Textiles that tell a story

By Ewen McRae

The Melton and Caroline Springs libraries will come alive with colour in the coming weeks, after the unveiling of a major textile exhibition.

The Home exhibition, launched on June 28, will feature the work of 14 skilled textile artists depicting where they have come from and various interpretations of what home means to them.

From a portrait ‘painted’ with wool to installations spilling across the floor, the artists have weaved, crocheted and embroidered their stories.

Melton mayor Bob Turner said the Home exhibition would be an exclusive first look at some striking pieces.

“This is an impressive showcase of some never before seen textile artworks which I’m sure will attract many visitors,” Cr Turner said.

“One of the special things about this exhibition is that it can speak to us all. The artworks celebrate belonging, urban life, family, community and everything in between.

“To imagine and create these fascinating and intricate works is a huge credit to the talent and patience of the artists.”

The Home exhibition is the result of a two-year cultural development program, Home Sewn: Makers of Melton supported by the Victorian government through Creative Victoria.

It brings together a range of contemporary and traditional textile art technique. Visitors will see skillfully crafted three-dimensional installations alongside equally impressive traditional wall hanging artworks.

The exhibiting artists are all from the west and many took part in artist-in-residence workshops.

The free exhibition will run at both libraries until August 11.