Saturday, November 10, 2018

2018 CrossXpollinatioN "Journeys" Exhibition
Art Exhibition

Marie-Therese Wisniowski

Preamble
For your convenience I have listed another two posts in this series on this blogspot:
‘Timelines: An Environmental Journey’
Tarndwarncoort (Tarndie)


Introduction
In September 2017, Hal Martin, the then Manager of the Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre (COPACC), Colac (Victoria, Australia) invited me to consider submitting a proposal as a Featured Artist for the "2018 CrossXpollinatioN" exhibition titled "Journeys" at the COPACC Civic Hall, 7th - 29th, July, 2018 which traditionally featured three-dimensional textile and fibre artworks. Based on COPACC’s criteria (see below) I submitted a proposal for my installation concept titled, "Timelines: An Environmental Journey." My proposal included: schematic diagrams of the installation; images of works in the installation; installation artist's statement; individual artwork statements; my curriculum vitae and biography.

Featured Artist Invitation Information [1]
The Featured Artist's section of CrossXpollinatioN comprises artwork/installations utilizing textiles and fiber in at least some of the elements of the work. This is an invited section, curated by COPACC together with an independent appointed curator.

The Featured Artist's are the main focus in the COPACC Civic Hall, the venue for CrossXpollinatioN. As this space is a black box theatre, they are able to create a wonderful and unique ambience in which the works are displayed. The artworks are shown to their best advantage, spotlit by theatrical lighting, with plenty of room and height to make each installation really special.


CrossXpollinatioN History/Background [2]
CrossXpollinatioN is an exhibition that has been running annually for the past five years in Colac, Victoria. The "Featured Artists" component is one very important aspect of the exhibition, which includes an Art Awards section, a Wearable Arts Market, Workshops and Artist's Talks. Its intention is to provide an opportunity for leading artists in the fiber and textile arts media to investigate exciting new ways of expression and “Cross-pollinate”.

The exhibition has grown to become a major focus for both COPACC (Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre) and RRRTAG (Red Rocks Regional Theatre and Gallery) in their annual exhibition calendars. CrossXpollinatioN attracts works by some of the best practising artists in Australia.

Its significance in the wider community has increased with every year and the exhibition is attracting artists and visitors from both within Victoria and interstate.

It is the organizer's intention that CrossXpollinatioN will continue to grow year by year, becoming an increasingly significant event in the national textiles art calendar.

A general view of the 2018 CrossXpollinatioN exhibition, "Journeys".

A general view of the 2018 CrossXpollinatioN exhibition, "Journeys".

A general view of the 2018 CrossXpollinatioN exhibition, "Journeys".


2018 CrossXpollinatioN Festival of Textile and Fibre Art: Journeys
In addition to the "Featured Artist’s Section", the exhibition also included "The Art Awards exhibition at COPACC", which ran alongside the featured artists in the Civic Hall. Entries were open to all artists working in fiber and textiles and entrants were encouraged to collaborate and “cross-pollinate” to create their work. There were three separate art prizes on offer:
(i) The "Journeys" Art Award - $2000.
(ii) The Tarndie Fibre Art Award - $1500.
(iii) The People’s Choice Award - $500.

The CrossXpollinatioN exhibition at Red Rocks Regional Theatre and Gallery (RRRTAG) at nearby Cororooke showcased creative two- and three-dimensional artworks from both established and emerging artists, once again referencing textiles or fiber and exploring the theme of "Journeys."

The invited "Featured Artists" section which was curated by COPACC together with independent, appointed curators Carole Redlich and Andrew Delaney featured the following artists (in alphabetical order): Vicki Couzens, Peter Day, Sue Ferrari, Melissa Knothe Tate, Liz Powell and Denise N. Rall, Mary Preece, Barbara Rogers, and Marie-Therese Wisniowski.

Note: All artist's statements are courtesy of the "CrosspollinatioN Festival of Textile and Fibre Art: Journeys" exhibition/events program.

Artist: Vicki Couzens.
Title: "Grandmothers Cloak" (detail view).
Photo Courtesy: Netsvictoria
website - https://netsvictoria.org.au/artist/vicki-couzens/
Statement: “It is my passion for the reclamation, regeneration and revitalisation of our cultural knowledge and practices that drives me and informs the work that I do. The images and installations I create are drawn from the teachings of our Ancestors, Old People and Elders who guide me through my life. Land, language and identity are who we are….. through the use of language, stories and image our culture is made stronger, our connections are made stronger, we are made stronger.” Vicki is a Senior Knowledge Holder for Possum Skin Cloak Story and Language Reclamation and Revival in her Keerray Woorroong Mother Tongue.

