“Story telling has been an essential component of community life for thousands of years. In days past, people would gather communally to share stories. Stories of encouragement, hardship, pride, fear and sadness were shared as essential parts of life. Today, we listen to stories on the radio, watch movies that tell us stories and read books , news papers and magazines – all telling us various stories. Some stories move us to action or emotion.
Stitching Our Stories & Making Marks – art from word, words illustrated, word as art, translations will serve to:
- Provide an opportunity for individuals to give voice to a story by creating a ‘story flag’
- Coordinate opportunities for people to gather and create together through a tactile & visual means
- Transfer of knowledge and skills of artists to the community
- Foster a sense of community and belonging through learning and stitching together
- Enhance opportunities for interesting and authentic cultural experiences
Participants will be led through a series of exercises over the course of 6 months. Beginning in April we will start with the story telling & writing aspect of the project. Writings may appear in the form of poetry, song, and essay etc – each writing will depend on the author and what story is being conveyed.
Each of the following month’s participants will encounter various artists who will offer support and wisdom in their area of expertise. Each ‘story flag’ will be unique and stories may be obvious or hidden.
Techniques used in the creation of the ‘story flags’ can include; fabric printing and painting, hand or machine stitching, embroidery and embellished with found objects and hand dyed and reclaimed textiles. The use of a variety of colours, shapes and arrangements, textile collage and the use of reclaimed fabrics and found objects, dying, fabric resist techniques, embroidery techniques and applique? may be employed in the creation of each ‘flag’
‘Story flags’ will be created with various fibres. Specific instructions and details about the project will be provided to participants at the initial meeting April 27th or can be requested via e-mail to Jody Pilon. All workshops are scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Espanola Public Library board room a donation of $3.00 is suggested to attend each workshop. It is not essential to attend each gathering in order to participate in this community art project.
‘Story flags’ will be exhibited at the 5th Annual Espanola Fibre Arts Festival. This community art project is supported by the Espanola Public Library & the Ontario Arts Council.
For more information about the project or to donate supplies please contact Jody Pilon at coordinator@espanolafibreartsfestival.ca.”
-posted with permission from the Espanola Fibre Arts Festival
