Craftsouth :: Residencies Artist Talk

 

Lisa Farrant, Almond and Marginata, 2010, Artroom5

Have you ever thought about removing yourself from your regular activities, your place of comfort and experiencing another corner of the country to get inspired. How about applying for one of the many arts residencies across Australia or even overseas?

Not sure what its all about, then head along to Craftsouth's Residencies Artist Talk to learn the benefits, opportunities and creative growth experiences of undertaking a residency from Adrian Potter who undertook a residency at Canberra School of Art and Lesa Farrant who has completed a residency at Soda Studios in North Fremantle, WA.

This Tuesday 24 April at 6pm, at Craftsouth office Level 1, 38 Hindley Street. Craftsouth members get in for free and for non-members only $15 | RSVP is essential and for further information contact Craftsouth on (08) 8410 1822 or email craftsouth@craftsouth.org.au.

And to find out where you might be able to attend an arts residency in your discipline visit ResArtis.org

Contextart FORUM 14–20 April

Only a week until TAFTA's Contextart Forum in the Blue Mountains. Offering both 2 day and 4 day workshops with 29 tutors across a variety of textile techniques including papermaking, basketry, felting, shibori and dyeing, artists' books and even woven jewellery it is incredible opportunity for those wanting to add a wide range of skills to their practice. For the full list of workshops and their teachers, visit the forum website.

The Artists' Roadmap to Success

Part of the reason for establishing Red Thread Collective was for emerging artists to be able to connect and share knowledge in order to further establish their careers as professional artists. There is a whole other level to being an artist aside from making the work. A new book has been launched by Katharine T. Carter & Associates 'Accelerating the Curves' is a roadmap for artists to have an endurable and successful career. Constructed in three varying levels of development, Stage One, Two and Three, the publication offers practical guides and examples to develop a workable plan and give artists the courage necessary to get to where they want to head. Whilst the book is slightly on the pricey side ($95) it is well worth the investment for those seriously considering a career in art. Visit this website for an in-depth introduction written by Katherine T. Carter who has had over 25 years experience working with artists to achieve their goals and purpose.

http://www.ktcassoc.com/roadmap/roadmap_intro.html

To market, to market Red Thread goes...

Come see us this weekend Saturday 10 December 10am - 2pm at the Box Factory Community Christmas Market where members Luka Va, Jane Lang and Kara Growden will be selling their beautiful handmade wares including cards, wrapping paper, ornaments and lots more to get in the chrissie spirit. Plenty of things to do including workshops, local entertainment and food. 59 Regent Street South, Adelaide

Cut. Slice. Fold. | Emma van Leest workshop

For those of you in Melbourne, or heading over next weekend Paper Convention Collective presents workshop by the one and only Emma van Leest as part of Cut. Slice. Fold.  programme on Saturday 19 November. 

This workshop will enable you to learn the skills of Paper-Cutting techniques which is currently pushing contemporary creative expression to new frontiers. Emma has exhibited widely and was recently featured on ABC TV’s Art Nation and in the publication Paper cutting: contemporary artists, timeless craft by Laura Heyenga & Rob Ryan.

Make sure you don't miss out and book your place 'here' tickets are $80 for the 3 hour session, all you need to bring is a stanley knife/scalpel, with papers kindly donated by K.W.Doggett Fine Papers.


For more on her practice and images of her work visit her website

How does your Arts Career grow?

How Does your Arts Career Grow? free public forum

Monday 31 October 2011 | 6:30-9:30pm

Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

An exclusive opportunity to take part in a panel discussion with some of Adelaide’s most progressive and proactive arts professionals. Contribute and share your thoughts on what it takes to start, grow and sustain a career in the modern day arts industry. Whether your passion lies with performing, publicity, marketing or even law, bring your fresh ideas and tough questions for an evening of thorough discussion and forward thinking.

