Spinning, weaving

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 14

Spinning, weaving

“Canterbury Inspired.” An exhibition by the Canterbury Area of the New Zealand Spinning, Weaving and Woolcraft Society. Held at the Geranium Gallery, Darfield, September 2-7, St Mary’s, Merivale, September 9-14, Town Hall, Amberley, September 16-21. Reviewed by Daphne Erasmus.

As is fitting for those promoting this exhibition, the great majority of pieces incorporate wool, a fifth contain mohair, and less than a tenth include other fibres, such as silk, cotton, Angora and those which are man-made.

Nearly half the exhibits include hand-spun threads, and most have been either woven or knitted. There is a little felting and crochet, and one piece of bobbin lace. The tapestry shown covers a range of tech-

niques and is not restricted by tradition. Tomoko McKnight and Ferne Every have used spun wool as their medium, and Jill Nicholls, an exhibition selector, used the interlacements of her rayon and nickel wire to create a delicate hanging. Despite the boundaries of thread and craft, spinners and weavers have infinite possibilities both utilitarian and decorative. For the modern craftsperson, the challenge is to maintain the best from the tradition of millennia, while incorporating present-day knowledge and individual artistic expression. There are many design and technical hurdles before achieving a successful result, such as choice of medium, or the correct sheep breed for the end use of spun yarn; or the

choice between plant and insect or purely chemically based dyes.

Pieces also need finishing appropriately, whether they are bookmarks, lacy knee socks, rugs or gauzy shawls. These challenges can never be claimed to be met with complete success.

There has been a gradual improvement in the standard of work produced by members of this society, and also in extending the boundaries of their craft knowledge.

This exhibition of selected work by 50 urban and rural Cantabrians, demonstrates the good standard and expertise which has been attained. The exhibition will run for six days in each of three venues, with a different guest exhibiting in each locality. Most exhibits are for sale.