Parameters and Perimiters

My section of the international tapestry installation and working on the finishing details. 

A grant from the Ontario Arts Council permitted me to undertake a project entitled Fate, Destiny and Self Determination/le sort, le destin et l’auto-determination. Weavers and non weavers from all over the world were invited to participate in co-creating this tapestry installation. It is composed of three sections. Section one is woven entirely by myself in my studio and will measure 60’’h x 36”w. Section three was woven by the public visiting the premises of the Toronto Weaving School in Toronto and it will measure 60’’h x 18’’w. These two approaches, working alone and in a group, on tapestry references the contemporary, traditional and historical practice of tapestry weaving.  

Michael Karton, BC Canada

Section  two  is composed of shapes, not greater than 10cm (4”).  250 people from 22 countries asked to participate, made possible by social media. The shapes are mostly woven in tapestry or rug techniques, but some are felted, needle felted, knitted, crocheted, sewn, needle pointed. To date 176 shapes have been returned from 22 different countries (more are coming in) and I have been documenting them all on Facebook on a page of the same name as the project as well as on my blog. This part of the project alludes to our multicultural composition as Canadians, as well as reveals that weaving is a practice that is shared with every culture.

 

Michael Karton, BC Canada

The project itself has parameters, that is to say, a constant and/or limiting factors: the shape, the size, and the colours used.  Each colour of the individual shapes and those in the larger panels, have a perimiter. All of this alludes to boundaries and limits - geographically, socially, psychologically, and emotionally.

Michael Karton , BC Canada

In our everday lives we have certain parameters that dictate our daily routines and interactions. In addition actions take place within a certain perimeter at any given moment. There are social parameters within which we conduct our relationships and we seek out to group with others who make us feel that we are accepted, understood, valued, appreciated, praised and even loved. It's a basic human drive, a need that is important to establishing a sense of self-esteem and self-worth. 

Deann Rubin, Missouri, USA

These days, I have been exploring my own inner boundaries and limits. When I was younger, I didn't feel I had any and felt I could be anything or anyone. I've come to realize how essential they are, especially in establishing the kinds of relationships and life situations that sustain you. As I mature, I find myself having the courage and self respect to honour my boundaries and limits. I once thought of it as weakness and now see it as strength. In accepting my own boundaries and limits I now see that in the end, this honesty with myself helps me to bring what I want into my life in terms of relationships and goals. I can also now respect that others have their perimeters as well. 

Along with the idea of parameters comes the reference to the word guidelines. These systems of behavior in which we operate can be dictated by religions, institutions, workplaces, parents and even children. At some point in life though, many of us assemble a set of guidelines that will bring more joy, happiness and well being into our lives. These personal guidelines are critical to living a fulfilling  and meaningful life.

Deann Rubin demonstrates how she made her shapes for the international tapestry installation. 

See more of Deann's work: http://americantapestryalliance.org/artist-pages/deann-rubin/

Houses and fences, by Christine Shipley 4" x 10" 

TAPESTRY EXHIBITIONS

Falling From Grace
The Tapestries of Barbara Heller
At the Maple Ridge Art Gallery
May 10 - July 26, 2014
Tapestry artist Barbara Heller has been steadily gaining acclaim for her contribution to the contemporary tapestry scene since commencing her studio practice at the Fibre Art Studio, Granville Island in 1979. The Maple Ridge Art Gallery is honoured to be able to present works signifying key moments in her career that are often linked to war, political aggression and the impact of humankind on the environment. Despite the apparent 'fall from grace' underlying many of her works, there are also suggestions of redemption, and it is Heller's intention that transcendence should prevail in the longer view.
Opening Reception
Saturday, May 10 - 2:00-4:00 pm
Artist Talk with Barbara Heller
Saturday, May 24 - 1:30-2:30pm
Weaving Demonstrations
Saturday, June 14 - 11am - 4pm
Saturday, July 12 - 11am - 4pm
Special Lecture
Saturday, June 28 - 1:30-2:30pm
Join Angela Clark, Curator of Il Museo, Italian Cultural Centre for her talk: Tapestries, Decorative Art and the Culture of Consumption.

American Tapestry Alliance Biennial 10 exhibition
http://americantapestryalliance.org/exhibitions/atbiennials/american-tapestry-biennial-10-2/