Tag: Australian Rugmakers

ArtFest Exhibition

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Milton-Ulladulla Artfest 19th Sept – 5th Oct

Annette White_NSW_Australia

The following report was forwarded by Annette White of New South Wales.

As part of the annual Milton-Ulladulla Artfest, the Narrawilly Rugmakers entered a substantial variety of rugs made by members of the group for Exhibition in Miriam Miller’s rug room and picturesque surrounds.   The Proggy banners made by Coral Christina, were a great help in directing people there.

NarrawillyThe beautiful spring weather couldn’t have been more favorable.  Even the setting up of the venue was fun to do; rugmakers equipped with hammers, nails and string, decorated the timber walls of Miriam’s cottage in vibrant colours, patterns and pictures hooked and progged into beautiful rugs.

Hand_hooked_rugs_Narrawilly_Milton_NSW_AustraliaRugs were hanging from trees, flowing in the breeze on the washing line, and draped over the kitchen garden fence.

Garden_display_hand_hooked_rugs_Narrawilly_Milton_NSW_Australia

As one stepped into the famous rug room, they would be greeted by ever more rugs, including two rugs made and donated by Canada’s Karen Kaiser.   A couple of items made by blind people in The Gambia were also displayed.

People had a chance to see some rug making in progress, and also give the craft a try on a stretcher frame set up outside.  It was a pleasure to see how keen and interested our visitors were, especially some young boys who showed considerable talent.

Your couldn’t miss the sign to the tea & coffee stall.  Delicious homemade cakes were served and then enjoyed on the veranda; decorated with more beautiful creations of the rug making trade, together with a stunning view over the surrounding landscape.   It was nice to see happy people lingering and relaxing over their refreshments.  A nice amount of money made from selling these and the raffle tickets recovered the cost for entry of the Expo into Artfest and a donation to the Blind Ruggers in The Gambia.

The flow of visiting people was steady, and it seemed every one was impressed with what can be produced with up-cycled discarded clothing, old blankets, yarns, never ending resources.  The atmosphere was great, and hopefully people went home inspired to be creative.

Before the “big rush” on Sunday morning, Miriam drove a small group of us to Granite Falls to admire the lush abundance of the Boronia flowers and the spectacular view of the water falls.  A much appreciated treat.

Boronia_Granite_Falls_NSW_Australia

Granite Falls_NSW_Australia

We are very grateful to Miriam for initiating such wonderful events and opening up her beautiful home and surrounds for all to enjoy.

Miriam Miller, rughooking instructor, NSW Australia_photo, Gillian Lett Milton Ulladulla Times
Miriam Miller, rughooking instructor, NSW Australia_photo, Gillian Lett Milton Ulladulla Times

 

 

The Challenge of Colour

What a great way to start the New Year –  an impromptu visit to Victoria  to view Isabel Foster’s – The Challenge of Colour Exhibition – at Burrinja Gallery in Upwey, VIC.

Isabel Foster Retrospect, Burrinja Gallery
Isabel Foster Retrospect, Burrinja Gallery

and to meet up with members of  the Yarra Valley Rugmakers who are also members of the Australian Rugmakers Guild.

Leanne, Joy, Jen & Renate
Leanne, Joy, Jen & Renate (VIC)

 

Judith (SA), Robyne (VIC) and Jo(WA)
Judith (SA), Robyne (VIC) and Jo(WA)

Isabel’s exhibition was mentioned in a recent Yarra Valley blog with links to a YouTube video of the opening. Seeing the gorgeous colours and textures of Isabel amazing collection of work completed over 50 years, we just had to make the trip. So there we were, myself from WA and a group of Australian Rugmakers Guild members  from the Strath Matters in SA.     Judy Stephens,  Noreen Wendleborn, Ann Johnston and Marion Nefiodovas.

With no formal training in textiles (Isabel was taught embroidery by a ‘perfectionist’ grandmother) over the years her curiosity with colour and texture became her passion. Works in the Exhibit represent her creative interests of spinning and weaving, tapestry, applique, crazy patchwork and rugs made with wool and rag and hand spun and hand dyed thread.  The colour and textures of the woven, embroidered, knitted, and crocheted surfaces of Isabel’s creations are amazing.

Weaving and rya-knotted rag rug 2002

Silk boa 2007

Embroidered coloured fibres

Arriving early at the gallery our group was delighted to meet Isabel, who was chatting with her daughter and some friends.   Isabel was quite surprized to learn that we had come from so far away to view her work and delighted in showing us around describing her creations and then joined us as we gathered in the gallery café to spend the rest of the day getting to know each other and discuss the different rug making techniques.

Isabel Foster (centre) at Burrinja Exhibition
Isabel  (centre) at Burrinja Exhibition

 This chance meeting with Isabel was very special for Robyne Melia from the Yarra Valley Group who, as a student at Melbourne College of Textiles in 1974, had glimpsed some of Isabel’s work, in particular a garment woven in one piece in an abstract design both wild and colourful, to be worn in Gown of the Year 1974.  It was this garment that opened a new way of thinking in fashion to this young student and there she was all these years later talking with its creator.

This Exhibition is open until 16 March 2014, don’t miss it!

For more information click on Burrinja Gallery