Art intersects with science in Chromophilia exhibition.

It was in a science laboratory that Canberra-based artist Julie Ryder first discovered the processes that have led to an amazing exhibition, Chromophilia, opening at Newcastle’s Timeless Textiles in September.

Chromophilia,from the Greek chromo(colour) and phileo(to love), is defined as an abnormal love of colour and the property, possessed by most cells, of staining readily with appropriate dyes.

Julie, who had previously worked in laboratories, first became interested in chromophilia while researching the use of Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM’s) in her Master’s work at the Australian National University (ANU) in 2003.

“I was scanning fragments of my dyed fabrics at very high magnification with the SEM,” she explains. “However, the SEM uses electrons, not light, to build up an image on the computer, so I had to learn how to use digital software to add the colour back in.”

This discovery opened up a whole area of research for Julie into what colour was and how it was perceived.

“How were colours changed when they were placed together in various combinations,” she wondered, “were they changed when seen from various distances and are they dependent on the size of the coloured surface?”

In order to translate these concepts into her work with textiles, Julie explored a new technique of printing with dye called ‘chemical resist’. It works on the principle that while printing two different classes of dye onto the same fabric, one will repel the other so that full colour designs can be printed. Julie found the technique overcame the tedious and sometimes impossible method of colour separation that is used in screen-printing.

“By mastering this technique I could then fully explore the questions I posed by working with complimentary contrasts without the fear of my colours turning muddy”, she said. “Most of us know that if we put complimentary contrasting colours together (eg. red and green; blue and orange; or yellow and purple) you hues of brown, grey or black. With this new technique I could print these colours together and still retain their integrity.”

The fabrics Julie printed for Chromophilia are the results of her research. Using images and shapes derived from observations of cells and bacteria under the microscope, she juxtaposes scale and motif  to create the pairs of narrow fabric lengths. The larger, more complex cloths use a variety of marks and motifs, building up heavily coloured and patterned textiles.

“I liken this process to that of DNA transference in living things – some motifs and colours appear dominant, whilst others are recessive,” Julie explains. “The combinations of colours in different proportions impart tension within the artwork, which can then be further enhanced or denied by the form it inhabits.”

Her concepts are further developed by embellishing the textiles with stitch and buttons, and using embroidery hoops as a framing device, to infer the process of looking through a microscope and observing form, scale and repetition.

Chromophilia will run from 14 September until 9 October 2016 and will officially open on 15 September.

Food meets fibre in Taste of Textiles exhibition.

Taste of Textiles, is being launched Saturday 12th December 2014, at Newcastle’s Timeless Textiles Gallery, which celebrates a passion for humble and exotic, seasonal food and the rich textures of fibre arts.

Taste of Textiles exhibition brings together work from 20 fibre artists from around the world displaying their passion for textile art, cooking and growing food. This creative venture will appeal to everyone with a love of food and a flair for the creative. Artists contributing to Taste of Textiles include Nicola Henley, Marjolein Dallinga, Polly Stirling, Sylvia Watt, Glenys Mann, Judy Hooworth and Meredith Woolnough to name a few.

The contributing artists have represented a variety of vivid produce in their works, including the humble potato, mulberries, beetroot, saffron and rose petals. Each has created a visual narrative based on and inspired by their love for that particular produce.

Inspired by the artists’ passion, local cook Bev Whitehead has created and tested simple recipes to mirror the artworks. These include lemon myrtle spelt shortbread, chilli jelly, fig affogato, pomegranate with rosewater jelly with Persian Fairy Floss.

A limited edition boxed set containing stunning images of the both the final dishes and the artwork that inspired them, beautifully captured by local photographer Garrick Muntz is also available at the opening.

Opening: by Janet De Boer at 2pm, Saturday, 13 Decemberand continues until 23 December 2014.

Microbiology infects textile art.

Textile artist Julie Ryder has used her knowledge of microbiology to create a unique exhibition of her textile art, Alchemic Transformations, which will open at Timeless Textiles in January.

Alchemic Transformations features a collection of the Canberra based artist’s work spanning 17 years.

Ryder initially studied and worked extensively in microbiology, haematology and serology, and her interest in microbiology has influenced her work.

Ryder worked in London and Italy, before returning to Australia to study in textiles. She worked at Printintin Design Studio,Melbourne and opened her own business in 1992, printing commissioned work and designing and printing textiles for soft furnishings and fashion accessories. In late 1999 Ryder moved to Canberra. She has exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas.

Alchemic Transformationsexhibition will be opened from 6-8pm on Thursday, 19 January 2012and will run until 6 February 2012.