Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.
From 9 to 12 July, they are showcasing their work at the Lismore Regional Gallery with a pop-up exhibition and weaving workshops.
Project facilitator Kylie Caldwell says over time the group evolved into the Deadly Weavers, with some artists just at the beginning of their journey, while others have been weaving for a long time.
‘The group initially was open for all art forms, but weaving has become the main aspiration of the group,’ said Kylie.
‘We spend most of our time just weaving, creating, and experimenting. We’ve done a bit of fabric printing and natural dye fabric dyeing. We’re playing a bit with hessian natural fibres, raffia, we use traditional fibres like lomandra and native reeds as well as contemporary and reclaimed fibres.’
Kylie says there is a long history of weaving across Bundjalung Country, with the rectangular, coil stitch billy bag from local rushes being distinct to the region.
‘There’s been a resurgence of weaving and a reclamation journey across Bundjalung, and there’s certainly been a reclamation and revitalisation of weaving among those participants who are interested.
‘Deadly Weavers celebrates the strength of culture, sharing and caring for each other, and having the opportunity to create together within the Gathering Space. Every piece tells a story of the makers, as each weaver expresses, applies, and shares an ongoing appreciation of women and men’s weaving practices.’
Drop-in weaving workshops will be taking place from 1pm to 3pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
‘We’re excited to welcome people into this exhibition during NAIDOC Week, a rare opportunity to experience the interconnected innovations of our Goori cultural creative journey,’ said Kylie.
‘We meet fortnightly and invite people to come and see the pop-up exhibition. We’d love more First Nations artists to come along and join us at Gathering Spaces.’
For more information, go to: https://lismoregallery.org/programs/deadly-weavers.
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