Expectations

I visited the World Of Threads festival exhibit (going on till November 30 in Oakville and Mississauga).

Not To Know But To Go On
Installation
Judy Martin

Judy Martin's works were spectacular and by far my favourites.

detail, Not To Know But To Go On
Judy Martin

I have been following her Circle Project (details seen below) since the beginning and I was glad to have finally seen those 4 pieces 'live' and not from a photograph. It's a whole different experience standing in front of such work. The size, the detail.

I see many textile exhibits around the world. I'd like to make a general comment about some of the textile "artwork" I am seeing. Just because the work is messy doesn't make it art. Just because you can collage or sew things together doesn't make you an artist. One of the qualities an artist has to have, in my opinion, is an advanced skill level in the medium of choice while executing his/her thoughts and ideas.

I expect to see techniques that are well executed when I go to exhibits.

If you chose fabric as your medium, best learn your basic sewing skills.

* in this spot I had written a few lines about certain works I saw at the World Of Thread exhibit that in my opinion were lacking skill in the sewing department and after talking to my husband about it he pointed out that I could still give my opinion and not point to someone's work in particular. True. So I have removed the images and criticism but I do stand by my opinion that if a work is going to be exhibited it should be demonstrating fine skill.

Moving to Judy Martin's work. Well, here is someone who knows her craft and has a skill level that is impressive.

detail, Not To Know But To Go On
Judy Martin
I love the way the embroidery floss changes
the colour of the fabric underneath

The above 3 images are details of the Circle Project
by Judy Martin and community 

I also enjoyed the weavings of Quebecer, Louise Lemieux Bérubé. Again such skill!

Rodin e Claudel no 1
244 cm x 412 cm
Louise Lemieux Bérubé
2012
jacquard weaving
cotton, linen, dyes

I loved her theme too, maybe because my previous career was in dance and I can appreciate the movements of her subjects.

Exhibition Space

You may think a church is not always the best place to hang an art exhibit. I was afraid some of the Canadian artists participating in Tradition in Transition would think that.

But in fact the visitors to the Carrefour, and this year there were about 22,000, are oblivious to the setting.

exhibit Tradition in Transition at L'Eglise de la Madeleine

They are really looking at the art work and walk by the religious symbols.

art shown here from left to right:
Energy Cloth, Judy Martin
And so it Goes, Meredith Annett
Stars all Around, Martha Schellingerhoud
hanging above: summer strip, AnnMarie Newman

There were 10 churches, including rectories, hosting exhibits this year at the 18th Carrefour Européen du Patchwork.

South African textile artist, Paul Schutte also exhibited in a church; Eglise Ste. Rosalie in Rombach-le-Franc near Ste-Marie-aux-Mines.

Paul Schutte's work in Eglise Ste. Rosalie in Romach-le-Franc, France

This summer, I passed by an art exhibit in Arles, France, again in a church. It is a building owned by the city and there are many exhibits there throughout the year.

Painting and sculpture exhibit in Arles, France