassler is one such artist. Using the most basic of weaving techniques, Bassler creates work that is simple yet sophisticated. Using natural fibers, he creates weavings that he dyes using resist methods and often cuts the weavings apart and sews them into something new. Drawing inspiration from the weaving processes of Central and South American cultures as well as from his father, who created hand-dyed, hooked rugs when on break from his career as a major league baseball player, Bassler enjoys every minute of his work, even if the process can be tedious and repetitive.
• Artists can create sophisticated work from the most basic techniques.
• In addition to clothing, weaving can be used to make other objects.
• There are benefits and drawbacks to creating art without the assistance of high technology.
• What is weaving? How is it important to our lives as humans?
• Other than clothing, what are some items made from woven materials?
• How does technology make it easier or more difficult for a craft artist to create work?
• What is the value of making an object by hand, rather than with technological assistance?
Students will:
• Understand the basic techniques of creating a weaving and define key terminology like loom, warp and weft.
• Learn about the origins of weaving and the time and effort that goes into creating a weaving from the yarn to the final product.
• Consider the role that technology plays (or does not play) in an artist’s work, and explain how technology can both assist and hinder the artistic process.
• Understand the basic properties and origins of dyes, both synthetic and natural.
• Create a weaving and dye it using natural indigo dye and resist methods.
Warp, weft, cochineal, loom, plain weave, resist
Social studies, history, science
Content Standard:
1. Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes
2. Using knowledge of structures and functions
4. Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures
6. Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Resources:
• Craft in America DVD, Origins • Craft in America Website • Examples of different kinds of cloth (burlap, linen, microfiber, wool, etc.)
Worksheet:
• Tying Up Loose Ends: Weaving Self-Assessment
Weaving Materials:
• Wooden picture frame or 4 pieces of wood to form the loom
• 2” Nails
• Hammers
• Cotton warping yarn or cotton kitchen twine
• Natural yarns or fibers, such as cotton, wool, or linen, preferably undyed
• Blunt yarn needles or shuttles for weaving (Alternatively, cardboard could be used for warp by cutting slits in the top and bottom of it and using that to run the warp threads up and down the weaving)
Dyeing Materials:
• Dyes
• Upholstery thread and/or rubber bands
• Vinyl gloves, 5 gallon bucket with lid, other dyeing supplies
• Jacquard Indigo Dye Kit from the source listed here or another
Download the Jim Bassler Origins Guide in .PDF Format. [Get a copy of Acrobat Reader free from Adobe HERE if you don't already have it installed on your computer]
James Bassler Education Guide
James Bassler Worksheet
