
Helena Henning
is a designer and artist, with many years of professional experience in theater costume, textile design and education. I hold a Master’s degree in Design (MFA) at the University of Design and Crafts (HDK) in Gothenburg, with additions in art-and adult pedagogy.
Contact
Telephone: +4673-9233446
Email: helenahenningdesign(at)telia.com
CV
Work Experience
June 2022 - ongoing
HDK-Valand Göteborgs University
Technician in the textile print and dye studios at HDK-Valand, Göteborgs University
March 2014 – June 2022
Konstfack University of Arts and Crafts (Stockholm)
Lecturer and tutor in textile craft. My main field at Konstfack was dyeing, patina and color theory. I was the course responsible for my courses as well as responsible for the dye lab and the chemistry registration in KLARA. During my years at Konstfack I improved the safety work both for the students and the environment and, most of all, I developed my teaching. I wrote my own course compendiums on dyeing and patina.
January 2010 – ongoing
I run my own business where I take dye-and patina assignments in theater productions. I also hold courses in art, and I design and sell figures for family therapy.
1992 – 2008
Högskolan för Scen och Musik, Angereds teater, Bohusläns Teater, Apelmo musik och teater, Cinnober teater
Costume design for small and big theatres fourteen times, including five set designs. To work “on stage” developed my professional artistic eye. I also learned how to write a budget and stick to it. I have become good at finding solutions to obstacles and problems. In my work I have benefited greatly from my design training and the methodology it taught me.
1999 – ongoing
GöteborgsOperan, Göteborgs stadsteater, Backa teater, Folkteatern, Bohusläns teater
I have worked with patina, dyeing and printing in many stage productions. I have also made props and been a dresser backstage during performance.
The theatre work is very independent. I have had to plan and carry out the work myself, in time and in accordance with the whole set design. The years at various theaters have taught me how to deal with all sorts of people and to plan and work towards an end date - the premiere.
In 2010 I planned and organized a new patina/print workshop at Folkteatern i Göteborg.
2004 – 2005
Göteborgs Stadsteater
Head of the Patina and Dye department for a season. I learnt communication, with both foreign and Swedish set-and costume designers. I developed my sensibility to color and really became an expert in dyeing.
2002 – 2003
Bohusläns Teater
Head of Costume department for a season. I had to plan the work, keep the budget, and hire extra staff when it was necessary. And of course, make costumes and do the dye and patina.
1989 – 1995
Göteborgs Stadsteater, Angereds Teater, Teater Halland
Employed per project as seamstress and costume assistant. I learned a lot about different textiles, how to handle them and how to plan the work.
Education
2011-2013
Linköpings Universitet
The Folk High school programme, 60 ECTS
How to teach adults. Subject of the exam writing project: “Creating with one’s knowledge –The Folk High School-teacher profession, focusing on aesthetic learning”
1987–1992
Göteborgs Universitet
Högskolan för Design och Konsthantverk
Master of Fine Arts in Design, 255 ECTS:
Product design II, with a textile focus.
Courses
2015
Konstfack University
Higher education pedagogy, 7,5 ECTS
2007
Göteborgs Universitet
Visual arts as a way of pedagogy, 15 ECTS
2006
Göteborgs Universitet
Visual arts and pedagogy, 15 ECTS
Various shorter courses
STDH (Stockholms Dramatiska Högskola):
Costume and design 10 days
How to organize and plan at the theatre 15 days
KKV Göteborg:
Textile printing on wool and silk, 20 days.