Australia’s No. 1 magazine for fibres, yarns & textiles DOWN UNDER
CREATE
unique fabrics with our guide
SHOWCASE
design inspired by Indigenous art
INTRODUCING
AUS $12.95 / NZ $14.95
ISSUE 17, 2014
new mixed-media textile exhibitions
DUT17 FC ib.indd 1
Discover Australia’s vibrant outback through textiles
Explore amazing recycled fishing net creations from the GhostNet Art Project 02/10/2014 16:23
EDITORIAL Editor: Kate Oszko kate.oszko@practicalpublishing.com.au Production Editor: Bethany Armitage Art Editor: Lynn Horsepool Advertising Sales: Jann Wilson jann.wilson@practicalpublishing.com.au Tel: 07 3855 3281 SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription Manager: Linzi Wilkinson linzi.wilkinson@practicalpublishing.com.au Online: www.practicalpublishing.com.au Tel: 07 3160 9940 PUBLISHING Associate Publisher: Debra Hudson debra.hudson@practicalpublishing.com.au Publisher: Gavin Burrell gavin.burrell@practicalpublishing.com.au Group Publishing Director: Rob Wilkinson rob.wilkinson@practicalpublishing.com.au HEAD OFFICE AUSTRALIA Practical Publishing International Pty Ltd GPO Box 1457, Brisbane, Qld Australia 4001 Tel: 07 3855 3281 www.practicalpublishing.com.au EUROPEAN OFFICE Practical Publishing International Ltd St Christopher House, Stockport Cheshire, England SK2 6NG Tel: +44 (0) 844 561 1202 www.practicalpublishing.co.uk DISTRIBUTION Australia: Gordon & Gotch Tel: 02 9972 8800 New Zealand: Gordon & Gotch Tel: +64 (0) 9979 3000
Welcome I love it when an idea comes together, and this issue of Down Under Textiles is a showcase of Indigenous textiles and art created in response to the Australian environment. I first came across the GhostNet Art Project when I was in Cairns more than a year ago, and I am thrilled to be able to share some of the interesting work being made individually and in communities, from material that is a hazard and otherwise regarded as rubbish. It’s really wonderful to see the transformative nature of art. Most artists like to be involved in each step of the creative process, and textile artists are no different. Mel Forrest’s project in this issue shows how to adapt a photo into a design that can then be turned into a unique fabric print. It’s simpler than you may think. Speaking of fabric, I am sure you will enjoy the feature on Desert Designs, a commercial enterprise that
was established as a collaboration with Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike. The combination of powerful art and wearable fashion is very exciting. Have you ever wanted to visit The Red Centre? A group of ladies did so earlier this year to take textile art workshops and experience local attractions, including Uluru itself. We bring you a selection of lovely images from their time away. Many of us are part of a group, as having support and encouragement from others is a big part of learning and growing as an artist. In this issue you’ll see the work of members of the 84 Group from Western Australia. The collective was formed 30 years ago, and continues to meet monthly – what a history! As ever, we have lots of news and other inspiration for you as well, so happy reading! Kate Oszko Editor
Kate
England: Comag Tel: +44 (0) 1895 433600 South Africa: Magscene Pty Ltd Tel: +27 11 805 502 Email: tarrynf@magscene.co.za Published by Practical Publishing International Pty Ltd. The style and mark of Down Under Textiles is used under license from Newlife Media Group Pty Ltd. See copyright and trademark notices below. ISSN 2201-3857. For overseas distribution enquiries please contact Andrew Randall Eight Point Distribution – Australia Andrew@eightpointdistribution.com.au Telephone: + 61 (0)2 9960 5710 COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The Editor reserves the right to include or not, any submissions or part thereof. All articles and projects are copyright of the author and must not be reproduced for commercial or financial gain without permission. Practical Publishing has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the copyright of each article/project resides with the contributing author. Practical Publishing relies on these warranties when asserting that the copyright is owned by the authors. The instructions for the included projects have been checked for accuracy and are published in good faith. However, we do not guarantee successful results and offer no warranty, either expressed or implied. The claims and statements made in any advertisements are not those of the publisher. Practical Publishing takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content of any advertisements, advertorials or paid promotions. All information supplied in advertisements is the responsibility of the company who books and pays for the space. TRADEMARKS
Many of the brands and products mentioned in the news, projects and other pages in Down Under Textiles are trademarks of their respective companies. All companies and brands mentioned in the magazine are included for editorial purposes and all copyrights and trademarks are acknowledged.