Artist: Peter Day.
Title: "Vessel" (installation view).
Statement: Peter works with schools and communities using sculpture as a means to convey messages of our fragile ecology, which is at odds with the modern world. He started making little sculptures out of driftwood 30 odd years ago, and over the years a plethora of ocean-washed finds have been transformed into art materials. Peter spends a lot of time on Victoria’s wild south coast which is a catchment for the southern ocean currents.

Artist: Sue Ferrari.
Title: "Hive" (installation view).
Statement: Sue asks us to consider for a moment a world without pollinators. When the honey bee and butterfly suffers, agriculture suffers, and so potentially do all who depend on the bounty that comes from pollinated angiosperms; the flowering plants from which we derive many of our most delicious and health-giving fruits and vegetables. As these pollinators journey in and out of our daily lives, it is important to reflect on the choices we make in our day to day activities, so many of which have far reaching consequences on the health of the environment and impacts on these fragile pollinators, which in turn will have an irreversible impact on the journey of our existence.

Artist: Melissa Knothe Tate.
Title: "Biotextilogy – believe in yourself" (part installation view).
Statement: Having studied engineering in an era of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAD-CAM), she has invented a new platform for Microscopy-Aided Design And ManufacturE (MADAME). MADAME creates scaled-up textiles that mimic the natural cellular weaves of living tissues. Learning from cells, the threads they spin and the tissues they weave. This trans-disciplinary, interactive exhibition presents her multifunctional textiles and smart materials inspired by nature, tying together the fields of biotechnology and textile design on “The Cellular Catwalk.”

Artists: Liz Powell and Denise N. Rall.
Title: "She Shall Rise Up: The Suffragette’s Tableau" (part installation view one, detail). Statement: The artists share a strong interest in how clothing reflects cultural parameters for women. Their work often relies on the creative utilisation of recycled materials. Their collaborative artwork for CrossXpollinatioN 2018 inhabits the rocky journey towards full rights for women. This work coincides with the 2018 centenary of some women’s emancipation in the UK and the US, while women in New Zealand and Australia had already been granted the right to vote. But difficulties remain in the 21st century - in 2015, women in Saudi Arabia voted for the first time. The road is still definitely a long one.

Artists: Liz Powell and Denise N. Rall.
Title: "She Shall Rise Up: The Suffragette’s Tableau" (part installation view two, detail).

Artist: Mary Preece.
Title: "Arabesque" (part installation view, detail).
Statement: Her interest in the flourishes, twirls and twining of the arabesque developed as she studied the flora of the Shoalhaven area, where she relocated to in 2008. Mary’s research into local flora led her to rekindle her interest in fibre and textile art forms. Arabesque is a series of small sculptural objects focusing on the use of a wide range of found natural materials displayed as an installation. The sequential coils, loops, twists and turns of these small works explore the freedom and restriction that is the conundrum of the arabesque.

Artist: Barbara Rogers.
Title: "Here & There" (installation consisting of seven textile artwork lengths).
Statement: Barbara works with shibori, an ancient Japanese resist dye technique. She uses simple geometric shapes to create a contrast between dyed and undyed areas of the cloth. Combining carved-board clamped-resist with traditional arashi shibori, Barbara discharges dyes from the fabrics, then overdyes them in other colours to produce highly complex textiles. Barbara’s patterns are defined by repetitions of colour and form that create a rhythm. She is experimenting how to slightly shift a pattern through its repetition. An ancient technique has inspired a modern interpretation.

Artist: Marie-Therese Wisniowski.
Title: "Timelines: An Environmental Journey" (installation consisting of ten ArtCloth lengths/panels).
Statement: The concept of Marie-Therese’s ‘Timelines: An Environmental Journey’ is based on a timeline which begins with the Carbonaceous Period and ends with Anthropogenic Climate Change issues. Most of the 10 ArtCloth pieces in "Timelines: An Environmental Journey" have been created using the artist’s pioneering signature technique "MultiSperse Dye Sublimation" (MSDS). In this technique, Marie-Therese employs disperse dyes, native flora and low relief items on synthetic fibres and fabrics.
See next week’s post, which will feature Marie-Therese’s original schematic diagrams of the Installation, images of artworks in the Installation, Installation Artist Statement as well as Individual Artwork Statements.


