For five days in mid-July jennadawn and I participated as artists in Peristyle Nomade's la boite à médiation variable. We participated as members of our artist collective, SCRATCH, but sadly our third member, Lauren Osmond, couldn't join us this time 'round. In the past the three of us had planted a natural dye garden in Articule's garden and later gave a natural dyeing workshop there. For this event we proposed that people see our act of sharing knowledge (plant dyeing knowledge) as a performative art installation. We spent five days in Parc Mederic Martin in Montreal, mostly staying close to our little dye hut (as seen above). It was three days preparing natural dyes and fabric to be dyed and the last two dyeing cotton, linens and silks with marigold, onion skins, brazilwood, logwood, lavendar, pomegranate, tumeric and more. Of course I had to have an indigo vat as well, especially since it was my only chance to have one this summer. On day two we also held a fun natural dyeing and printing workshop. As part of our mandate to share we offered a pamphlet with natural dyeing directions to anyone passing through and of course to anyone who inquired about the purpose of our being at the park. There are some some pictures via the Peristyle Nomade facebook page. Today we hosted dinner. In the first picture below you can see me making crepes like a mad-woman :) Below are more photos by LePetitRusse
0 Comments
My former school, Capilano University, has threatened to discontinue a number of programs due to lack of funding, since the government scaled back funding for many post secondary institutions (wtf?!). One of those programs is my beloved Textile Arts Program. I am angry, sad and appalled to say the least. The Textile Arts program changed my life course for the better in so many ways, and I know that is true for many other alumni. It is such a valuable program. There is no other program in North America (and perhaps the world) that offers such a rigorous and meaningful education in this field.
It wasn't until my time in the Textile Arts program at Capilano University that I knew what my vocation was; to work in the field of textiles as an artist and educator. The program instilled in me an appreciation for handwork, shared knowledge and community, as well as a new appreciation for all aspects of history in the context of textiles. The faculty are some of the most interesting and inspiring people I've met, and all put forth a curriculum that is both extremely challenging and fulfilling. Future students would be hard-pressed to find a better education in this field. In the past weeks, since the university announced the cuts on April 24th, there has been an uproar by students, faculty and the wider community. Letters are being written and all the artwork on campus was shrouded in black or damaged. That was apparently not enough. We bought some time when the board granted the university a few more weeks to fundraise, but we need to convince the liberals to fund these programs again, and the president of the university to create a more creative budget strategy (or to resign). UPDATE : ///Sadly the Textile Art Department is no longer. Nor are any of the studio art programs at Capilano University\\\ To get up to date on the issue here are some links, and there is an online petition HERE. A facebook page has been started: https://www.facebook.com/CapUArtEviction and a web site gives additional information http://savecapstudioarts.webs.com/ NorthShore News Board delays Capilano University cuts Union plans CapU cuts injunction Move aims to delay May 14 board decision Programs fall under the axe at Capilano U CBC News Programs cut as Capilano University faces $1.3M shortfall Vancouver Sun Capilano University puts course cuts on hold Court injunction sought to delay cuts at Capilano University Students need to fight for university funding Capilano University plans program cuts to balance budget Writing letters helps, so here is a list of contacts and their emails. Write away! Capilano University President, Kris Bulcroft: [email protected] North Vancouver Seymour Mla- Jane Thornthwaite – BC Liberal Party [email protected] North Vancouver Lonsdale Mla - Naomi Yamamoto – BC Liberal Party [email protected] West Vancouver Capilano Mla - Ralph Sultan – BC Liberal Party [email protected] West Vancouver Garibaldi Mla - Joan Mcintyre – BC Liberal Party [email protected] Minister of Education: Honourable Don Mcrae [email protected] ALSO... Here is a copy of a letter sent from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design Faculty Association President to Dr. Kris Bulcroft: |
About me:
I'm a west coast Canadian gal who after completing a BFA in Fibres at Concordia University in Montreal moved to the New York metropolitan area where I am pursuing my art practice while learning the ropes of motherhood.
June 2021
Categories
All
|