susan furneaux

Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Rust dyed dress by Krista Burton

Saturday, May 26th, marks the graduation of the talented Textiles students of the College of the North Atlantic. This years graduation exhibition is not to be missed. The work is fantastic: sumptuous hand dyed garments covered in gold work embroidery, traditional Innuit garments with contemporary flair, dresses that grow are just some of the spectacular pieces! It is a 'must see' event. The exhibition opening is from 2-4 on Saturday May 26th at the Anna Templeton Centre for Craft Art and Design, 278 Duckworth Street. The show will be open daily from 10-4 until June 7th.

Colour Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:25:00 +0000

Labrador Tea

Join me on Wednesday for the final in a series of 'Knitworking' Sessions presented by the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Colour Naturally

with Susan Furneaux

Often overlooked as weeds, many local plants will provide beautiful shades reminiscent of a Newfoundland landscape. Susan Furneaux will discuss historic and contemporary colour with plants from around our door step.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
12:30 pm, Craft Council Gallery, 59 Duckworth Street, St. John's NL

Happy Birthday Tea Cosy

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:59:00 +0000

My Mother's birthday was a couple of weeks ago. I have been making gifts for her for over 40 years, so coming up with new ideas is getting challenging.

A couple of years ago, I made myself a tea cosy similar to this one from the Happy Thoughts pattern I found on the V&A site. http://www.vam.ac.uk/users/node/1744 I really like the shape of this cosy, it fits a variety of teapot shapes. Mom admired mine a couple of times over tea, so I decided it would be the perfect gift.

For Mom's cosy, I knit the base with vintage wool and embellished it with dog roses. I knit the flowers with hand spun silk/merino I dyed with cochineal (pnk), onion (yellow) and aster (green).

I am really pleased with how it turned out. It is fun but elegant, very much like my mother!

East Meets West

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:01:00 +0000

East Meets West, Eric Walsh Photo

East Meets West is my creation for Operation Homespun, The Next Generation knitting exhibition at the Craft Council Gallery. The East Meets West design was inspired by a friend's sweater, knit by his grandmother, in the early 80's from the original Operation Homespun pattern book. I also took inspiration from the ever-popular Cowichan style. After I had the pattern figured out, it was quick to knit. The cardigan is knit in 100% wool in natural colours with moose antler buttons. The model pictured is wearing a beautiful cable knit hat exhibited by Christine Legrow of http://www.spindrifthandknits.com/ Operation Homespun: The Next Generation, can now be viewed on the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador website at http://www.craftcouncil.nl.ca/gallery/ If you are in the St. John's area it head to Devon House Craft Centre, 59 Duckworth Street to the exhibit for yourself, it will be in the gallery until April 30th. The show is amazing!

Lucy

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:28:00 +0000

'Lucy' was created last year for the Annual Members Exhibit for the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. I am really pleased with how she turned out. The piece is created with naturally dyed silk, bone, metal threads and kid leather. I used various stitching techniques including thread painting, stump and gold work. I decided to save her for myself. She makes me smile.

Comfort and Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:24:00 +0000

December 4 - December 19, 2010,

Opening Reception, December 4

Craft Gallery, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

A juried exhibition of fine craft in a variety of media that interprets the festive season in function, form, colour and texture for your home and gift list.

'The Wren'

Stumpwork with natural dyes on silk and cotton.

8" x 11".

Eric Walsh photo.

Last Chance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:42:00 +0000

An Embroidered Mirror

This 'Last Chance' mirror, embroidered using 17th century stumpwork techniques will be on display at the Craft Council of Newfoundland's 2010 Annual Members Exhibit. The hand embroidery is done with naturally dyed silk and cotton threads on a ground of alder dyed hemp. Although not as labour intensive as much of my past work, I enjoyed creating this piece quite a bit. The imagery is made up of heather, wild roses and blueberries; all in various stages of the summer season.

In the world of home decor, the last chance mirror is one that is hung by the door of your home. It is the 'last chance' to check your hair make-up etc before heading out into the world. For me, the motifs are a reminder that time is marching ahead and to remember to do everything that you want to do. It is equally important, in our short summers and brief lives; try not to leave anything 'til the last chance!

The Craft Council's Annual Members Exhibit runs from June 26th to August 15, 2010 at 59 Duckworth Street. For more information check http://www.craftcouncil.nl.ca/

Eric Walsh Photo

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:45:00 +0000

Happy New Year! In the hopes of finding a hobby totally outside of my studio area, I got a spinning wheel for Christmas. I finally got a chance to get it together this week. Here is a photo of my first skein. Pretty 'arty', but I'm not in a big rush to perfect my skill...as always, I'm just enjoying the process! It is very relaxing and all the contact with the fibre is very soothing. I am desperately trying not to become to addicted and forget about real work. This skein is merino roving dyed with logwood and indigo. Going to try some acid dyed merino I have left over from a felting workshop, could be wild! Thanks to Linda Lewis of Baynoody for selling me the wheel and for guidance with my spinning. Check out her place on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zoX-WgBRUI

Operation Homespun Reprinted!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Collection of traditional NL knitting patterns available

for the first time since the 1980’s.
Almost 30 years ago a group of knitters, Craft Field Instructors and their students, gathered together a collection traditional knitting patterns. Hoping to inspire others to knit with pure homespun wool, the booklet of patterns also included information on the fundamentals of knitting and tips for completing socks, mitts, and sweaters for every member of the family. That booklet – Operation Homespun - became a valuable resource for all knitters.
At the time, it was feared that a child may grow up and never see anyone knitting mitts or socks. Miss Templeton organized Operation Homespun to preserve the patterns and traditions for future generations – and it is in this spirit that the Anna Templeton Centre for Craft Art & Design has reprinted this booklet.
The original booklet, with its introduction written by Miss Anna Templeton, is now available for purchase. It will be available at the Anna Templeton Centre’s Christmas Tea & Sale, Friday, 12-8 pm, December 11, and Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm, December 12, 2009. The booklet is $20 and the first one hundred sold also includes a skein of Briggs & Little homespun wool. All proceeds support the Anna Templeton Centre.