Panel includes: Christie Anthoney (Facilitator), Creative Director, TAFE SA AC Arts; Annette Tripodi, Operations and Program Manager, WOMADelaide; Brigid Noone, Independent Artist & Curator; Edwin Kemp Attrill, Artistic Director, University of Adelaide Theatre Guild and Ianto Ware, Project Manager, Renew Adelaide

How Does Your Arts Career Grow? is presented by Adelaide Festival Centre and Carclew Youth Arts and is a free event, however online registration is essential. To secure your seat and for more information, visit www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/theartsgrowthwww.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/theartsgrowth

Exhibitions | Dare to Differ & Ernabella Arts

Spring has definitely sprung and October has many wonderful exhibitions, artist talks and workshops to offer. Dare to Differ at Gallery M is a celebration of contemporary quilts curated by the Quilters Guild of South Australia and features Red Thread member Susan Long. Head along to the exhibition floor talk "What is an Art Quilt?" on Sunday 16 October 2pm, which looks at the quilts on display as well as hearing from Suzanne Gummow on what makes a good quilt. Cost is FREE however bookings are essential 8377 2904 and for more details visit the Gallery M website

Image: June Brown, rust on cotton

SA Museum will present an exhibition of new works from Ernabella Arts, Australia's oldest Indigenous arts centre, acknowledging its long history but with sights firmly set on the future. Opening from 14 October - 13 November, the museum will run storytelling and basket making workshops which can be booked through the Education Team 8207 7429 for more info visit the SA Museum website

Science Sewing Circle | Sera Waters

As part of Flocked: collecting bird stories from SA exhibition at the South Australian Museum, artist Sera Waters will be hosting a Science Sewing Circle on Saturday 14 August 1:00 – 3:30pm. Bring along a stitching project and bird stories to share and experience the museum’s bird collection in the Biodiversity Gallery.

This is the last week to see the Inside SAM's Place exhibition which is an ongoing collaboration between Craftsouth and the South Australian Museum. Bookings are essential so please register on 8207 7090,

Waters has spent the last several months studying bird collections in the South Australian Museum and gathering personal bird stories from the public via a blog and a nest box installed in the museum foyer. Flocked  features new textile and embroidered work presented, together with bird skins, eggs and nests from the museum collection, creating a rich and complex world of anecdote and art celebrating the colourful culture of local birds and people, and the connections between them. "After the wonderful time I spent with the bird collection, and with individual birds, it struck me how much their world is intertwined with ours, and how reliant we are upon one another," says Waters.

Image: Sera Waters, Self as Plover, 2011, printed linen, felt, crewel and sequins, cotton + card, 130 x 80cm

Red Thread SALA Walk | 20 August

It's SALA Festival time again! And what better way to visit the fantastic variety of SA artists than with your fellow red threaders.

Join us on Saturday 20 August 11am | Meet at The Three River fountain on Victoria Square for a day of exploring our local talent and share our love of art. Some of the exhibitions so far include visiting Central Studios, Grote St, along King William and Pirie Street to Wish List 2011, Craftsouth and strolling through Adelaide Arcade to visit the Art Gallery of SA and Flinders University City Gallery as well as many others. Visit each of the links for exhibition information.

If you could please register your interest, by emailing k.growden@live.com or posting below.

Download the map and itinerary here and make sure to share with friends, and also bring a small amount of money for coffees and cakes along the way.

SALA Festival runs from 5 - 28 August and the full guide can be viewed on their website.

 

Image: Stephanie Radok, We speak your language, 2010 | solo exhibition at Flinders University City Gallery

India Textiles Tour with Barb Mullen

Experience the rich textile culture of the Gujarat region in India with passionate and highly skilled textile artist Barbara Mullen. It was wonderful to meet Barb at the last Red Thread meeting and hear about her enduring practice as a maker and teacher of traditional textile techniques as well as running international textile tours. 

For thirteen days 10 ~ 22 January 2012, participants will be able to immerse themselves in silk, cotton, calico and wool, by visiting the Rabari tribal village, Maharajah's Palace in Gondai, Calico Museum of Textiles and Kutch's specialist textile and craft villages. Price per person $A5890 includes all airfares, most meals, accommodation, transport, workshops and transfers. 

For more information the tour is produced by World Expeditions contact on 1300 720 000 or enquires@worldexpeditions.com.au

Crochet + Social Activism Unite

The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef - "Ladies Silurian Atoll" (detail). 

Photo © The Institute For Figuring (by Margaret Wertheim)

When I conjure up images of one of Australia's great wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, I picture an explosion of colour in the most electric hues. Whilst I haven't been lucky enough to visit the colossal reef system stretching for over 2,600kms, I am afraid I will be disappointed with what I would see. Scientists now believe with the affects of global warming, the reef will become devastated in coming years. Now you may be wondering if Red Thread has turned into a group to analyse the natural world and its many manifestations. Wrong! In 2005, sisters Margaret and Christine Wertheim created the worldwide Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project to pay homage to the threat of devastation to this fragile monster. Initially beginning in their humble living room and gradually expanding throughout their house, today their are crochet communities or 'satellites' popping up in Chicago, New York, London to Dublin and Capetown. Now the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) is calling for South Australian craftspeople to join in and create your own hyperbolic model which marries handicraft with mathematics, marine biology, social activism and community art on a global scale. To see the many worldwide contributions to the projects visit RiAus and get inspired and get on board. 

Arts Hub | Adelaide Matters June 5

If you happen to stumble across a copy of the latest issue of Adelaide Matters, check out page 13 for an article on Red Thread Collective. Featuring works from the ORNATE exhibition in the background, I had an interesting chat with editor Catherine Clifton during the show about the importance of creating a supportive network for emerging artists. I look forward to developing the initiative in the near future, seeing the group grow and providing encouraging opportunities for all involved.

Craftsouth Traditional Craft Skills Workshops

After the success of last year's program of traditional craft skills workshops run by Craftsouth, they are pleased to announce their new program for 2011. Looking for a new direction in your work, or want to learn a traditional technique from a craft practitioner with a culturally and linguistical background, whilst connecting to other South Australian artists and community members, then sign up for these wonderful workshops.

Textile craft workshops running from one day to 10 week courses include Bangeledeshi quilt embroidery, Nigerian indigo dyeing, Bosnian sock knitting and Middle Eastern knotted rug weaving. Material fees are included in the cost of each workshop and Craftsouth members receive a 20% discount.

For more information on the schedule and to register for workshops email niki.vouis@craftsouth.org.au or visit the Craftsouth website

Craftsouth INFORM | Jason Collingwood

As part of Craftsouth's INFORM program, established UK rug weaver Jason Collingwood is presenting an artist talk on Monday 21 March at 6pm. Practicing for over 24 years, he will be sharing his expertise and experience on his creative process as well as the challenges of running a flourishing craft practice. His visit coincides with his workshop to be presented at the TAFTA Forum in Orange, NSW. The cost is free for Craftsouth members and $5 for non members, places are limited and for rsvp email niki.vouis@craftsouth.org.au 

For more information on Jason Collingwood visit his website. The Forum is also running several other workshops still open for enrolment including Artist Books, Creative Machine Embroidery and Vintage Recycling, for more information visit the website

Textiles Workshops | Adelaide Central School of Art

For those looking to hone or extend their skills, check out Adelaide Central School of Art's semester one short course program here. 

Sera Waters will be presenting Embroidering Contemporary Art from May 2 - June 27. This course marries the learning of embroidery techniques with lectures which delve into the traditional histories and contemporary contexts of embroidery in art and the wider community. Students will learn a range of basic traditional embroidery skills, including those used in gold work, black work, crewel work and silk-shading, as well as beginning and finishing techniques. With the focus of embroidery in contemporary art, students will be encouraged to expand upon the skills learned  with alternative materials and in non-conventional ways. Cost $560

Sculptural Forms: an exploration of natural fibres by Sandy Elverd May 14 - June 4, will explore the potential of natural plant materials to create a series of small sculptural forms using a variety of techniques and materials. Basketry, string making, netting and random stitch are some of the areas to be explored. A range of resources will introduce participants  to fibre sculpture within Australian and a global context.  Cost: $390

For more information on short courses contact the school on 8364 5075 or visit their website. 

Sera Waters

Things Happened, 2010

card, teatowel, cotton, wooden beads, trim, stuffing

Photograph: Grant Hancock

Textiles Material Revolution | Cecilia Heffer

Welcome back to an exciting New Year, we hope you enjoyed the festive season with family, friends and good food. 2011 will be a prosperous year for many members of the Red Thread Collective, with a significant survey of emerging contemporary textile artists at Prospect Gallery in May, several other solo and group exhibitions and new members joining us as we provide a supportive and friendly network to create and share ideas. 

