We are delighted to invite you to our new exhibition, Inspired By
An Exhibition of work by the Top Floor Art Studio Collective, joined by the 'Our Stories' Project, Glebe House, Kilclief @ Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co Down. 21st June - 26th August 2023
Top Floor Art Studio Collective, a group of textile and mixed media artists, meet and work at Top Floor Art Gallery, Saintfield. Participating artists are Hazel Bland, Geri Graham, Lynda Kelly, Carolyn MacDougall, Jaele McColgan, Janice McHenry, Bridget Pullen and Emma Whitehead. We support and encourage each other's practice while collaborating on joint projects and exhibitions. You can find out more about the TFA Collective here
We also aim to encourage others to develop their creative skills by delivering bespoke workshops. Consequently, we are delighted to offer this Exhibition in partnership with our friends based at Glebe House, Kilclief, who have been involved in the 'Our Stories' project.
The inspiration for the work presented in the Exhibition arose from a desire to expand our knowledge of the work of four artists. Being democratic, suggestions were invited, voted on, and the result was a decision to study the work of Michael Sylvan Robinson, Mirjam Gielen, Itchiku Kubota, and Vanessa Barragao—all very different artists from the point of view of their use of materials and technique.
The intention was to study the Artists' work and use these insights to inspire new works by the Collective while maintaining one of our underlying principles of material conservation and sustainability. All the materials used in creating this Exhibition have been found, gifted, or repurposed. The variety of artwork displayed within this Exhibition is not the reproduction of these artists' work but rather the result of the internalization of their methods and output. Consequently, each piece, whether a collaboration or individual work, may involve elements of any of the four chosen artists' work within one creation.
Expect thought-provoking textiles, mixed media, and a splash of humour.
The Four Artists Who Inspired Us
A contemporary fibre artist whose work intersects fashion and costume, street art and queer activism through the innovative use of textile collage and text-based art techniques. He uses textiles selected for elaborate patterns, reassembled into textile collages overworked with labour-intensive beadwork, machine and hand-stitching. His work includes wearable art and two-dimensional works, sculptural pieces, and installation.
A textile artist from The Netherlands who focuses on organic processes such as eco-dyeing, eco-printing, free-form embroideries and crochet techniques. She takes her inspiration from the patterns and textures in nature and strives for sustainability and reclaiming fabrics and threads.
Was inspired by an ancient Japanese dyeing and stitch-resist technique called 'tsujigagana'. Controversially, he developed his form of this technique, using modern dyes and fabrics known as 'Itchiku Tsujigahana'. His creations are collectively known as The Kubota Collection, which comprises 104 kimono dyed and stitched using his technique. He had a passion for nature, and the subject matter for his kimono explored the natural world, the cosmos and the seasons.
A Portuguese textile and fibre artist influenced by climate and the damage it is doing to the coral reefs. She is focused on sustainability and uses recycled fibres in her work. Her preferred technique uses freeform crochet, three-dimensional forms and 'painting with yarn'.
