Sydney Quilt Show 2021 Online

QuiltNSW is committed to providing members with opportunities to share their quilts and to celebrate creativity. With the welcome easing of health restrictions in NSW, the Exhibition Subcommittee is proceeding with the plan to present the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 online. This is a virtual event where ALL of the quilts are judged in the cloth, photographed and then displayed online.

258 entrants are participating in the online show. The Exhibition Subcommittee is very excited by this response and buoyed by the encouragement and enthusiasm of the entrants' comments in their participation forms. Thank you!

The awards ceremony will be a special online event and everyone is invited! Watch this space! All prize winners will receive a ribbon and a rosette. The BERNINA Best of Show will be awarded a sewing machine sponsored by BERNINA Australia and there will be a mix of cash and voucher prizes for the Special Awards and First Prize winners. THANK YOU to all of the sponsors. Please support them in return.

Sydney Quilt Show 2021 Update

The pandemic continues to present challenging and uncertain conditions for event organisers. QuiltNSW was hoping to open the Sydney Quilt Show this week but instead the exhibition subcommittee is working hard on arrangements for a rescheduled event. Here is an update based on our current understanding of COVID conditions. 

New Show Dates: 1-5 September 2021

In partnership with Expertise Events, QuiltNSW is preparing to present the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 in conjunction with the Craft & Quilt Fair at Sydney Showground from Wednesday 1 September to Sunday 5 September from 10am to 4pm daily. (QuiltNSW may postpone or cancel the 2021 show but any postponed show dates will be no later than 1 October 2021.) 

We look forward to celebrating creativity with you on these new show dates.

Extension of 2021 Raffle 

The date for drawing the 2021 Raffle has been changed to 3pm Sunday 5 September 2021 at the Sydney Quilt Show. (If the show does not proceed, the raffle will instead be drawn at the QuiltNSW office at 12 noon on Friday 3 September.)

The prizes are:

• 1st Prize: Tea Rose hand-pieced and donated by Sue Cody (pictured left below) and hand quilted by Kaynka Powning (value $4500)
• 2nd Prize: The Narrawallee Star custom-quilted by Kaye Jamieson of Quilting Quarters  (value $3000)
• 3rd Prize: BERNINA 325 sewing machine (value $1499)
• 4th Prize: Quilter’s Basket (value $350)
• 5th Prize: Horn Sewing Chair (value $279)

Stitching in the Sticks

The original idea for this program was born in early 2020 out of a desire to give assistance to our regional members affected by fire and drought, but the commencement was delayed time and time again due to social distancing restrictions.

The aim is to reach out to our drought and fire and flood affected groups who may have lost some of their sense of community and the ability to meet up or hold events due to the catastrophic circumstances we have seen affecting NSW over the past couple of years.

Members of the host group will enjoy a weekend workshop at no cost to the participants, where they can invite visitors from neighbouring communities to make new connections. We are hoping that this may even encourage new members, or introduce some new people to the quilting community.

As this is a pilot for the first year, three locations have been chosen which will work with our tutors and volunteers working the program.

The first workshop was presented by Lisa Mattock on 1-2 May in Griffith. It was hosted by the Murrumbidgee quilters, who invited women from Coleambally, Goolgowi and Hillston to join them. Lisa's workshop was Slow Stitching 101.

We must give Lisa credit for the “Stitching in the Sticks” title – she is a country girl from Orange and has been supportive of this program from the outset.

Two more Stitching in the Sticks workshops are planned for 2021 - Chris Jurd will visit Cobargo quilters in August and Kathy Doughty will visit Batemans Bay/Malua area in September.

General Meeting at Burwood RSL - Saturday 15 May

Our next General Meeting will be held on Saturday 15 May at Club Burwood RSL, from 10 am to 3 pm. You will hear reports from the President and Committee members as well as from coordinators of the groups and other activities.

Fabric Garden will be on hand to meet all your retail needs.

Award-winning quiltmaker to the stars, fearless leader of the Glitterati, and spiller of truth tea, Molli Sparkles is our guest speaker.

Molli originates from small town USA but has called Sydney home for over sixteen years. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Sydney.

He started his journey with textiles in 2012 after deciding he wanted to make his grandmother a quilt. He likes drinking champagne while sewing, and if there's one thing he's learned, it's just fabric, you can't break it!

Bookings are essential as capacity is limited to 60 people.

