Christine from Cleveland, which I am told is somewhere on the northern part of the planet, stitched onto black linen using single ply of Beautiful Silks’ number 5 yarn.

Christine says “The slow methodical nature of hand stitching is what I find most seductive about it. I use needle and thread to pierce cloth making marks which represent the passage of time, with stitches. I use the same simple running stitch that has been used as a means to join layers of cloth to make blankets, to repair clothing in Japanese boro fabric, in West Indian kantha stitching, and in quilt making. The method of using the humble stitch in the language of embroidery is relevant to me today. When I stitch, I am trying to be aware of what is going on in my life; to have clarity so I can be in the moment. “

Christine works in fibre art as a medium to create a record of time. The marks she makes are sustained recordings of countable moments. She uses wool, linen, cotton, silk, and found materials.

It’s at STEPS Gallery in Carlton and continues until May 19th. Click on the invite to enlarge it and see the details.

Artist Simon Beck must really love the cold weather! Along the frozen lakes of Savoie, France, he spends days plodding through the snow in raquettes (snowshoes), creating these sensational patterns of snow art. Working for 5-9 hours a day, each final piece is typically the size of three soccer fields! The geometric forms range in mathematical patterns and shapes that create stunning, sometimes 3D, designs when viewed from higher levels.

How long these magnificent geometric forms survive is completely dependent on the weather. Beck designs and redesigns the patterns as new snow falls, sometimes unable to finish a piece due to significant overnight accumulations. Interestingly enough, he said, ‘The main reason for making them was because I can no longer run properly due to problems with my feet, so plodding about on level snow is the least painful way of getting exercise. Gradually, the reason has become photographing them, and I am considering buying a better camera.” Spectacular art for the sake of exercise!



If you are a textile designer interested in improving the professionalism of your work, making more money in your business and tearing down norms within the industry, Shingo Sato’s Masterclass is the right place for you. Masterclasses are a great way to learn from the technical skills of experts in the field, exchange experiences and learn new ways of working with your tools and medium. Masterclasses are aimed at existing artisans working at a professional level.

Shingo Sato is a high profile contemporary Japanese designer and educator. He worked in Italy after qualifying in his native Japan, and developed an international design reputation. He speaks six languages and has now lectured and taught on every continent on Planet Earth. He’s returning to Beautiful Silks in a week.

Shingo says that his goal is to convey his passion through his technique to people who love and want to be inspired by new professional stimuli.

Like Shingo’s other classes, this one is also really well-organized and full of great information. It has a strong individual coaching element.
You must have done a previous Shingo Sato class to attend the masterclass… there is an intermediate class being held before the masterclass for those who need the additional training. Click here for details
Boost your creativity, gain new design ideas and connect with other textile professionals to grow your network of fellow artisans.