I love the strong colours of this quilt by Dale Rollerson called Red Dirt – it captures the intensity of red dust so well www.downundertextiles.com | 3
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Bits & pieces
Forest Floor (detail) by Jan Clark (right)
Inspiration from the forest The Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) is well known for putting together a quality programme of tutors and workshops. Each year the organisers work hard to present many options for attendees to expand their skills and grow as artists, and next year is no exception. One of the special tutors for 2015 is Jan Clark. Jan lives in New South Wales, surrounded by nature, so it’s no surprise that her textile paintings, printing and artworks often feature leaf studies, beetles, pebbles, rockpools and scenes from the forest floor. Jan has significant
art experience, having been the head of the screenpring department for Ken Done, and has recently completed a degree in natural history illustration. The work of this talented textile artist displays a distinctive style and originality; it’s quintessentially Australian without being predictable. A class with Jan at the AQC will be a time of learning and discovery for textile artists, quilters and anyone with a love of mixed media. The Australasian Quilt Convention takes place from 16th – 19th April 2015.
See more... For more information, visit www.aqc.com.au
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DOWN UNDER
Let’s Create
Features
12 From Photo to Fabric
10 Journeys
Mel Forrest provides step-by-step instructions for turning digital images into unique fabric
32 Canvas Doilies Take those precious family textiles out of the cupboard and create a focal art piece; Jola Szymczyk explains how
63 Kraft Tex Is it paper? Is it fabric? This material combines a bit of both, and Kate Oszko puts it through its paces
82 Just a Minute Ali George shows how to create special fabric based on your surroundings
Suzanne Gummow relives some of the highlights of her own journey through the textile art world and asks – what are your memorable moments?
Regulars 6 News
19 Meet a Textile Artist Young textile designer Gemma Bonney draws on elements from Aboriginal culture to create prize-winning garments
73 Library
23 Travel
76 Online Inspiration
Discover the inspiration you could experience through travelling to South Africa or Turkey on a specialised textile tour
77 What’s On 81 Next Issue
25 Desert Designs A long-standing collaboration has resulted in distinctive fashion design with a strong Indigenous influence
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contents 25
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12 70 38 GhostNet Art Project Learn how abandoned fishing nets have been turned into intriguing art, bringing communities together
44 Profile Brenda Wood and Sue Duffy share their insights into establishing a new joint textile venture
47 Up Close
56
A textile art group that has been meeting since 1984 showcase pieces from their recent exhibition
56 Desert Threads Enjoy a selection of work with the Australian environment as its unifying theme
67 Sewing up a Storm The Red Centre is the setting for a retreat with a difference
70 A World of Colour Banner-sized art quilts feature the colours of Australia
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Issue 167, 2014 NZ $14.95 AUS $12.95,
49 Group 84
Inspire Imagine Create
Jocelyne Leath explains how her beautiful Eucalyptus Splendour was created
www.moremags.com.au www.downundertextiles.com | 5
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Turkish bazaar
Explore
international textiles
- Travel with the experts
W
hen you join one of Active Travel’s specialised textile and cultural tours, an expert travels with you to maximise your experience and connections with local artisans and provide authentic and often exclusive access to collections
South Africa Shakaland
and galleries. In 2015, the two tours on offer include ‘South Africa, Culture and Quilting Fair,’ and ‘Turkish Textiles of the Ottoman Silk Road’. The South African tour in July will be visiting the Quilting Fair, allowing visitors to participate in the workshops.
You will get a chance to spot the big five on safari, learn about the traditional Swazi and Zulu cultures and visit quilting co-operatives benefiting women suffering from HIV/Aids. Leading the tour will be well-known quilt teacher and textile artist, Sue Dennis.
South African women embroidering www.downundertextiles.com | 23
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travel
Spices on Taksim Lane
Local rugs
Traditional weaving
Stunning ceramics for sale
Baklava in the Old Town
The tour to Turkey in September will be led by Down Under Textiles Editor, Kate Oszko. The trip begins in Istanbul, where highlights include visits to the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. The tour continues to other cities of interest where there are many opportunities to explore local textiles and be part of textile workshops covering skills such as traditional block printing and weaving. You will also experience traditional life on a homestay, and you can opt to take a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular fairy chimneys and cave churches of Cappadocia.