When: Saturday 15 May, 10 am - 3 pm

Where: Club Burwood RSL, 6 Shaftesbury Rd, Burwood 2134

Bookings: Essential, book here.

Friday Showcase featuring Lynn Hewitt - Friday 7 May 2021

We are pleased that Friday Showcase has returned for 2021. Our first event will be held on Friday 7 May and will feature Lynn Hewitt.

In 30 years, Lynn Hewitt has made many quilts, and she enjoys doing workshops, learning new techniques and developing new skills. After a workshop, she often wonders what if she might make it again in another colour, or a different size or shape.

 At the May Friday Showcase, Lynn plans to show several quilts which have resulted after " What if?", as well as her very first quilt, and her latest, a modern quilt.

Friday Showcase will be held again this year at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA) in the Auditorium on Level 1. Doors will open at 10.45 am for an 11 am start (note this is one hour later than previously) and numbers will be limited to 60 people.

Bookings are essential and payment is required at the time of booking. 

 
We recommend you bring a mask to wear when looking at the quilts at the end of the presentation. 

Refreshments will not be available in the office before or after Friday Showcase due to the reduced office capacity (currently 10 persons). However, there is a cafe at street level.   

When: Friday 7 May, 10.45 for 11 am start
Where:  Level 1, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street Sydney
Cost: $5 for QuiltNSW members, $10 for non-members
Bookings: Essential, book and pay here, maximum 60 people

Pop-Up Sewing Day: 17 April at Stitched 'n' Framed, Port Macquarie

One of the many advantages of being a QuiltNSW member is the opportunity to attend Pop-Up Sewing Days at venues throughout NSW.

The next Pop-Up Sewing Day is on 17 April at Stitched 'n' Framed, Port Macquarie.

The Mid North Coast of New South Wales has been devastated by recent flooding. By coincidence the next Pop Up Sewing Day will be held at Port Macquarie, which was one of the badly affected areas, on Saturday April 17. To support the area, why not “Pop Up” in Port Macquarie for the day at Stitched ‘n’ Framed 18/14 Acacia Avenue, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, there are still spaces available and they would appreciate your attendance.

Remember this day is FREE for QuiltNSW members to attend and you only have to bring your sewing, either hand or machine and a mug for morning tea which will provided by Jenny and her team at Stitched ‘n’ Framed.  You can bring some lunch if you wish. 

There is ample parking outside the shop at the front and on the opposite side of the road.  Hope to see you soon.
Jenny Chapman – Pop Up Sewing Day Coordinator

When: Saturday 17 April from 9.30 am - 1.30 pm
Where: Stitched 'n' Framed, 18/14 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie
Bookings essential:  QuiltNSW members only - book here. 

To take advantage of activities such as these, consider joining QuiltNSW. You can become a member here.

Looking Back Looking Forward exhibition: Campbelltown Arts Centre until 9 May 2021

Featuring textile works by QuiltNSW members, Barbara Gower and Yvonne Line, and other artists, the Macarthur Textile Network presents their exhibition, Looking Back Looking Forward.

Where: Campbelltown Arts Centre, One Art Gallery Road Campbelltown.

Exhibition dates: 27 March - 9 May.

Opening hours:  daily, 10am - 4 pm.

In 2020 Macarthur Textile Network celebrated their 10th anniversary, and in 2021 they present their fourth and largest biennial exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Looking Back, Looking Forward features new contemporary textile works by Macarthur Textile Network artists that consider how the past impacts them, how it informs their view of the future, and how it influences and informs their work.

For more details, visit Campbelltown Art Centre website.

Rachaeldaisy Dodd Exhibition: Braemar Gallery until 11 April 2021

Head to the Blue Mountains for Into the Fold, an exhibition of quilts by Rachaeldaisy Dodd at Braemar Gallery:

• Address: 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood, NSW 2777 Free entry
• Exhibition dates: 18 March - 11 April 2021
• Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday | 10am – 4pm

Into the Fold looks at finding harmony between old and new through the art of quilt-making. Traditional techniques of fabric manipulation are studied and reinterpreted in a modern context. Concentric circles of folded fabric, gathered puffs, stitched details, repetitive geometry and balanced asymmetry all explore, develop, and expand the boundaries, but always with a nod to the roots of the craft. Through this exploration the works are taken from the conventional concept of pragmatism to the aesthetic, from the utilitarian blankets that quilts are known for, to artworks that be hung and appreciated for their concept as well as design.

