ATA Fall Newsletter pg11

Techniques ranged from embroidery, to jacquard weaving, to contemporary and traditional tapestry techniques. The contrast between the large image based works and the small works of the Small Format Tapestry was a visual feast enjoyed both by the general public and the over 2000 fibre enthusiasts who visited Vancouver during Convergence 2002.

Joyce E. Hayes from Seattle, Washington was awarded the HGA Ribbon of Excellence for her tapestry Olympics - Clear Cut. The 8-1/2" by 6-1/2" mounted tapestry of cotton used a water colour technique to depict logging clear cuts on the mountain side. Hikes in the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula near Joyce's Seattle home was the inspiration for this tapestry. (Sorry, no photo available)

Convergence Observations from a Weaver Downunder

By Pam Hutley

My first visit to a Convergence was planned to minimize travel as much as possible, so I was able to fly almost directly from where I live on the East Coast of Australia to the West Coast of North America. As this years' event in Vancouver focused on Tapestry, the amount of travel was well worth it.

My first gallery visit was such an eye-opener! I rarely get to any art gallery, let alone those that focus on weaving of any kind, and tapestry in particular. I loved it!

First, I noticed the materials used to create these many works. Many were what I will term 'conventional' threads - wool,silk, and cottons. But when I looked closer, I saw synthetic threads, metallics and possibly rayons, also beads and even some surface embellishment. Then I was struck by

the variety in sizes of works; from tiny, delicate weavings to large wall hangings, to wonderful sculpture- like forms which sat on the floor. What a glorious feeling to be standing so

close to them!