Active Travel has over 20 years’ experience organising special interest tours, and they are renowned for their attention to detail and access to experts who add real value to their trips.
For more information...
Visit www.activetravel. com.au. Alternatively, call 02 6249 6122 or ring toll free on 1300 783 188
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Canvas doilies By Jolanta Szymczyk
Doilies are part of our culture, part of our memories. Many of us start collecting them to honour all the creative talent involved in making them. Here is a way to upcycle and transform these textile treasures into works of mixed-media art
Materials • 2 – 3 doilies for a small canvas • 30cm x 40cm stretched canvas • 60cm x 80cm piece of teal prefelt • 40cm x 40cm piece of soft lilac prefelt (or 150g wool tops in total to replace the prefelt) • Yarn, sewing threads for surface decoration • Felting materials (bubble wrap, 2 tbsp Lux soap flakes, old towel, dowel/ swimming pool noodle, plastic cover, screen mesh (optional), white vinegar, felting tool) • Sewing thread & needles • Ruler, scissors, pins • Notepad & pen
T
his project is ‘doily friendly’ in that doilies won’t be cut or deconstructed during the process and they can be used again in another project.
Photo 1
Method Measure your canvas and add a bit extra to allow for the finished felt to be secured by pins to the frame. Also allow for about 30% shrinkage during the felting process. Measure and cut the prefelt. Place the doilies on the surface and audition their best position on the canvas. Consider where the piece will be hung and the overall look you wish to achieve. Allow space around each shape to accommodate potential shrinkage and mark the outline with sewing pins. See Photo 1.
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let’s create
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Notes • Coloured prefelts come in a range of thicknesses/weights. Needlepunched factory prefelt speeds up both the design and execution of any felting project. Prefelts are time-effective and give the finished piece an even thickness. • Prefelts can be replaced with any other textile, such as a knitted textile, upcyled material or even soft leather. • The surface decoration materials can include silk fibre, silk hankies, beads, ribbons, buttons, leather, and found objects. • Prefelt is available from Silksational, www.silksational.com.au
Photo 2
Add surface design elements as desired. Remove the doilies prior to felting.
Felting Sprinkle soap flakes on the surface and cover your project with the screen mesh and wet the piece. See Photo 2. Gently distribute the water across the piece, allowing the soap flakes to dissolve. Remove any air bubbles by pushing them away from the centre towards the edges. Remove the screen mesh and replace with the plastic cover. Roll the piece on a swimming pool noodle, see Photo 3, and secure it in a towel. Roll the bundle back and forward with a firm even pressure. See Photo 4. Unroll. Turn the piece 90º around. Repeat. Regularly check the design and the soap and moisture level. Keep rolling until the surface design elements are securely adhered to the base and the felt has achieved a shrinkage rate of about 15 – 20%. Rinse with warm water. Make sure the felt is rinsed thoroughly and all soap removed. Add a splash of white vinegar to the last rinse. Gently squeeze the piece and remove any excess water with a towel. Place the wet piece on a clean, level surface and stretch it flat. Remove any folds and excess loose wool fibre. The piece is now ready for further modelling and manipulation.
Photo 3
Photo 4
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Photo 5
3D design Place the piece on the canvas and position it as desired. Place the doilies in place and secure them with pins. Stretch the felt over the edges of the canvas. See Photo 5. Scrunch any excess to create a 3D texture. Secure the folds with a few pins. See Photo 6. Leave to dry overnight.
“Dye doilies to achieve different effects and match a particular colour scheme before attaching them to the piece” Photo 6 www.downundertextiles.com | 35
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Photo 7
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“Consider alternative ways of hanging the piece, such as portrait, upside down, and landscape”
With matching cotton, polyester or fine wool thread, reinforce the folds using running stitch on the wrong side of the piece. See Photo 7. Secure the doilies with minimal stitching so they can easily be removed at a later stage should they be required for another project.
Surface decoration Add additional surface design techniques such as stitching, embroidery, or other surface embellishment. Secure the piece to the frame with pins. See Photo 8. Canvas can be replaced by a 3D frame with the glass panel removed, allowing the user a tactile experience.
See more... Jolanta Szymczyk is the president of the Queensland Branch of ATASDA (Australian Textile Surface Design Association). She is a practising textile artist, photographer, consultant and workshop tutor. Jolanta can be contacted on 0405 336 240. She also runs artisan and textile tours to Poland, for further information, visit the website www. experiencepoland.net
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