Weaving a viable form

Press, 2 May 1981, Page 11

Weaving a viable form

Farmers weaving awards exhibition at the C.S.A. Gallery, until May 10. Reviewed by David Brokenshire. In the Western world, over the last 30 years, there has been a tremendous increase in interest and. participation in the crafts. For almost the played and could confidently

whole of, its long history weaving has been concerned mainly with providing warmth in clothing and comfort in. floor and wall coverjngs. However, this exhibition should convince everyone that it is an art form as viable as any other. The awards have been presented in two sections: Section A is for a handwoven wall hanging or rug in New Zealand wool, and Section B is for an “off loom" technique in fibre. A wide-ranging exhibition has resulted from the tiny exquisite Honiton Bobbin Lace of Anne Cutler to the aw’ard winner in Sectioh B, "Revelation II,” by Margaret Finnerty. This magnificent piece is prominently disbe placed in any art gallery, At one leap this artist has

formed a total three-dimen-sional structure combining elements of theatre and dance. This exhibit is a worthy winner, and must be fully experienced by moving through it. The 1 award winner in Section A was Eileen Chisholm’s “inlaid Corduroy Fleece Rug" — superb, soft, restrained in colour, and utterly satisfying. Sixty-four exhibits have been hung, filling the whole gallery. In my view omitting a few peices would have strengthened the show, but there is so much here to delight the eye and band, Who could possibly resist touching the "Cloud” of Elaine Holden, or fail to be awed by the gossamer lace of "Milady's Web” by Pauline Pease.