Svenja

‘There is often a strong element of fantasy, or a sense of costume in my work. I am a strong believer in the idea that life is too short not to dress up, to express ourselves, and create a visual feast in daily life -both for our own enjoyment, and for others. I look at my work as sculptural pieces that can be worn and enjoyed, by both the wearer and the viewer.’

My journey into textile arts really began in the summer of 2002, when I took Ken Smith’s Freehand Machine Embroidery class at the McGregor School workshops. The next major workshop was Free Motion Embroideryby Carol Wilkes at the BrizVegas Forum of 2004. Carol’s work inspired me so very much, and her workshop was so exciting that I went back for more at the McGregor School of 2006. Carol encouraged me a great deal to pursue my work, and at this stage suggested that perhaps I should stop taking workshops and just get on with it! Around this time the QLD ATASDA branch was formed, and I joined with much excitement. ATASDA offered me not only a support group, but access to yes, more workshops, and also exhibition opportunities. I was absolutely delighted to find a Kirry Toose corset workshop available, and an opportunity to exhibit in Sydney at the Palm House exhibition. In 2008 I enrolled in a Certificate II in Millinery at TAFE, which combined nicely with my revived interest in felt, spurred on by [yes, another workshop], this time in nuno felt with Wendy Bailye.

2008 saw the acceptance of my first entry into the Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show in NZ, ‘Beyond Chrysalis’, later to be awarded the Acquisitive Prize at Fashion Fantasia at the end of 2009. This year also saw the opening of Morphology - exploring the fascinating surfaces and forms of fungi and lichen through contemporary textile practices at TAFTA’s Gallery 159, a joint exhibition with Carol Wilkes. Much of my work for this was felt based, although I also took the opportunity to explore shibori dyeing and shaping techniques with silk. This exhibition will be at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery from December 8, 2010 until January 16, 2011.

I am currently working towards another exhibition of wearable pieces, again with Carol Wilkes, from June 18 until July 3 2011, Gallery 159. It will feature my new passions - Devore printing, and Precious Metal Clay jewellery in silver, copper and bronze, as well as works further exploring felting and dyeing techniques. The exhibition will continue the exploration of inspiring fungal forms in all of these media.

I also aim to continue exhibiting in national and international exhibitions and competitions.

A recent history

• September 2010 Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show, NZ Gen-i Creative Excellence Section ‘The Art of Light’ ’ Section Finalist, Runner Up Wellington International Award ‘BioLumina'.
• December 2009 Fashion Fantasia, Tasmania, Acquisitive Award for ‘Beyond Chrysalis’
• September 2009 Scattered Arts ‘To wear or not to wear’ exhibition – featured artist
• September 2009 - continuing TAFTA Board of Directors
• August 15-30 2009 Gallery 159 ‘Morphology’ exhibition with Carol Wilkes
• August 2009 TEXTILE Fibre Forum Magazine - Artist Profile
• July 2009 Art to Wear, Perth
• 2009 ‘Exotica’ ATASDA National Touring exhibition
• June 2009 Sydney Quilt & Craft Show Art to Wear
• September 2008 Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show, NZ ‘Avant Garde’ Section Finalist, ‘Beyond Chrysalis’
• August 2008 Gallery 159 ‘Fantasy Dreaming’ – TAFE staff & student exhibition
• August 2008 The Palm House, Sydney Botanic Gardens
• ATASDA Exhibition “ Out of the Blue”
• November 2007 Fashion Fantasia, Tasmania ‘Gondwana’ Section Winner &‘First Time Entrant’ Award
• September 2007 Boonah Shire 2007 SPAR Arts Festival Calico on the Catwalk wearable art competition ‘Fantasy Category’ – 1st Prize
• August 2007 The Palm House, Sydney Botanic Gardens ATASDA Exhibition “From the Earth”

Contact: svenjatextart@yahoo.com.au