Artist Website: www.rachaeldaisy.com

 

Last days: The New Quilt closes 11 April

Last days, don't miss out! The New Quilt exhibition continues at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, until Sunday 11 April. The gallery is located at Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor) 300 George St Windsor and is OPEN after recent flooding in the area.

Gallery Hours: 

• Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm 
• Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm 
• CLOSED Tuesdays & Easter Friday-Easter Monday (inclusive)

Download:

• The New Quilt Family Guide
• Search and Find Activity Sheet

The gallery is walking distance from Windsor Railway Station. Free, timed undercover parking is available for 47 cars in the Deerubbin Centre car park (access via Christie St). Free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Please check parking restrictions.

Contact the gallery at: gallery@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4560 4441 

 

The New Quilt: In-Gallery Artist Floor Talks now on YouTube

The New Quilt exhibition continues at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery until Sunday 11 April 2021. The gallery is open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.

Here is a recording of In-gallery Artist Floor Talks where six artists share the inspiration and process for their artworks: Rachaeldaisy Dodd, Brenda Gael Smith, Barbara Gower, Carolyn Sullivan and Amie  Marilyn Andrews.

 

Sydney Quilt Show 2021 Reminder: 5 days to enter!

Calling all QuiltNSW member. Celebrate creativity and enter YOUR quilt into the Sydney Quilt Show 2021. ONLINE ENTRY ONLY Entries close at 5pm on Friday 19 March or when 320 quilts have been lodged, whichever is the earlier.

• Online Entry Form
• Categories & Conditions of Entry
• Worksheet
• Further information

Don't miss out. Jump online today!

Meet the Artist Thursday 4 March

 

Each Thursday throughout The New Quilt exhibition, apart from 1 April, an artist (or two!) will be in attendance at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from 1-3pm. 

This week is Lorraine Parker with her artwork Rust & Decay.

• Who: Lorraine Parker 
• When: 1-3pm Thursday 4 March
• Where: Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor) 300 George St Windsor
• Access: Walking distance from Windsor Railway Station. Free undercover parking is available for 47 cars in the Deerubbin Centre car park. Free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Please check parking restrictions.

This is a free event. Bookings are recommended but you are welcome to just drop in. Book via Eventbrite

Lorraine also shares some background to her artwork in this short video: Meet the Artist: Lorraine Parker

Sydney Quilt Show 2021: Call for Entries

 

