a few things on the go

This Newsletter contains NEWS. I have some upcoming workshops and will be an artist in the 12x12 Summer Group Show at Blue Crow Gallery (scroll down for details and links).

It feels fitting that these happenings are all bundled up in this season of initiation and growth. After a big pause with teaching and weaving, I opted to say yes to these opportunities because I felt I could do them with ease and enthusiasm. A barometer that is feeling deeply necessary at this time in my life. It feels right to integrate back into creative community now and I feel grateful that even after pulling waaay back, there is still space for what I have to offer. Thank you.

Sharing what I’ve learned in my years of weaving and playing with fibre is such a gift. It’s easy for me to get caught up in all the little details like providing the most beautiful materials and palette, the presentation and all that. These things do matter to me. We’re making art so let’s not pretend aesthetics don’t impact our experience. I want you to know what is available and possible, but I hope you’ll see beyond my preferences and listen to what feels right. for. you.

One reason I adore weaving is that it can be so forgiving and my recovering inner artist needed that deeply way back when I started. I think we all do when we’re first learning something new. Now I’m not saying I don’t get frustrated. Oh I’ve hated many things I’ve made, indeed. There have been techniques that I’ve struggled to learn, of course, and periods where I wanted to quit. It’s become much more complicated over time in some ways, this weaving thing for me.

What has often grounded me again, though, is remembering why I loved it in the first place. The power you have with each new piece and the possibility that a warped loom holds. The opportunity to be in the moment and co-create with it. The inherent connection to our ancestry through this ancient technology. That it can be a conduit for release or incantation. That it can be as simple or complicated as you like. Elevated or rudimentary. And you can always start fresh.

My workshops offer a few foundational weaving techniques that allow you to create something beautiful and wholly unique to you. That’s my wish for you. I love watching as a stitch suddenly makes sense in your hands. The silence that often falls over a group as they ease into a flow state. Often someone will stop and say, is this right? Did I miss something? I’ll often annoyingly reply, well do you like how it looks?

You can stick to following the standard methods, of course. I get how that may be your motivation for coming to a weaving workshop. But it’s also a piece of art that you get some say in. What feels good right now? What colours are calling to you today? Don’t like that section? Let’s take it out and start it again.

If this sounds like an approach that resonates for you, I have a couple offerings coming up. Experiment, get curious, tune in with yourself, build some new neural pathways perhaps, do it a different way and then redo it. From workshops to kits, no single person has ever created an identical piece and I would have it no other way. Hope to see you there!

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Some Spring/Summer offerings:

May 18, 1-4pm—Intro to Weaving Workshop (family-friendly) at Mischief Makers

June 7, 1:30-3:30pm—Intro to Weaving Workshop at the Women’s Healthy Living Show, Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place (ticket includes access to show)

June 22, 1-4pm—Macrame Rainbow Workshop for Pride at Mischief Makers (deets to come)

July 4, 7-10pm—Summer Group Show opening reception at Blue Crow Gallery