World of Threads: Recycled and Found Materials

The majority of art on display at this year's World of Threads Festival was made of recycled or found materials. The Festival was held in November in Oakville and Mississauga, featuring 255 artworks by 97 artists from all over the world. Here are some pieces that caught my eye.

When You Grow Up, Eszter Bornemisza

Such a treat to see three works by Hungarian artist Eszter Bornemisza, all in her signature colour palette. When You Grow Up  is made of hemp canvas, paint, newspaper overprinted with battle operation maps, torn, and gauze. It was screen-printed, fused and machine-quilted.

Interweave 32, yellow black, Lindy Fyfe

Toronto artist Lindy Fyfe had several very graphic works on display, made of recycled knit fabric on canvas over a wood stretcher.

Make, Shift, Joyce Watkins King

In a similarly bold style, Joyce Watkins King of Raleigh, North Carolina tied, cut, stretched and knotted hosiery on cradle board to produce striking abstract compositions.

Ian, Jim Arendt

Jim Arendt of South Carolina created a number of life-sized portraits using reclaimed denim, appliquéd. The shirt for Ian was constructed of snippets of pocket lining, shingled.

Dad and Mom, Jim Arendt

Layers of Time, Judy Martin and Community

Layers of Time is one of three similar, large quilts made by Ontario artist Judy Martin with the help of many hands. It is constructed of re-purposed wool blankets, re-purposed linen damask tablecloths, vintage lace, threads and beads. It is entirely hand-stitched and hand-quilted.

Precious Water, Judy Martin and Community

Another of the series, Precious Water uses reverse appliqué, embroidery, couching, and heat-activated shrinking to combine re-purposed linen damask tablecloths with other fibres. Pieced and quilted entirely by hand.

Rose Petal Shroud, Beverly Ayling-Smith

From the U.K., Beverly Ayling-Smith's large, stunning piece in black is composed of rose petals, hand- and machine-stitched.

To learn more about the World of Threads' artists, and to subscribe to weekly profiles of fibre artists from all over, please visit their website.