As we get back into the swing of things there are many new opportunities on the horizon including residencies, exhibitions, grants and awards, and Craft Australia has a diverse range of national and international events to offer on their website visit here or sign up to ca enews to keep up to date with all industry news.

An interesting article I came across on the website was by Sydney based textile designer Cecilia Heffer who completed a residency at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, 2008. Heffer presents five designers to discuss the relationship between textiles and technology and the ground breaking initiative Nobel Textiles. For the full article visit here and stay tuned for updates on our first meeting for the year.

provocations - Masterclass with Ruth Hadlow

Internationally acclaimed process-based artist Ruth Hadlow is offering a 5 day masterclass at Yarralumla, Canberra from 24 - 28 January. Ruth ran the textiles retreat in the Flinders Ranges whilst I was at university and her knowledge and guidance was a turning point for myself as an artist. This intensive program of discussions, readings and projects explores a range of possibilities for challenging and extending individual practice. How might one stretch in new directions, push work to go further, extend ways of thinking and practicing? The program aims to stimulate and challenge, to enable debate and innovation, to extend notions of practice, and above all to provide a space for the development of ideas.

Residential fee: $600 | full tuition, accommodation and meals (Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast) 

Non-residential fee: $360 | full tuition, morning & afternoon tea, and lunches

Registrations closes on 31 December, to express your interest for the Provocations Masterclass or for more information contact Ruth Hadlow by email ruthhadlow@yahoo.com.au

For the Paper Obsessed!

The works from Paper Convention Collective completely blew my socks off so I had to pass this on. This collective is dedicated to the documentation of Paper Expressionism through paper-installations, exhibitions and paper-art, zine-making, paper-crafting, workshops and lectures. It is a simple, powerful statement that aims to encourage and harness emerging paper artists and makers. It is a message that insists on the notion of community and utilises art as a catalyst for documenting and bringing communities together. For a full interview with instigator Lisa from paper store Lox + Saavy visit The Finders Keepers and PCC website at http://www.paperconvention.com/ to join their mailing list.

The collective is also calling-out to Australian-based paper artists both emerging or established, who can display unusual techniques, curious paper materials and clever concepts, work selected will belong in a league of their own, inspiring the community in the paper arts and thrilling paper lovers of the ingenious and the imaginative to be part of our key event next year! Contact them at hello@paperconvention.com for more details.

Warp & Weft Textile Tours

Wouldn't it be incredible to visit some of the world's most interesting regions and seeing skilled artisans producing beautiful traditional textiles including embroidery, dyeing, weaving, and basketwork. Warp & Weft Textile Tours run fully equipped tours accompanied by textile specialists including Christine Pearson, Ruth Hadlow and Valerie Kirk. Tours include visiting local markets, participating in textile workshops and craft emporiums whilst sampling wonderful local cuisine. Whilst the prices may seem out of your budget, why not look at applying for Arts SA or Australia Council for the Arts grant to support your trip, as these tours would be incredible professional development opportunities. 


Future programs for 2011 include:
The Textiles of Lao and Vietnam - 17 Jan to 2 Feb
West Timor Textiles and Culture - 04 Jun to 18 Jun
The Textiles and Rural Villages of Gujarat - Sept 2011
N. E. India Tribal Textiles and Festivals - Nov 2011


To register your interest and to obtain detailed tour brochures visit www.activetravel.com.au or contact christine@activetravel.com.au 02 6249 6122

Wangaratta Contemporary Textiles Award 2011

This is a $5000 acquisitive award for Contemporary Textile Art and open to professional artists working in any style of textile media are invited to make an entry for consideration within a competitive assessment process.

A judging panel consisting of the Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery Director and two respected professionals will select a shortlist of finalists for the Award exhibition at the Gallery 4 June – 17 July 2011. Download entry form from: www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Important Dates:
Friday 25 March Closing date for submission of entries
Saturday 4 June Exhibition opening and announcement of the Award at 11am, Textile Forum 12.30 – 4.30pm
4 June – 17 July Exhibition held at Wangaratta Gallery, Victoria

Please direct all email enquiries to exhibitionsofficer@wangaratta.vic.gov.au