Finally an exhibition piece is complete! Working though this work took a bit of brain work but that is what weaving can be at times.
I’ve been trying to combine drawing with woven work for many years and the two came together in a most un-ceremonial way. It just happened. There is a saying that you just put in the work and art develops. I guess there is an element of truth in that. Working towards something that is unknown but right and satisfying in the end.
This is a charcoal portrait that I did in the Other Side Art Retreat at Ghinni Ghinni with the inspiration and encouragement of artists Wendie Patch and Sharon Tudor-Smith. I’ve drawn at times all my life but there is nothing like live people to encourage the self confidence. A special thank you both for your dedication.
This work was to be 40 x 40cm to fit with others from the Manning Regional Fibre artists group exhibition at the Manning Regional Art Gallery. The exhibition was ‘Emerging‘. I was privileged to be amongst well established fibre artists.
In technique I ‘veiled’ the portrait with a stiffly woven paper which was Kasuri dyed. This allowed a transparency and movement whilst the cloth was quite stiff and sturdy.
This is the work on the loom which had to be ‘matched’ with the portrait. It is a technique that I’m going to go further with as it is friendly to work with and allows me to explore portraiture and general drawing much more as it is incorporated into the woven work.
For me weaving has been a life long journey and as with all art forms it needs to keep it moving in some way which can be challenging and frustrating at times. The skills and knowledge that I’ve built along the way sometimes reach a peak and then I need to step back and reassess what I’m doing or not doing. I know this makes no sense at all. But I’ll just keep going and see where it leads.
Comments
2 responses to “Exhibition weave”
The top picture is a weaving based on a charcoal portrait, yes??
I love your new adventure Kaz! I too enjoy drawing and painting as well as weaving. It will be exciting to see where you go on this discovery journey.