Jenny Oliver

Report of TICATEC placement to Slovakia 23rd August 27th September 2004
Participant Jenny Oliver

Techniques

For the first half of the placement classes we worked at the Cultural centre. The techniques we were using included macrame, cross stitch, various crochet techniques, embroidery, and bobbin lace. The skills were taught by folk artists, who create traditional designs. These techniques were very interesting, and well taught, in an ideal bright spacious workshop surrounded by examples of traditional crafts of Slovakia. For a week we stayed in Kezmaroc, near the High Tatras, a very beautiful part of the country. Accommodation was excellent, as we stayed at a family home, and tasted typical Slovak cooking. We were taught sewn lace at the textile workshop, and shown many examples of techniques. Weaving was taught in a studio/ shop in Presov, by a family of weavers, who mostly make and sell Rag rugs. We also worked with a professional artist who kindly invited us to see her studio and work. This was a very inspiring visit to see such a dedicated, hard working artist who used traditional techniques in a contemporary way.

Cultural activities.

Trips included; several churches, including typical Slovakian wooden churches, castles, and museums, a health spa, outdoor museums and beautiful countryside, the High Tatras, and a raft trip on the river at national park Pieniny. This revealed the rich history of the cast of Slovakia. Most interesting was valuable time spent in the museums, researching the culture, including costume, and folk art. Ibis was a rich source of inspiration for our artwork.

On travelling to Slovakia I was anticipating the opportunity of developing textile skills, also ceramics (optional), following the varied cultural programme arranged by the host. The group had been informed we would be staying in a boarding school. The accommodation was comfortable and food was quite adequate.

Whilst staying in Slovakia, my experience of local people was very good. Despite the language barrier, people were very helpful and patient. In Stropkow, where we stayed the area was surrounded by many flats and there were always people and children around creating a friendly and safe neighbourhood atmosphere. Some English was spoken very well by locals, e.g. the book shop where we were made very welcome, and they even ordered some books at our request. During our stay, the host's interpreting was very good. The only drawback there wasn't enough of it ... sometimes parts of conversation or tuition were not completed.

The placement in Slovakia has benefited my studies, and will continue to as I can use the visual record from sketchbooks, photographs, and notes. The travel has generated ideas as well as added to the skills I can use to create future work. I have a little knowledge of a lovely country that I can spread the word about, and show examples of through photographs and textiles. Future employment benefits include; the development and sale of my own work as a contemporary maker, also the opportunity to continue to master the techniques to a higher level with the idea of teaching workshops to other students.

The placement in Slovakia of "training in contemporary application of traditional European crafts" was a valuable experience. As a student specialising in sculpture and textiles, the course was very beneficial, and I am very glad to have been given the opportunity to participate. It was especially a good chance to experience life in another country, and discover their culture and lifestyle.

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