Brigitte Red

Ibegan my journey in textile art on retirement. My curiosity, exploration and experimentation led to self study and various workshops. One such workshop was Creative Strength Training with Jane Dunnewold. It was during this study of archetypal patterns and how those patterns impact creativity that I discovered the creative potential within me.

This exhibit, related to archetypal patterns, is the vehicle I have used to express both the light and shadow side of my Dilettante. I acknowledge that I have a very strong Dilettante archetype. The shadow side can sometimes cause me to lose focus; to get lost in the decision of which process will best suit a creative dilemma I am facing. My love of experimenting, trying new techniques, collecting, and enjoying discovery are hallmarks of the light side of my Dilettante. The light side allows me to call upon specific techniques I have learned to solve creative challenges as they arise.

This piece, Embracing My Dilettante, portrays the light side. Here I have constructed my artwork to showcase the various textile construction and embellishing techniques that I have collected, including Celtic knot-work, beading, patchwork, Seminole piecing, fabric folding, embroidery, pin tucks, weaving, raw edge appliqué and curved piecing. The central mask motif portrays both the dark and light side of my Dilettante. The mixture of bright cheerful colours and dark sombre ones are a reminder that my Dilettante, whether light or shadow, is always waiting in the wings, ready to come to the party.

Embracing My Dilettante 2022 24” x 17.5” Textile, mixed media 300. briggie1505@yahoo.ca