Nieves Carrasco preparing for her upcoming exhibition.
There are a number of events and exhibitions happening over the next month or two that are all connected to the influence of Japanese weaving and spinning practice on Ontario Weavers and Spinners their inspiration is palpable and evident in the Toronto weaving/spinning (textile/fibre) community. This influence has been growing steadily over the last several decades, and Japanese practices are making their way into our own contemporary practice as many artists absorb their traditions and put their own 'spin' on it.
 
|
Nieves Carrasco been greatly influenced by Japanese textile traditions and has demonstrated that in her woven work in various formats. Recently she started weaving with paper, hand cutting hundreds of thin strips to create architecturally flavoured wall hangings. Her work has a zen quality, almost minimalist, which is also often associated with the Japanese practices. She has an exhibition coming up at the David Kaye Gallery. The opening will be February 1 between 2-4pm. For more info go to http://davidkayegallery.com/?page_id=977
Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, and now living in Toronto, Nieves studied fine arts and textile design at the Universidad Catolica in Santiago. She continued her studies in architecture at the Universtiy of Calgary, Alberta graduating with a Master's degree in environmental design. She has exhibited work extensively. You can learn more about Nieves on her website: http://www.nievescarrasco.com/home.html.
Work of Judith Fielder
Some of my (ex) students know about Judith Fielder's work who has also been greatly influenced by Japanese traditions, shown above at the exhibition "Found in Translation" at the Japanese Cultural Centre. Judith exhibited with Nieves Carrasco, as well as a couple of other artists.
Earlier this January we were introduced to Hiroko Karuno, who spoke at the Toronto Weavers and Spinners at Riverdale Farm. There she gave us demonstrations of the process of spinning paper, and showed us some examples of textiles woven with paper. If you couldn't make it out then, maybe you can make it to her next engagement:
Book Launch February 19 at the Japanese Paper Place: http://www.japanesepaperplace.com/goings-on/workshops.htm
Hiroko Karuno. A length of spun and woven paper on exhibition in Japan.
You can see more of her work at : http://hirokokaruno.in.coocan.jp/
and many of us remember the wonderful kasuri workshop given by Keiko Shintani in the summer of 2012. Keiko has been teaching her japanese kasuri techniques for many decades now here in Ontario.
And finally, in the same theme, the Textile Museum of Canada has an upcoming exhibition entitled From Geisha to Diva: the Kimonos of Ichimaru.
"The fascinating life of Ichimaru (1906-1997), one of the most famous geishas of the 20th century due to her exceptional singing voice, is told through this collection of her magnificent kimonos and other personal effects."
This promises to be very exciting indeed! Click on this link to learn more about it: http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=356
OTHER RESOURCES, EXHIBITIONS (some Japanese related, some not)
World Ethical Apparel Roundtable, Brickworks, Toronto
Korean paper spinning and basket weaving
Weaving Cloth from Tosa-washi(Japanese Paper from Kochi in Shikoku, Japan)
Saganishiki - Japanese silk & paper brocade
Grethe Whittrock paper artist
The Japanese Paper Place in Toronto and shifu http://www.thepaperplace.ca/wp/2010/04/03/shifu-a-new-spin-on-paper-thread/
World Shibori Network
http://shibori.org/
hand and MACHINE OCC gallery, 990 Queen Street West
http://www.craft.on.ca/Exhibitions/Upcoming_Exhibitions?utm_source=Active+Members+December+17%2c+2013&utm_campaign=1b59500f70-Craftfl_sh_February_20132_15_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_febc5ca6b6-1b59500f70-117239829
Hard Twist, Gladstone Hotel Toronto : January 23 - April 27. an annual juried show of work that celebrates the intimate, layered and complex relationship between people and textile, has become an important annual event within the Canadian fibre art community and a signature event for the Gladstone since 2006.
Participants range from established artists with impressive track records to students in the process of refining their focus. The works are tiny and huge, straightforward and complex, representational and abstract, and speak of things as disparate as biblical lyrics, global warming and the fate of dryer lint.
Each year, co-curators Helena Frei and Chris Mitchell weave this wild diversity into a rich and complex tapestry inhabited by a powerful sense of human creativity.
http://www.gladstonehotel.com/spaces/hard-twist/
Wearable Technology Open Studio:
Erin Lewis will be hosting a monthly Wearables Open Studio at Interaccess Media Arts Centre. The studio will be open on the last Wednesday of each month, from 7-10pm. You are all invited to drop by to chat about ideas, to work on projects, get support in your work, and of course just to hang out in person and say hello! It's also FREE. The next Wearables Open Studio will happen on Wednesday January 29th, from 7-10pm. Please spread the word.
Wearables Open Studio Night
Wednesday January 29th, 7-10pm
9 Ossington Avenue (at Queen St. W).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.