Rural tradition and contemporary craft collide at new exhibition

Woven from the Field features the work of willow weaver Sue Kirk and textile artist Rosalind Stoddart, who both grow and harvest the materials which sow the seeds of creativity.

The exhibition aims to highlight the artists' deep connection with the environment and the relationship formed with nature through years of planting, harvesting, nurturing the land and caring for the animals - both wild and domestic - which share the rural locations where the artists live.

Sue Kirk has weaved with organically grown willow for more than 25 years, having been drawn to the social history of basketry which has seen traditional skills handed down through the generations.

Her work transcends the boundaries of basketry to create contemporary sculptures, with Sue taking inspiration from rocks, boulders and stones shaped by the elements - the sculpture of the natural world.

Sue's larger, asymmetric pieces allow her to work with multiple, fine-coloured willows which give the finished piece a textile quality.

Rosalind, a trained artist, lives in rural Northamptonshire and credits her herd of alpacas for rekindling her passion for creating - a passion which found renewed focus during the pandemic.

Working with alpaca fleeces - either washed and carded or spun into yarn - Rosalind even grows the plants from which she makes natural dyes for her textiles, with each piece rooted in her engagement with the natural world.
 
Rosalind has described her work as 'slow art', with every part of the creative process completed by hand with meticulous detail.

Together, Sue and Rosalind's work celebrates traditional craft techniques and showcases the possibilities of forging a harmonious, creative collaboration with the environment.

Katie Boyce, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior exhibitions and programming officer, said: "The blend of heritage techniques with a bold, modern aesthetic makes for a visually exciting exhibition which highlights both artists' deep connection with the environment.

"Rosalind's combination of alpaca fleece and flax complements the earthy colours and textures of Sue's willow weaving, making Woven from the Field a compelling, contemporary exhibition."

Woven from the Field opens at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday 13 September and runs until Saturday 15 November.

The exhibition runs alongside the accompanying exhibition, Found in the Fields, which explores the English arable landscape captured on canvas by renowned painter and printmaker, Carry Ackroyd.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, said: "Woven from the Field combines rural tradition with contemporary art to make for a perfect autumnal exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

"Sue and Rosalind's commitment to working with nature in an organic, sustainable way has produced stunning pieces which we can't wait for visitors to see."

Woven from the Field has a supporting programme which includes Sustainable Saturday on 20 September, a free drop-in event where visitors can discover sustainable options for arts and crafts from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

And on Saturday 25 October, Rosalind Stoddart visits the venue to host From Fleece to Fine Art, revealing the stories behind her work and the milestones on her creative journey.

Tickets for the talk, which runs from 1pm to 3.30pm, cost £5 and can be booked in advance online at www.ragm.co.uk/woven-from-the-field

For more information about exhibitions and events at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk