New Work on Exhibit!

Escape was inspired by the poem Cape Shore Woman by Newfoundland Labrador poet Tom Dawe. I am deeply moved by his work. I feel Tom bestows a mystique to everyday experiences, moments common to all who live with the sea. This piece was created using natural dyes on silk and antique linen with hand embroidery.

Escape will be on exhibit at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador's Annual Members Show at the Craft Council Gallery, in downtown St. John's. Opening reception June 21st, 2-4pm. For more information contact the Gallery at http://www.craftcouncil.nl.ca/

Working out the bugs!

My blog is up and running again after an unknown error kept it from view for most of the winter. Over the past few months the big news has been that my piece Collatoral Damage has been selected for exhibition at the Unity and Diversity, Cheongju International Craft Biennale in South Korea. Canada is the official guest country for 2009. Other artists selected from Newfoundland Labrador are Jason Holley, Linda Yates, David Hayshida, Isabella St. John, Karen Colbourne Martin, Donald Beaubier and Cara Kansala. More information about the exhibit can be found at http://www.canadiancraftsfederation.ca/

Design Workshop for Textile Artists

A two-part intensive hands-on workshop series

Susan Furneaux will provide tools-of-the-trade information and take participants step by step through the creation process in this two-part textile oriented workshop. Participants are encouraged to work in their preferred technique (rug hooking, quilting, knitting, embroidery etc.)
Colour and texture are two of the artistic elements or building blocks of a work of fine craft or art. Colour and texture are present in all craft items from production work to one-of-a kind fine craft. Creators that can identify these elements, and evaluate their role in the composition of a piece, whether it is a sweater, pair of mitts, embroidery or wall hanging, will be better equipped to create work that is successful. By isolating and defining the elements of colour and texture students will learn to evaluate each element's role in the pleasing composition of a finished piece. Participants will also learn to use the common language of design by which to better communicate our ideas and intent. Networking, materials and inspiration sourcing will also be discussed.Part I Texture with Textiles Texture is the way something feels when we touch it. Many people are drawn to textile works primarily for their textural qualities. There are two types of texture: physical (real) or implied (the illusion of texture created with shading). This workshop will cover the creation of both types of textures and the making of samples to achieve different textural effects in a variety of techniques.

Wed, Thur & Fri . March 18 - 20 . 9am - 4pm . Anna Templeton Centre . $75

Part II Colour with Textiles

Colour is the most important part of any textile creation. Colour evokes memory, sets mood, and pinpoints fashion eras. Fashionable colours vary according to intended use such as home décor versus haute couture. Many craftspeople and artists are intimidated by complex descriptions of colour theory. Many more are displeased with the colour choices offered by suppliers when putting together a colour palette. This workshop will discuss the characteristics of colour and allow ample time to fully experiment with each concept. Much of the workshop will be spent in the dye studio where mixing primary colour will further reinforce the use of the colour wheel. Discussion will also be given on choosing fabrics, fibres and yarn that have been dyed by the manufacturer.

Wed, Thur, Fri . March 25 - 27 . 9am - 4pm . Anna Templeton Centre . $75

These Workshops are made possible with support from the The Craft Industry Development Program.

Workshops are available to all practicing craftspeople/artists throughout NL.

Funding for travel may be available to craft/gift & apparel producers through CIDPContact Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development in your region for detailshttp://www.intrd.gov.nl.ca/intrd/staffdir.htm

Contours

March 22 to April 26, 2009,

Craft Gallery, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Duckworth Street, St. John's NL

Tara Bryan, Diana Dabinett, Audrey Feltham and Susan Furneaux. A book artist, painter, printmaker and fibre artist interpret their common world of edges, surfaces and form.Tara Bryan, Diana Dabinett, Audrey Feltham and Susan Furneaux each have a distinctive style and individual concerns as artists. Yet they all work closely with the Newfoundland environment, drawing inspiration, materials and subjects from their natural surroundings. From dandelion dye to the shadow of a mountain range, from the stitch of a binding to the bite of a printing press, these women artists explore the subtle and dramatic places where things come together. Folding, tying, manipulating; this show presents a group of artists who work with media and techniques traditionally associated with craft production but do so in innovative, contemporary and personally relevant ways. - Gloria Hickey

Amherst Cove Retreat!!

The Upper Amherst Cove Craft/Art Retreat is just around the corner....it's happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 5-7 (the bus returns Monday). Friday night kick starts the retreat with artist talks and presentations; Saturday and Sunday are filled with workshops....lots of craft and artistic activities. The weekend is open to all - interested and practicing crafts people, Textile Studies students, and the general public from the Bonavista area participate and you're invited to join in the creative fun. Traditionally, presenters and instructors volunteer their expertise for a particular workshop and also participate in workshops themselves. We are looking for workshop leaders. Can you help us?

We will provide you with transportation, accommodations (floor space, maybe bed, your own tent), yummy food, and a guaranteed great time. You will be totally surrounded by the like-minded individuals; see professional studios and how they are set up; do creative things and be inspired! Mike and Lorie Paterson are our hosts, and workshops will take place in and around Paterson Woodworking. It is a truly magnificent place, nestled in a little cove, sheltered from the harshest winds, has a panoramic view of the ocean, whales galore, wood trails - walk to Wolf' Head in just 1/2 an hour and in season pick blueberry's for breakfast pancakes.

To Volunteer or for more information e-mail katie.parnham@cna.nl.ca or call Katie or Gina at 739-7623

August Natural Dye Workshop at Anna Templeton Centre

[ August 19, 2008; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. ] A great opportunity for local and visiting participants to learn more about Newfoundland plants and flowers suitable for natural dyeing! Craftsperson Susan Furneaux will take you on a walk and talk in downtown St. John’s then you will return to the Anna Templeton Centre and dye a silk scarf using some of the plants collected on the walk. To register, please contact the Centre at 709-739-7623.

In a province noted for its vibrant textile community and traditions, Susan Furneaux stands out for her distinctive sensibility and diverse technical skills. Exquisite embroideries, daring compositions, subtle natural dyes, and – most recently – character-filled dolls, are evidence of Furneaux’s mastery of textile techniques and love of its labour-soaked processes. But uniting the varied wall mounted work, quilts, kimonos and dolls is Furneaux’s use of narrative. She is a storyteller. Susan’s stories are the stuff of cherished memories, daily rituals and lessons learned. They gently emphasize the importance of relationships and family and as such have a universal appeal. One of the devices Furneaux uses consistently is the written word itself. The words may originate from family journals, old postcards, a label from a can of evaporated milk or a bill from an evening at the local pub. But she transforms them. Handwritten, silk screened or embroidered the words inform, entertain and have an unexpected visual presence. Furneaux can take a phrase like “You are my sunshine” and through the insightful use of gold thread elevate the popular culture of our daily lives to the preciousness of an illuminated manuscript. The strength of Susan Furneaux’s textile work is that despite its emotional content it is not sentimental.

Gloria Hickey