“LOOKING Back Moving Forward: Bringing the Past With Us” is on exhibition at The Glasshouse Gallery in Port Macquarie until Sunday 21 September.
Mounted by the NSW Mid North Coast Fibre Artists Network (FAN), it explores traditional and contemporary textile methods using domestic garments, eco dyeing, appliqué and printing, basket work, and the incorporation of found objects.
FAN was formed in 2001 by a few friends who invited other fibre artists to become involved.
Membership now includes 30 artists from Laurieton to Bellingen.
Twelve artists are part of this exhibition – Catherine Erskine, Joanne Steanes and Gloria Muddle (Port Macquarie),Vana Ford (West Haven), Louise Earnshaw (King Creek), Gail Ellis (Laurieton), Kerry Wheeldon (Sancrox), Barbara Huntington (Fisherman’s Reach), Susie Williams (South West Rocks), Ute Kardinahl and Jan Kiek (Bellingen), and Vivienne Crisell (Coffs Harbour).
Bridget Purtill, Gallery Curator at The Glasshouse, highlighted the possibilities that emerge in “showcasing local artists, what’s happening in the area and the skills that come from their lineages, their inspiration and their skill set.”
She acknowledged the “collaboration and community spirit that has come from 25 years of friendship.”
Joanne Steanes said, “Joining FAN has provided access to a network of interesting, talented women, providing inspiration and friendship that has taken almost a lifetime to discover.”
Her work centres around a handsome businessman’s travel chest made in China in 1879, of which she is the family custodian.
“Getting into the chest was such a treat – letters, diaries, a snapshot of a time in someone’s life,” said Ms Purtill.
Gloria Muddle, a textile artist and storyteller shares the story of Port Macquarie’s mangroves and swamps in beautifully evocative hand-painted fabrics, intricate stitching and layers of colour and texture.
Catherine Erskine also lives and works in Port Macquarie and incorporates found objects; repurposing them to find a new use.
Students from local schools have been visiting both the FAN exhibition and the touring exhibition “New Exuberance: Contemporary Australian Textile Design” featuring Melbourne based artist Nixi Killick (who grew up locally) and her augmented reality activated clothing.
By Pauline CAIN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
