Above: 'Green shoots begin to sprout' Glenese Keavney.
Bangalow Palm leaf sheath, cotton fabric, glass beads, linen thread
Stitched, twined, bound, coiled, looped and stapled - the diverse work of three Australian basketmakers may be seen in it's final exhibition week at Timeless Textiles in Newcastle, NSW, this week. Flora Friedmann, Meri Peach and Glenese Keavney in their second successful trio exhibition at the gallery developed the theme 'Aftermath' after a variety of personal challenges and adversities.
Meri Peach talks of her reflections on the theme and the use of baskets in wartime:
"Basketry has been
used in war, among other things, to carry ammunition, wounded
individuals and body parts, and in some societies, as the shields and
armour worn by soldiers. Basket making was also used after both World
Wars as an activity in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. These
things were in my mind as I made some of my pieces, particularly the
silver ones that resemble sharkskin, a very tough and protective
substance that I once studied up close in my days as a marine biologist.
I have used these baskets as something to hide in and to hide behind,
while simultaneously trying to get my messages out to the world."
Materials natural and recycled come to together in a variety of forms presenting the viewer with both beautiful and intricate textures and the challenge of developing narratives that link the presented works with the thought processes and creative decisions of the makers. Reading the personal statements from each of the three makers it is touching to see the intricacies and thoughtfulness of their highly personal, creative and sometimes therapeutic journeys - however I urge you to visit the exhibition and for a moment share their optimistic vision.
Above:
'Coming undone' Flora Friedmann.
Cane, Bangalow palm, Red Hot Poker, Aunt Eliza,
Montbretia, Iris, Spider plant & jute cord.
Below: 'Pulling it all together' Flora Friedmann.
Bangalow palm leaf sheath, dyed cane, waxed linen thread.
Above: 'basket for Kate' Meredith Peach.
Plastic packaging, permanent marker, gaffer tape, rattan, synthetic cord
Below: 'slow growth' Meredith Peach
Packaging (fused metal foil and plastic), permanent marker, polyester thread; telephone wire
Above & below:
'Working with what comes to me (II)' Glenese Keavney.
Distressed found timber, Danish willow, Tegasuri cotton tape, telephone wire