Articulation's Donnington Exhibit "Out of the Studio", June 2022
Articulation Textile Group gathered for the first time in 3 years in conjunction with the Vancouver Island Surface Design Association's conference in Duncan, BC. Our 20/20 exhibition in celebration of 20 years of creative association and collaboration had, like so many exhibition opportunities and commitments, been sidelined by the Pandemic. The Vancouver Island Surface Design Association gathering felt like an opportunity to reconnect with our group and also with the wider sphere of like-minded creatives.
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| View of the pergola set up with new work "Out of the Studio", by Articulation members. |
To accommodate the group's initiative Lesley Turner opened her permaculture garden, home, and studio to the potential of reconnecting through stories created in thread, yarn, textiles, paint, dye, felt, photography, stitch, and sculpture. The large display included a selection of textile art pieces representative of bodies of work created over the past 20 years of the group's association. Curating such a diverse body of work was no easy task. The results though were well received and it is a lovely feeling to see this large and diverse creative output hung and on public display.
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| While the work of hanging was a group effort, Lesley's reach was definitely put to good use. The challenges of mounting an exhibit of textile artworks are many. Having three distinct spaces to display bodies of work made for an unusual undertaking. Access to an 'in house' hanging system helped to simplify the endeavour. Thank you to the Turner clan for that foresight. We also had 20 years' worth of projects and 6 individuals to accommodate in the process.  When we see a show mounted and ready for public viewing we don't see the preamble that unpacks, sorts, prepares, auditions, irons, mounts, and hangs the assorted objects. Laughter and discussion are also included in the process.  Lesley's creative eye, as evidenced in her work as a textile artist is expertly applied to the design and implementation of her spectacular garden. Microclimates abound. One of my favourite was under the grapevine where between commitments, hanging, and exhibiting I communed with hummingbirds, watched eagles soaring, and admired a blooming purple iris almost as tall as I am. The side yard is populated by a mature forest, at the feet of which I gathered this wild little bouquet below. |
The work of Articulation has in the past been organized around themes determined by research trips to specific locations across Canada. One of these themes "WAR: A Personal Response", was previously shown at The Sidney Museum. This body of work, unlike many, was not site-specific. Instead, it evolved out of members' personal research into family histories. We find ourselves particularly lucky to inhabit generations whose individual experience of war has to date been through family stories and historical experiences. A few of these pieces were shown at Donnington.
Seeing some of the group's finished pieces in a different context made for some interesting transitions in the exhibit for the viewer. Personally, I found I had many interesting conversations with visitors at this location in the show. It was particularly interesting to hear of the connections others made to our personal stories as they made their way through interior residential spaces, to the outdoors, and on to Lesley's studio space.
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Balancing such a diverse group of artworks created a need to find ways of organizing the works we had assembled. Finding relationships between artworks was a priority. |
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| Entrance to the exhibition was open to VISDA conference attendees and by invitation. Given the unique situation we find ourselves in globally with Covid-19 still on our radar and the fact the exhibit was undertaken in a private residence, it made sense to limit attendance to invited guests. This bonus exhibition was graciously hosted by Lesley and Ron Turner. We were grateful to the local SDA membership, conference participants, and invited guests who supported this group undertaking with enthusiasm and gratitude. |
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| 'My' outdoor office. I definitely bonded with this micro-climate. |
Connections to 'Place' were and are important, wherever we are. In this creative exercise, the place determined the placement of some of the artwork. Much of the work exhibited in the outdoor pergola was made site-specific. It includes the beginnings of new and current bodies of work.
The exhibition was attended by current and past members of the Articulation group. New associations were made, and old associations were reignited. Community and connection proved again and again to be important themes for all of us. Thyme flourishing between paving stones on the floor of the pergola added an additional sensory experience to the experience of this part of the exhibition.
The guest experience varied depending on which Articulation member accompanied groups in attendance. It was all very casual as we each answered questions about process, processing, and products: complete or in progress. Curiosity was a common theme we all found connections to.