Comfort and Joy at the Craft Council Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:32:00 +0000

The Comfort & Joy opening reception will take place in conjunction with a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at Devon House on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, from 1 – 5 p.m. This event replaces “Starry Night” and promises to be an afternoon of celebration, music, food, three floors of shopping, prizes, raffles, and fun for everyone! Admission is FREE. For more information contact the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, 709-753-2749.

Join me at the Fine Craft and Design Fair, Friday, November 13th, 12 - 6pm

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Join me at the Fine Craft and Design Fair demonstration booth on November 13th from 12 - 6pm. Stumpwork, an embroidery technique popular in the 17th century, brings images to life using padding, dimensional hand stitches an needle lace. I will demonstrate the magic of stumpwork through the creation of a holiday-themed wall hanging which, hopefully, will be a part of the Craft Council's annual 'Comfort and Joy' Exhibition. While at the fair be sure be to check out the student booth for Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design. The second year students have been working hard on their craft fair project again this year!

Its that time again!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
Fine Craft and Design Fair
New venue!!!! The Fine Craft & Design Fair is moving to the Arts and Culture Centre. Running for two five-day stretches November 4th - 8th and November 11th - 15th, 2009, you can come and meet our makers, experiencing the joy of the handmade.
Come join us at the Fine Craft and Design Fair as artisans from across the province demonstrate their craft. We have demonstrations in silk painting, rug hooking, clay, glass work, painting, felting, book-making, sculpting, spinning and jewelry making. Demonstrations will be happening throughout the 10 days of the fair.Reaching it’s peak in the 1650’s, stumpwork embroidery brings images to life using of padding, dimensional hand stitches and needle lace. Award winning artist, Susan Furneaux will demonstrate the magic of stumpwork through the creation of a holiday-themed wall hanging. Demonstration Schedule for the second half of the fair:

Wednesday November 11
4:00 - 6:00 pm Janet Peter begins construction of a life size papier maché mummer
6:30 -9:30 pm Printmaker Anita Singh will demonstrate styrofoam relief prints, fun for all ages
Thursday November 12
12:00 – 2:00 pm Jason Holley constructs something fashionable using chainmail
2:30 – 4:30 pm Laurie Dempster will demonstrate rug-hooking which will include both punch needle and hand hooking,
4:30 – 7:00 pm Janet is working on her mummer
Friday November 13
10:00 – 12:00pm Janet Peter begins the day with papier maché
12pm – 6pm Susan Furneaux will demonstrate a 17th century embroidery technique-- “stumpwork -- which brings images to life using padding, dimensional hand stitches and needle lace.
Saturday November 14
10:00 – 12:00pm Tim Rast,”Elfshot, professional archaeologist and artisan will demonstrate ‘flint knapping”
3:00 – 5:00 pm Elias Semigak, Inuit carver with demonstrate his technique
5:00 – 10:00pm Janet Peter
Sunday November 15
10:00am – 12pm Trine Schioldan will demonstrate “wet felting” using sheep’s wool
12:00 – 2:00 pm Darka Erdelji, from the Queen of Paradise Garden makes masks using
multi- media
3:00 – 5:00 pm Carolyn Morgan will show you how to make a doll
Throughout the fair, Janet Peter will be working on a life size papier mache mummer—watch her progress as she begins the piece Wednesday November 11th at 4pm and completes it Sunday November 15th at 6pm…

400 - Celebrating Cupid's Anniversary now online!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:33:00 +0000

"A group exhibition of contemporary craft that reflects the 400th anniversary of Cupids in dynamic and diverse ways."

On exhibit at the Annex Gallery during the summer, this exhibit is now open for view on the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador'sonline gallery. http://www.craftcouncil.nl.ca/gallery/current_show.asp?show_id=113

"See Gentle Patience Smile on Pain, See Lingering Hope Revive Again"

Hand Embroidery, natural dyes on silk, collected oak leaves, collected magnolia leaves, acrylic paint, historic photos and stamps. Eric Walsh Photo

Fall workshops!!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Check out my upcoming Fall Workshops as the Anna Templeton Centre. The listing is below to the right. Please contact the Anna Templeton Centre at 709-739-7623 to register for these workshops.
I will also be hosting a weekend of workshops at the Commissariat House in downtown St. John's on October 4th and 5th. Natural dyes on Saturday and embroidery on Sunday. I will be posting more about these workshops later.

New Work on Exhibit!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:56:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:51:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:46:00 +0000

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!!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:25:00 +0000

[ 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.

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Furneaux) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:21:00 +0000

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