Montessori education highlights the significance of sensory experiences in early childhood development, which inspired us to explore the art of textile (yarn, string, fabric) at St Andrew’s Montessori – drawing inspiration from celebrated artists Anni Albers and Chiharu Shiota.
Anni Albers, a pioneering textile artist of the Bauhaus movement, transformed weaving into an expressive and structural art form. Her work demonstrated the beauty of textiles beyond their functionality, introducing children to the idea that art can be both intricate and purposeful. Similarly, Chiharu Shiota, a contemporary artist known for her immersive thread installations, creates awe-inspiring woven structures that symbolise human connections and memories. By learning about these artists, our children gained an appreciation for the depth and storytelling that textile art can convey
“This hands-on exploration allowed the children to engage with different textures and techniques.”
Throughout the week, our little artists worked with yarn, cotton threads and fabrics to create beautiful, tactile masterpieces. They explored various techniques such as weaving, embroidery and quilting, each offering a unique way to express creativity and refine their fine motor skills. This hands-on exploration allowed the children to engage with different textures and techniques that enabled a unique form of artistic expression that was new to some of them.
Textile art provided the perfect opportunity for children to engage their sense of touch while not only strengthening coordination and practising patience but engaging their creativity in a new and interesting format. We look forward to more artistic adventures in the weeks to come!