October 31, 2024 – January 19, 2025
‘Clay & Cloth: Forest’ by Annette & Gitte Hansen
The inter-related art forms of clay and cloth are explored by artist sisters Annette & Gitte Hansen – clay and textiles are so connected to the earth and its fundamental elements, and their relationship with each other is a natural way to weave in the woodlands and celebrate the forest for all that she provides: in art, for shelter, for the eco-system, for life.
The works in this exhibition have been inspired by land and underwater forests – the strength, depth and movement of their essential co-dependent relationship. Clay artist Annette Hansen incorporates natural materials such as wood and wire into her ceramic work in porcelain and stoneware to create unique clay vessels and compositions. Her surfaces are richly textured, emulating tree bark with patterned leaf shapes and reflecting the study of colour and patterns found in forest trees. Themes of rebirth and resilience are at play, as are patterns and texture, chaotic and structured. Annette honours the vital role of trees as the “lungs of the world’ while the impact of environmental damage looms around us. She recreates the beauty of trees that grow in clay by using that same material in her art. She blends disparate materials in reflection of the profound structural changes that changing seasons have on leaves and trees, and us all.
Inspired by underwater forests and in-depth research on seaweed, textile artist Gitte Hansen‘s pieces capture the undulating movement of marine life. Gitte brings together the natural and digital world to reframe this powerful, yet vulnerable, environment. Digital photographs are enhanced with a layer of seaweed images that have been screen printed. Layered silk organza wall hangings have been printed and dyed with plant dyes and indigo, then printed with seaweed patterns. Small dyed and stitched pieces ask the viewer to reflect on the beauty of what we do not always see in nature and the importance of what it brings to our lives. Gitte’s work is a recording of a landscape that is forever changing and forever inspiring strong connections to a particular place and time.
Curated in collaboration with Sylvia Galbraith.
An Artist Reception will be held in the gallery on Sunday November 3rd from 2-4PM. Meet the artists, mingle with community and be inspired by creativity! For more information about the Artist Reception please click here. 