Cheshire Textile's summer break began this week after a very enjoyable visit to Macclesfield's Silk Museum followed by lunch at Sutton Hall. The Silk Museum is hosting 'Making Space', the 62 Group's current exhibition which runs until 3rd September.
With recently extended exhibition space, the Silk Museum is now able to attract bigger groups and reach a wider audience. There are 34 artists represented in the exhibition each pursuing their own line of investigation and techniques. For those who are rooted in traditional forms of art like painting and ceramics this exhibition is well worth a visit, many of the pieces on display need thought and consideration, far removed from the 'pretty picture' commonly associated with embroidery.
Interestingly a visit to the Royal Academy for their summer exhibition showed many textile pieces including the well known Nigerian artist El Anatsui who uses aluminium sourced from recycling centres and wire connected with textile techniques to create huge hangings
Flexible materials including textiles are an ideal medium for sculpture. Shona Rendel in the image above uses dyed chair cane which she weaves into the most beautiful shapes.
Have a fabulous summer break, no doubt some of us will be continuing with work for Frodsham in February. Jen