COPACC 2018 "Journeys" Art Award
Melissa Knothe Tate and myself were invited by Acting COPACC Manager, Tamzin McLennan, to be judges for the "Journeys" Art Award section which featured the following artists - Christine Appleby, Linda Balding, Heather Barker, Jane Bear, Kerrie Bedson, Mary-Ellen Belleville, Grace Di Muzio, Heather Frizzell, Jenny Grenfell, Barbara Hawkins, Janet McGaw, Alison McIntosh, Susan Miller, Marie Mitchell, Catherine O’Leary, Irene Pagram, Bronwyn Razem, Carole Redlich and Ingra Polic, Joanne Russell, Deborah Saunders, Chelsea Sharp, Zoe Snyder, Jo Sweeney, Sue Tate, Jenny Vick, Ada: Artist Collective, Gellibrand River Gallery Artist Collective: Deb Garland, Monica Provan, Jan Verouden and Kim Vince. Only a selection of some of the artworks in the "‘Journeys" Art Award section are presented below.

Artist: Jane Bear.
Title: "Steps of Life."
Media: Felt.
Size: 120 x 200 cm.

Artist: Kerrie Bedson.
Title: "Fish among Fishes."
Media: Cane, fabric, wool, paper, gut, wire, found natural objects.
Size: 160 x 70 cm.

Artist: Irene Pagram.
Title: "jacket for a better LIFE/JACKET for a better life".
Media: Re-purposed naval pea-coat, hand stitched with rescued threads from abandoned projects.
Size: 170 x 60 x 30 cm.

Artist: Catherine O’Leary.
Title: "Growth" (top artwork).
Media: Felt, silk.
Size: 50 x 30 x 30 cm.
Title: "Seed" (bottom artwork).
Media: Felt, silk.
Size: 45 x 45 x 40 cm.

Artist: Joanne Russell.
Title: "Tripod basket in reds."
Media: Colour grown cotton, bamboo, cotton and polycotton fabrics; calico, flax fibre, thread; cotton rope; cherrywood.
Size: 20 x 20 x 35 cm.

Artist: Sue Tate.
Title: "Lucky Big Country."
Media: Vintage linens.
Size: 86 x 86 x 250 cm.

Artist: Jenny Vick.
Title: "The Writers (ANZACs)" - (above image is one of five pieces).
Media: Natural and synthetic embroidery threads on cotton fabrics.
Size: 28 x 33 x 8 cm.

The $2000 "Journeys" Art Award was awarded to Carole Redlich and Ingra Polic for their installation, "A Journey of Healing", which was fabricated from wool, wire and hessian. The work drew upon the concept of Scarred trees as "place makers" to explore individual capacity to heal, regenerate and reconnect. It was a beautifully executed installation that visually articulated the artists’ concept and highlighted the innovative use of numerous media to explore their theme.

"Journeys" Art Award recipients, artists Carole Redlich and Ingra Polic.
Photo Courtesy: CrossXpollinatioN.
Facebook Website: https://m.facebook.com/CrossxpollinatioN/


"Journeys" Art Award: 3D textile art installation winner.
Artists: Carole Redlich and Ingra Polic.
Title: "A Journey of Healing" (installation in foreground, full view).
Media: Wool, wire and hessian.
Size: 300 x 300 cm.

"A Journey of Healing" (close up view).
Photo Courtesy: CrossXpollinatioN.
Facebook Website: https://m.facebook.com/CrossxpollinatioN/

"A Journey of Healing" (detail view).

"A Journey of Healing" (full view of the installation in the studio).
Photo Courtesy: Tammy Brown.

"A Journey of Healing" (detail view of the installation in the studio).
Photo Courtesy: Tammy Brown.

"A Journey of Healing" (detail view of the installation in the studio).
Photo Courtesy: Tammy Brown.


Tarndie Fibre Art Award
The $1500 Tarndie Fibre Art Award was awarded to Alison McIntosh for her entry, "Passage" which was fabricated from linen, felt, wood and wire construction. The work drew upon the concept of ‘Passage’ being about human diaspora. The traffic of people, refugees, forced migrations, across the globe. The donkey has always appeared in religious stories and other narratives. It has been the humble but resilient companion associated with finding refuge or sanctuary. The birds seek safe passage with hope of a new life.

