Welcome!

     I’m Emma and I am an avid textile enthusiast (and student) studying at Sheridan College within the craft and design program.

I discovered textiles by accident while trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I had been traveling/working as a nanny when I came across Sheridan’s program and, as they say, the rest is history. I’m two years in and couldn’t be more thrilled. In those two years the areas of textiles that I have come to love and focus on are natural dyes, and sustainable functional objects (clothing, home decor etc.). Sustainable textiles are important because there is a huge disconnect between the things that we buy and what we know about them (how they are made, who made them, where they come from etc.). Learning about the craftsmanship behind the objects that we value, the skills and labor that was put into them, and the importance of quality, makes them even more special. It needs to be acknowledged and can make us feel more connected to the things we surround ourselves with which in turn could change the way in which we consume.

     This is a huge reason why this co-design program was so attractive to me. We are getting to see first hand the work and skill that goes into everyday objects by people who have spent their entire lives perfecting them. Watching Bunker Roy’s TED talk got me thinking about wealth of knowledge. There is no better way to learn about something that to see it live, and grow, and breath. To be able to witness these artisans firsthand and go to a country who’s history is rooted in craft is an opportunity that I couldn’t ignore. Not to mention, India has been a starring role on my bucket list in the past few years. As I looked into the program, I couldn’t help but feel like this was such a rich opportunity. I can’t wait to see the relationships that form over the next three weeks. Whether it is with the community or the craft itself, I’m anticipating it to be life changing

Emma

You can follow my Instagram and see all the exciting things I get up to!

Juliana Scherzer
Craft & Design – Textiles

I am particularly drawn to hand techniques in textiles, which ties to my passionate interest in history. These techniques become sources of inspiration for my work.

It is important for me to study the different methods that cultures from around the world use to create their textiles. I want to gain as much knowledge as possible about this variety of techniques, and their histories, making this trip to India very exciting for me. 

As I now prepare for my thesis in fourth year, I am excited to learn and be inspired by the art and life of India, and to meet its artisans. I know that experiencing India’s history of art, craft, and handmaking, and their unmatched quality of textiles and textile techniques, will be astounding. I’m sure they will leave a significant effect upon me and my work.

See more about my trip experience and my work here!

Wanxing Samson Wang

Craft and Design Furniture, Sheridan College

     I am always passionate about woodworking, and I am pursuing my career goal to be a woodworker and designer.

     I am from China, have stayed in Canada for 8 years. I have spent many years study and work in Aviation fields, and I am currently 2nd year student at craft and design furniture program. I have relatively wide range of skills, such as woodworking, sheet metal work and circuit soldering and troubleshooting. 

     I am fascinated with work with hands. I feel calm and excited when I could alter natural materials into different art forms. Luckily, my artistic instinct could help me finalizing proportion while executing the design. I like to use organic form and soft lines to present my design, and bringing harmony and logic are my ultimate goal.

     India has very long craft history, it is very exciting for me to have this chance to see all the interesting traditional craft skills in person. In addition, religion culture is wonderful to explore, and many different architecture styles will definitely be inspiring and opening the mind. 

Here are some of my work: