Shades and Shadows – A Textile Exhibition

This was a local exhibition which I found quite inspiring and also very interesting as it reflects the area in which I live. 

The Redlands got it’s name from the rich red soil that was perfect for growing fruit and vegetables, and for about 100 years the area was known as the salad bowl.  When the soil was not so rich, farmers turned to dairy, pig and poultry production.  Sadly, most of the farms have now disappeared and housing estates have taken their place, which in turn has endangered our wildlife, in particular the koala.

The Redlands’ wave of immigrants in the 19th century mainly came from Britain and Germany. As at 2009, 127,000 people from more than 30 different countries called the Redlands home.

Today our resources and our climate still attract people to the Redlands.  Whereas our early residents were attracted by the land and sea’s ability to provide food and shelter, today we are attracted by the lifestyle they provide.  006

Redlands Museum Exhibition Hall

Redlands Museum Exhibition Hall

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The Norfolk Pine, seagulls and bay scene were created  with free motion stitching

The Norfolk Pine, seagulls and bay scene were created with free motion stitching

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Sydney's northern beaches. Wet felted from marino wool and silk roving.

Sydney’s northern beaches. Wet felted from marino wool and silk roving.

What is hiding in the mangroves?  Raw edge applique, beading and lacework.

What is hiding in the mangroves? Raw edge applique, beading and lacework.


Nina making beautiful lace

Nina making beautiful lace

Laemaking under construction

Laemaking under construction

Lace butterflies on quilt

Lace butterflies on quilt

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The 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7)

012 007 005 014 017I like to visit GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) from time to time, and when I found out that APT7 is the only exhibition series in the world to focus exclusively on the contemporary art of Asia, the Pacific and Australia, I thought it would be worthwhile to go and have a look. I wasn’t disappointed as this exhibition covers the whole of GOMA and I spent a very enjoyable few hours taking in the diversity represented by these contemporary artists. One of my favourites was the migration scene by Vietnamese artist, Tiffany Chung, made up of hundreds of tiny hand-blown glass animals. This is one exhibition where more than one visit is needed to really take in this visual feast.