New works in progress and bodies of work just developing featured in the pergola which created a unique opportunity to design textile pieces for outdoor exhibition on a larger scale. In the foreground here is Lesley Turner's "Summer Under the Maple Tree", Part 1 of an intended series of 4 panels. This is a developing project inspired by seasonal changes in Lesley's microclimate-filled Zone 11 garden. "Uniform Story" in the background is the beginnings of a new project of mine featuring the bodice. In it, I am continuing to explore the idea of rewriting the narrative and empowering the protagonist that began with 16 panels I exhibited in St Boniface in 2021 under the heading of "Composition". "Composure" is the working title of this new work of fitting in, being a good fit, and making adjustments. It will be interesting to see how these new projects develop.
This is the view of the Maple Tree under investigation.
Guarded by forest on 3 sides and standing just above a natural pond this view is surrounded by developing microclimates and mature beds. Hellebores, peonies, iris, yarrow, thyme, rosemary, primrose, lilacs, and alliums were just some of the species in bloom during our visit.
Ingrid and Lesley take a moment to examine an antique collection of tools inside Lesley's purpose-built studio.
The studio was reserved for the Quebec City work which was exhibited here for the very first time. Inspired by a research and study session in 2013, this body of work predates my invitation to join the group. It was exciting to hear the stories of process and again to be inspired by the variety of ways a communal experience can be interpreted creatively using textiles.
An Articulation gathering would not be complete without the once-annual group selfie. When on the island we must get ourselves to the sea. This lovely landscape did not disappoint.
Above Ingrid and Lesley were coiffing the intricate layers of Wendy Klotz's project alongside Ingrid's metal work pieces.
Redesigning a working space into an exhibition space can be a challenge. This Donnington studio has versatile wall space that we were able to focus into collections within collections.
Education was a continuing theme during the exhibit. We learned about each other, about ourselves, and about the education of young women courtesy of the Ursuline Nuns who successfully integrated math and science into a curriculum of domestic arts and embroidery designed for the practical work of home economics or domestic service.
Inside groups gathered to hear stories of process that included felting, printing, and quilt making. When we see the work of another we bring our own perceptions and perspective to what we see. Having the artist on hand in person we are privy to the nuance of personal discovery and are able to go on a journey through process that may be very different from our own.
Sharon Stoneman
We also learned we get by with a little, sometimes a lot of, help from our friends. Our thanks extend to Sharon Stoneman for her enthusiasm and thoughtful attendance during the show. We could not have done such a great job without her contribution to keeping us all hydrated and nourished. Previously, Sharon played a major role in the installation of both "WAR: A Personal Response" and "Connected Heritage" in the Sidney Museum. We all thank her for her continued support of Articulation members and its exhibitions.
While the Donnington show was a success by all accounts we did miss our Calgary member Wendy Klotz, who was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Wendy had been continuing to work on her "Sea Series" with the intention of exhibiting it in the pergola. In this work, Wendy is incorporating a limited colour palette in a variety of textures to convey the power and energy of stormy seas. She is enjoying experimenting and allowing herself to play. We look forward to seeing this project complete at our next in-person gathering.
Ingrid, Lesley, and Laura take in the new Tea House at the Horticultural College of the Pacific.
Our visit was not all work. We did take time out to sample island flavours, go downtown to see Laura Feeleus's paintings on exhibit, and stroll through some of the Island's spectacular gardens. The Island is always a lovely host. I personally can't wait to return.
If you are a local, enjoy your paradise. If you have yet to experience the Island make sure to add it to your bucket list of must-see Canadian destinations.
On behalf of Articulation Textile Group,
Enjoy your July
All best,
Amanda Onchulenko
Lesley Turner: https://linktr.ee/LesleyTurner
Wendy's Blog
Ingrid's Website
Donna's Blog
Donna's Website
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