Why WovenTapestry?

Why Woven Tapestry? 

Notes from 'Beyond the Square' Workshop 2007.

This workshop was organised by Creative Fibre New Zealand as part of their Conference. 

I conducted a workshop about loom-shaped tapestry weaving called 'Beyond the Square' . This was for weavers with some experience of tapestry techniques. These notes come from my introductory talk. I post them today as they still resonate with my tapestry practice. 

I've been weaving for over 30 years now. I've always made tapestry on different scales but in the last few years have become interested in small works partly because they are portable to work on.

For me the reasons to make a tapestry are a combination of achieving a complex technical challenge and conveying a part of my soul in a durable manner. I feel because tapestry is very slow, it is very precious. The result must be worth the effort in that it needs to be a unique emotive statement with technical strength but spiritual brilliance.

For me, a mimicry of a visual reality is not what it is about. I must fall passionately in love with any design I choose to execute, as I will be absorbed by it for many hours.

As I start I am rock solid about the concept in my heart. As I weave I go through many stages when I love it, hate it, can't stand to look at it, can't leave it alone, feel like it will never end, doubt if it will look right when it is finished, long to cut it off and of course at the end, be scared to cut it off. Creating a tapestry is a long emotional process, very intense and very focused for me. This is enhanced by working on a small, fine scale.

What I hope to achieve with you today is a release from fear of breaking the rules and disciplines that are around traditional tapestry weaving to allow you to use this wonderful medium to sing your soul's songs. We have as far as we know, one life so it is one chance, so that is precious, unique. We should be striving as cognoscente people to use our creative energy for unique work that is not an imitation or repetition of others'. Our uniqueness is our emotional view of the world we share with everyone. I feel this is what we are here to explore and share - our uniqueness.

The beauty of tapestry is that it is such a simple rugged system that if you break out and risk trying something different it is usually tolerant and accepting.