Inside Out, Distant Horizons, and Reflections of Ourselves (Homer Watson House & Gallery)

See three wonderful textile exhibitions in one location at Homer Watson House & Gallery (March 3 – June 25, 2023, Tues - Sun: 10am - 4pm).
 

Inside Out, art by Judith E. Martin in the Cayley Gallery
Many of the textiles in this exhibition are presented with their ‘inside’ out. This is expressed using techniques that involve stitching onto the front of the piece but displaying the reverse or working on the back of the artwork but showing the ‘front’.

During their creation, Martin noted that the stitched marks she made by carefully working from the back, appeared natural and intuitive on the front, resulting in a more authentic piece. Acting as a metaphor for the way we live, the pieces reflect an outer self that we present to the world and an inner self, probably more interesting, full of thoughts and stories and dreams that are only occasionally shared. A process of creation that provided great peace during a period of isolation, loss, and worry, the repetitive gestures made while stitching, wrapping, caressing, folding, and holding had a calming effect, and acted as a reminder that things will be okay.

Distant Horizons, art by Micaela Fitzsimmons in the Ferrie Gallery
Responding to the textures and patterns in cloth, Distant Horizons features textile artworks that combine layering and stitching to create abstracted landscapes and distant space. By their nature, horizons are viewed from a distance, yet they draw the viewer in, connecting them to a place – real or imagined; or to a time – long past or in the future; or to a goal, an aspiration that has been hard won, or perhaps not yet achieved.

Reflections of Ourselves, installation by Tracey Lawko in the Watson Gallery
Reflections of Ourselves is a collaborative artwork celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Canadians. The installation explores the question “Who are we?” The dual lenses of cultural heritage and material culture are expressed through textile traditions and contemporary techniques. Leaves created by over 100 Indigenous, settler and immigrant Canadians honouring their cultural heritage, hang from the branches of a genealogical maple tree. Over 36 million people live on Turtle Island within the boundaries of Canada. Some are recent arrivals while others trace ancestors who have been here since time immemorial, each with their own stories and rich traditions.

Concerned by intolerance and attacks on cultural groups, lead artist and project developer Tracey Lawko created this tree as a metaphor for our community, where distinctions in human culture are like the variations of individual leaves on a tree. It is her hope that the individual creative expressions on each leaf engage viewers to learn more about each culture, enable cultural exchange and increase respect and understanding. 

BUS TRIP TO HOMER WATSON:

Coach transportation from downtown Toronto to Homer Watson House & Gallery is available:
Sunday, April 30th - Depart at 1 pm from the Toronto Hilton, 145 Richmond St. W., Toronto, to arrive at Homer Watson at approximately 2:15 pm  

Welcome remarks and light refreshments at 2:45 pm

 Leave Homer Watson at 3:45 pm to arrive back in Toronto by approximately 5 pm

 CAN $45.00 per person 

You don't have to be a SAQA member or attending the conference to book this bus trip and event. Open to everyone!

Register for Bus Trip