Venturing out

  Well, it is the equinox and 22/3/22, so that is something to write about. That's done then. 

I visited the Counihan Gallery at the Brunswick Town Hall last week. My main reason for going was to see the works by Ema Shin. They were amazing! 3D shapes that were either woven tapestry or embroidered. The story was interesting too. Artist statements can make works so much more meaningful. 

I am going to be attending a workshop run by Ema in April. Her work was very inspiring, I am looking forward to the workshop even more after seeing the exhibition. I think it will be very challenging. 

Another room had lager-phones on display. Unfortunately we were not allowed to play them! It is probably fortunate for the person on duty at the entrance though. This exhibition was called The Sparrow Made Some Beer. 

They were beautiful and cheery. They had been carved into the shapes of animal heads - based on Lithuania. The bottle tops were arranged to add colour and dimension to the imagery. 

All in all, a very pleasant outing. 

Material Culture

Material Culture opened at the Counihan Gallery tonight.  There was an excellent crowd.  The exhibition was partly to celebrate the historic connection between the Brunswick RMIT textile course and the gallery over many years.  Former staff and students were represented in the show.  It was great being there, having the opportunity to catch up with many of the people I have studied with over the last 5 years, students and staff.

I took some pictures while the speeches were on but, unfortunately, they are a bit blurred.  I didn't have the chance to include all the pieces, just those that were in my vicinity during the talking.

I am used to seeing student exhibitions there, with many people's work represented. It was quite different tonight, less work and the lighting really stood out for me.  Congratulations to all who were selected to exhibit.

Women's Salon: Voice

Tonight I went to the opening of the Women's Salon annual exhibition at the Counihan Gallery in Brunswick.  I know several of the artists whose work was accepted into the exhibition.  The artists are all connected to Moreland city. The theme this year was to celebrate the centenary of women achieving the vote in Victoria's Legislative Assembly elections. Joan Kirner opened the show and gave an inspiring talk.

Carla and Dana with their work

The works were done in a variety of media and the artists' statements were especially interesting in this exhibition, many relating to women in our state or the artists' personal history.

Not only did I know some of the artists through my RMIT textile and design course, I knew some who are parents of past students of mine - it was a bit shocking to hear how grown up some of the children I taught as 5 year olds are now.  How time passes quickly!

There was also performance art, music from the Brunswick Women's Choir - wonderful.

FUSE: RMIT Textile and Design Development 2010 Graduate Exhibition

This exhibition, held at the Counihan Gallery in Brunswick, shows work done by the graduates of the Textiles and Design course.  It is a select entry exhibition and some students elected to put their work on show here, rather than the more industry-based show at Moonee Valley. Some very busy students had work at both shows! There was a great range of works and techniques once again.

Experimental Textile, mostly crocheted.

The venue was great,with the hanging of the work showing it off to advantage. Lovely space.

Tapestry weaving

Once again, the students have worked hard to produce some amazing art. Congratulations to all the graduating students. Congratulations, too, to all the teachers who have helped the students develop their skills and find their specific directions.  It was noted in several of the speeches that the students have individual styles which have been nurtured, and subtly directed, by the staff.

Tapestry weaving with perspex 

The opening night was very busy with lots of excited graduates and their families present, having a wonderful time.
I have only posted a few pictures of the work, there was so much more to see.  The exhibition is open till Decemeber 18th, Wednesday to Saturday, 11am - 5pm and Sunday 1pm - 5pm.