We were all disappointed to have to cancel the 2020 Sydney Quilt Show due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021, the pandemic continues to present challenging and uncertain conditions for event organisers but the outlook is promising. The QuiltNSW Exhibition Subcommittee has reviewed its policies and procedures to address COVID-safe protocols and to ensure we can deliver a show to the high standard we are all accustomed to within the scope of our volunteer resources. Call for Entries QuiltNSW is excited to invite members to celebrate creativity and to enter your quilt into a special 2021 edition of the Sydney Quilt Show.  Here are the highlights: 1 quilt each - up to 320 quilts: our goal is to enable as many members as possible to participate. Each entrant may submit 1 quilt only and entries will be capped at 320 quilts. In recent years, there have been around 300 entrants per show and we hope these levels of participation continue. Share your quilt! Online entry only: all entries must be submitted via the Online Entry Form. If you do not have access to the online entry and payment process, please contact sqsadmin@quiltnsw.com and provide your telephone number for assistance. Alternatively contact the QuiltNSW office on 9283 3737. If the office is unattended, please leave a message stating your name, contact number and that it is in regard to online entry for the Sydney Quilt Show. New Exhibition dates: Wednesday 30 June to Sunday 4 July or such later dates as notified by QuiltNSW. Postponement, Cancellation & Refunds: QuiltNSW may postpone or cancel the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 provided that any postponed show dates are no later than 1 October 2021. If the cancellation occurs before the quilts are received for judging, you will receive a full refund of the entry fee. If the cancellation occurs after the quilts are received for judging, no refunds are payable. No Withdrawals: all entries must be available in show-ready condition for exhibition at the Sydney Quilt Show for the period up until 1 October 2021. Please choose your entry carefully. In fairness to all QuiltNSW members, no withdrawals are permitted. New Venue: the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 will be presented in conjunction with the Craft & Quilt Fair in the Dome and adjacent halls at the Sydney Showgrounds at Homebush. Expertise Events, the event organiser and our partner, selected the new venue after receiving feedback that many people have found accessing the ICC at Darling Harbour difficult. The new venue is on ground level so no stairs, escalators or lift;  has public transport at the door; and there will be a special deal on pre-booked parking made available closer to the event. Reduced Categories: as judging will be condensed from 2 days to 1 day, two smaller categories are not available for 2021: Category 12 Coverlets and Category 16 Two Person Collaborative Quilts. Blue & White Deferred to 2022: The special Blue & White themed category is deferred to the 2022 show to be part of QuiltNSW’s 40th anniversary celebrations. You are welcome to enter a blue and white quilt in 2021 if you wish. Prizes and Sponsorship: Principal sponsors, Expertise Events and BERNINA Australia, have committed to sponsorship at the Sydney Quilt Show 2021. Discussions with other potential sponsors are under way with a focus on the Special Awards and First Prizes. Many businesses have struggled with the pandemic and this may require some adjustment to range and value of prizes this year. All prize winners will receive a rosette. If you are interested in sponsoring an award or prize in 2021, please contact sponsorship manager Gail Sadleir at sponsorship@quiltnsw.com Volunteering: Volunteering is not mandatory in 2021 as we recognise that some entrants may have concerns about gatherings and COVID-19. However, as in past years, we will be relying on volunteers to set up and run the show so all assistance is greatly appreciated. The Volunteer Form will open in early May 2021. We hope you understand the need for the changes this year as we strive to provide a safe environment for all visitors to the Sydney Quilt Show and our wonderful volunteers who make this event possible. We look forward to celebrating creativity together and seeing your beautiful quilts. No matter what kind of quilts you make, there's a place for it in the Sydney Quilt Show 2021.  Links & Downloads Online Entry Form Categories & Conditions of Entry Worksheet Key 2021 Dates: Entries open: Monday 1 March Closing Date for Entries: the earlier of 320 entries or 5pm Friday 19 March Acceptance Letters Dispatched: Friday 7 May Deadline for Quilts to be delivered to Drop Off Person: Friday 18 June* Quilt Show dates: 9am – 4pm Wednesday 30 June - Sunday 4 July* Deadline for Quilts to be collected from Drop Off Person: Sunday 11 July* Latest date your quilt must be available: 1 October 2021 * subject to postponement or cancellation in accordance with the conditions of entry   Contact Points: Exhibition Secretary, Rhonda Langhorne exhibition@quiltnsw.com: for questions or comments relating to the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 generally Exhibition Assistant, Deborah Laurie quiltshow@quiltnsw.com: for matters relating to your quilt show entry such as category queries or copyright issues Exhibition Admin, Donna Boland sqsadmin@quiltnsw.com: if you do not have access to the online entry and payment process and require assistance QuiltNSW Webmaster, Brenda Smith forms@quiltnsw.com: for technical questions relating to the online entry form only.   Principal Sponsors

Meet the Artist Thursday 25 February: Rachaeldaisy & Judi Nikoleski

Each Thursday throughout The New Quilt exhibition, apart from 1 April, an artist (or two!) will be in attendance at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from 1-3pm. This week the artists are Rachaeldaisy Dodd and Judi Nikoleski:

• When: 1-3pm Thursday 25 February
• Where: Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor) 300 George St Windsor
• Access: Walking distance from Windsor Railway Station. Free undercover parking is available for 47 cars in the Deerubbin Centre car park. Free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Please check parking restrictions.

This is a free event. Bookings are recommended but you are welcome to just drop in. Book via Eventbrite

Our Environment: 2020 Suitcase Challenge

A highlight of yesterday’s annual general meeting was the premiere of the 2020 Suitcase Challenge Our Environment. Each quilt is 40cm x 40cm. Congratulations to the prize winners. First prize is a BERNINA sewing machine supported by BERNINA Australia. 

•  FIRST PRIZE: Me and Murphy by Sheila Beer 
•  SECOND PRIZE + VIEWERS CHOICE (tied): Mulga Burning by Linden Lancaster 
• THIRD PRIZE + VIEWERS CHOICE (tied): Landlines by Jill Rumble 
• JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: Renewal by Brenda Gael Smith 

The judges were Lisa Walton, Rhonda Langhorne and Barbara Gower.  Viewers' Choice was determined via an online poll that was open to all current QuiltNSW members to vote in.

View all 31 entries with artist credits and statements on the QuiltNSW website.

Meet the Artist Thursday 18 February: Sophie Conolly

Each Thursday throughout The New Quilt exhibition, apart from 1 April, an artist (or two!) will be in attendance at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from 1-3pm. 

This week is Sophie Conolly and her installation artwork Tuck Me In. The quilt is made from precious papiers d’agrumes (fruit tissue paper wrappers) and the paper maché soft toy “seal” is made from old tea bags. Learn more about her inspiration and process on Thursday.

• Who: Sophie Conolly www.sophieconolly.com
• When: 1-3pm Thursday 18 February
• Where: Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor) 300 George St Windsor
• Access: Walking distance from Windsor Railway Station. Free undercover parking is available for 47 cars in the Deerubbin Centre car park. Free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Please check parking restrictions.

This is a free event. Bookings are recommended but you are welcome to just drop in. Book via Eventbrite

 

Meet the Artist Zoom Event: Thursday 18 February 2021

QuiltNSW invites you to the Meet the Artist Zoom Event from 7-8.30pm Thursday 18 February 2021 (Sydney time). Twelve artists from The New Quilt exhibition will share the background to their artworks followed by an open Q&A session. All Welcome! Book online: Meet the Artist Zoom Event

The participating artists are:  Fiona Gavens, Neroli Henderson, Irene Koroluk, Jill Miglietti, Alison Muir, Lorraine Parker, Beth & Trevor Reid, Brenda Gael Smith, Carolyn Sullivan, Tania Tanti, Lisa Walton and Jessica Wheelahan. 

PS: The Zoom event will also be recorded with a view to publishing an edited version on the QuiltNSW YouTube channel at a later date.

Miss Grace's Quilt by Sophia Wilbow on display

In conjunction with The New Quilt, the heritage quilt, Miss Grace’s Quilt, by Sophia Wilbow of Pitt Town, Windsor (1829–1924) will be on display.

 

Sophia Wilbow was well-known for her needlework skills in the Hawkesbury district and reputedly made a quilt for each of her seven daughters who reached adulthood. Three of the quilts are still in existence. Miss Grace's Quilt was is made entirely by hand using a paper template technique with a tumbling block design.

The outer border of patches is made from the off-cuts of nurses uniforms, as two of the Sophia’s daughters were nurses. The other squares were made from material samples from department stores such as Anthony Horden & Sons, as was characteristic in the late 19th century and early 20th century trends, creating quilts with complex patterns.

The quilt was donated to the Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Community and Regional Gallery by a Wilbow descendant Joyce Hedges.

Miss Grace's Quilt (detail)

 

Another of Sophia’s quilts, held in the National Gallery of Australia collection, was created for her youngest daughter Jane. It has a hexagon pattern containing more than 7,000 pieces with a print based on a design by William Morris. It is believed Sophia worked on the quilt while she sat at the side of her dying husband who suffered a long illness prior to his death in 1896.

Quilting Basics Workshop

To complement the display of Grace's Quilt, QuiltNSW is hosting an English Paper Piecing (EPP) workshop at the Gallery, presented by Sandra Lyons, on Saturday 6 March.

A kit is included in the fee for this two-hour workshop. If you are interested in learning this basic quilt-making skill, book your place now. For full details and to book, visit here. 

The New Quilt, on exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor, NSW from 6 February – 11 April 2021. 

Gallery hours: Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.  

Suitcase Challenge 2020: Vote for Your Viewers' Choice!

There are 31 entries for the 2020 QuiltNSW Suitcase Challenge Our Environment. 

An online poll has been set up to enable current QuiltNSW members to vote for the Viewers’ Choice virtually rather than attending the Annual General Meeting in person.

Select your viewers’ choice and then submit. The poll closes at 8pm on Thursday 18 February. 

The results will be collated and announced at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 20 February. It will be followed by an online gallery which will include details of the makers of each quilt. 

The New Quilt exhibition dates

 IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

The New Quilt exhibition will open to the public at 10 am on SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2021 at 

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, 

Windsor NSW. (There is no admission on Friday 5 February.)

Plan an art excursion!

Gallery hours: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm.
Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.

Meet The New Quilt Artist: Jessica Wheelahan

 

Name of Artwork: The MMXX Quilt

Jessica Wheelahan lives and works in Sydney, Australia where she loves to create quilts utilising improv techniques. Jessica has created using textiles as her medium of choice for the past ten years and has exhibited globally. 

Prior to this time Jessica enjoyed collage and printmaking, having studied design at the University of New South Wales and was introduced to textiles while she worked in the fashion design studio of Akira Isogawa. 

Jessica takes inspiration from a diverse range of sources including, art, design, fashion and pop culture. She always has more than one quilt underway at any given time and appreciates having time and space to let each work develop as required. 

Sewing is a non-negotiable part of Jessica's day to day routine and it is in this way that her ínimitible artful improv quilts come to life. Jessica has had the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and designers which she feels grateful for as the experience tends to enrich her classroom teaching practice. Jess lives with her supportive husband and two beautiful children in a lovely home abundant with quilts.

Jessica Wheelahan online: Instagram

The New Quilt, on exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor, NSW from 6 February – 11 April 2021. 

Gallery hours: Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.   

Meet The New Quilt Artist: Lisa Walton

Name of Artwork: If Only

Lisa Walton from Sydney, Australia has been awarded many prizes for her quilts including major International and Australian Quilt shows. Her work reflects her love of hand dyed & printed fabrics & is influenced by the environment and issues surrounding her world.

Lisa teaches Internationally and was awarded the Jewel Pearce Patterson Scholarship for Quilting Teachers by the International Quilt Association Houston USA.

Lisa’s quilts have been exhibited in solo and joint exhibitions and her work is included in collections in the USA, Australia and the UK. Her book, Beautiful Building Block Quilts, was published by C&T Publishing. She has appeared on Quilting Arts TV and The Quilt Show and was the President of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA)

She is now teaching & lecturing virtually online as well as producing a series of Quilt Stories on her YouTube Channel.

Lisa Walton online: Webpage  Facebook  Instagram  

Learn more about Lisa's artwork in this video on the new QuiltNSW YouTube channel. More videos will be posted online in the coming week. Be sure to subscribe so that you are notified as more videos are available.

Special thanks also to Lisa who assisted in preparing many of the videos relating to The New Quilt.

The New Quilt, on exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor, NSW from 5 February – 11 April 2021. 

Gallery hours: Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.       

      

Meet The New Quilt Artist: Tania Tanti

Name of Artwork: The Wandering Stitcher

A quilter's journey takes us far and wide, across the oceans and around the world. We are all connected through woven cloth, texture and colourful fabrics and creations of centuries of cultural tradition and technique that bring us together to share.

The New Quilt, on exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor, NSW from 5 February – 11 April 2021. 

Gallery hours: Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.   

Meet The New Quilt Artist: Carolyn Sullivan

 

Name of Artwork: It's About Language

New expressions are invented to fit new situations. Old expressions are reinvented to fit new circumstances. It is a recognition that words reflect the events in a period of time. Three distinct time periods are portrayed in these words.

 

Knowing about places has been an important influence on Carolyn's life - where she lives, where she visits, how to get there, what it looks like, why it is the way it is. 

Carolyn travelled in Australia with her parents as she was growing up and has continued that as an adult. Although she has been overseas, seeing Australia interests her most. She always feels "at home". Leaving Sydney for a life of retirement in rural NSW has been an important influence on how she looks at the world and the textiles that she makes.

Visits to arid Australia have been particularly significant - looking, photographing, writing about and drawing what she sees. Seeing the desert in full bloom has lead to a series of works showing vast expanses of land covered in wildflowers. Looking at dry river beds in the midst of drought and knowing that they are part of a much larger river system has also been important.

At home, Carolyn loves the mists as they come up the escarpment and shroud her area for days and have led to another body of work where the mists, stitched in purple, covered the cloth. Using the plants of her local area to colour and leave imprints on cloth has been fascinating.

Carolyn's first introduction to textiles when she was in third class was hand stitching and that has continued for her whole life. She expresses how she is thinking when she stitches by hand. It is slow and repetitive and gives her time to think about the texture of the stitch as well as colour and how that changes from minute to minute and over time.

Carolyn Sullivan online: Webpage  Facebook  Instagram

The New Quilt, on exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor, NSW from 5 February – 11 April 2021. 

Gallery hours: Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.