Tarndie Fibre Art Award being presented to recipient Alison McIntosh by Tarndie’s Tom Dennis.
Photo Courtesy: CrossXpollinatioN.
Facebook Website: https://m.facebook.com/CrossxpollinatioN/

Tarndie Fibre Art Award: 3D textile art winner.
Artist: Alison McIntosh.
Title: "Passage."
Media: Linen, felt, wood, wire construction.
Size: 120 x 110 cm.


People’s Choice Award
The $500 People’s Choice Award was awarded to Heather Frizzell for her entry, "Hare Today" which she fabricated with a cotton fabric body, yarn, wool fibre, mohair and alpaca. The work drew upon the concept of wanting her piece to represent in a fun and engaging way the biggest of our journeys - "life". Rabbits and hares hopping from place to place like that of the child, who still holds on tight to the comfort of their bunny rug, until we reach that stage of maturity, the clichéd owl.

Heather also received a special commendation as part of the Tarndie Fibre Art Award for her entry.

The People’s Choice Award: 3D textile art winner - Heather Frizzell.
Photo Courtesy: CrossXpollinatioN.
Facebook Website: https://m.facebook.com/CrossxpollinatioN/

The People’s Choice Award: 3D textile art installation winner.
Artist: Heather Frizzell.
Title: "Hare Today" (foreground).
Media: Cotton fabric body, yarn, wool fibre, mohair and alpaca.
Size: Approximately 100 cm high.


Other Events
Other events which were held during the "2018 CrossXpollinatioN Festival of Textile and Fibre Art" included Artist Talks by Vicki Couzens, Melissa Knothe Tate, Mary Preece and Marie-Therese Wisniowski; Indigenous Art Workshops with Gunditjmara Artist and Master Weaver Aunty Bronwyn Razem; Peter Day, Artist in Residence; South West TAFE "Community Connexions" Day; "Journeys" Participatory Thread Art Project; "Sensorium" exhibition by South West TAFE; "Small Birds, Long Journey" exhibition by local primary and secondary school students; "Debutantes Dreaming" exhibition; ‘"Cloth & Color", weaving exhibition by Lilliah McCulloch; "Lincoln - Truth and Fabrication", textile installation by Andrew Delaney at Tarndie which also hosted a "Crafters-in-Residence" program each Sunday in July. A selection of some of the events/images are presented below.
Note: Information Courtesy of the "CrosspollinatioN Festival of Textile and Fibre Art: Journeys" exhibition/events program.

Gunditjmara Artist and Master Weaver: Aunty Bronwyn Razem.
Title: "Jarmbi."
Media: Wood shavings and Merino wool from Bendigo.
Size: 60 x 50 cm.
Indigenous Art Workshops: Enjoy a morning of yarning, weaving and connecting with Gunditjmara artist and master weaver, Bronwyn Razem. Aunty Bronwyn acknowledges the importance of maintaining the cultural knowledge behind weaving and the role this played in times past. She will share some traditional weaving techniques that were passed down by her mother and grandmother.

Entrance to the "Sensorium" exhibition by South West TAFE.
Exhibit: Explore your non-visual senses in an immersive art experience brought to you by South West TAFE Colac. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Sensorium will take participants on a whimsical journey. Entry via the "rabbit hole".

"Lincoln - Truth and Fabrication", textile installation by Andrew Delaney at Tarndie (part view of installation).

Exhibition and Events: Throughout CrossXpollinatioN the historic Tarndie Woolshop will be open from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can have coffee, sit by the fire in the studio with their woolcraft, wander the garden or purchase local yarns. Each Sunday in July Tarndie will host a crafters-in-residence program for crafters and artisans to network and develop their skills.

The "2018 CrossXpollinatioN Festival of Textile and Fibre Art: Journeys" was proudly sponsored by Tarndie, Irrewarra Sourdough and Star Printing.

It is with pleasure that I acknowledge Tamzin McLennan, Acting Manager of the Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre (COPACC) for supporting me to exhibit in the "2018 CrossXpollinatioN Journey’s" exhibition. I would also like to thank the COPACC team for their dedication and hard work, and the curators, Carole Redlich and Andrew Delaney for their expertise and vision in displaying all of the artworks in such a professional and sensitive manner. Lastly, I would like to thank the sponsors for supporting this extraordinary "CrossXpollinatioN" Festival of Textile & Fibre Art event. May "CrossXpollinatioN" continue for many years to come!


References:
[1] Invitation to become a Featured Artist for COPACC’s 2018 CrossXpollinatioN ‘Journeys’ document.

[2] Featured Artist Entry for COPACC’s 2018 CrossXpollinatioN "Journeys" document.

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