World Shibori Network
Celebrating the visual languages of PEOPLE, COMMUNITY, CULTURE, and ENVIRONMENT through the global practice of resist-dye traditions and innovations
Exhibition :: Forward Folding by Kate Barber
WSN Member Kate Barber opens her first solo exhibition “Forward Folding” in Providence, RI.
Where: AS220 Reading Room, 93 Mathewson Street, Providence, RI
When: July 5 to July 30, 2016 | Opening reception July 9 ( 5-7 )
Timing: Wed to Fri ( 1 – 6 ) | Sat ( 12 – 4 )
Kate Barber sharpened her skill as a weaver during five years at the Silk Weaving Studio in Vancouver, British Columbia where she designed and wove small-production, one-of-a-kind scarves and shawls and fell in love with natural dyes. During her first two years, Kate experimented with fibers — primarily silk and merino — that shrink differently in the finishing process. By combining these materials and playing with weave structure, she created highly textured pieces that bulged and puckered. Towards the end of her tenure at the Silk Weaving Studio, she completed two years in the textile program at Capilano University and built a foundation in other textile techniques.
A few years ago, she began to consider making non-functional textiles. After enrolling in workshops taught by two gifted teachers and artists: Rachel Meginnes at Penland and Mo Kelman at Convergence in Providence, RI, Kate felt inspired and encouraged. She set a goal for herself to create textiles to hang on a gallery wall.
Now, in her first solo show, “Forward Folding” at the AS220 Reading Room Gallery in Providence, RI, Kate has created new work that explores tension and distortion in woven, pleated, and shaped cloth.
“Putting this show together has been immensely gratifying; it has strengthened my commitment to process and has moved me deeper into practiced play” – Kate Barber
Photo Courtesy: Kate Barber
