Friday, August 21, 2020

Anna Torma / Dorothy Caldwell

A Red Hill/A Green Hill 2012 by Dorothy Caldwell
 ink wash, earth ochre on cotton with stitching and applique, 284.4 x 294.6 cm 

This post highlights two of my Canadian heroines and their beautiful philosophies about making.

In this interview with Dorothy Caldwell  Dimitri Papatheodorou of the Art Gallery of Northumberland in Cobourg Ontario visits Dorothy in her studio this summer. (2020).  The two discussed her touring 2014 exhibition Silent Ice Deep Silence and the research that went into creating the work for it. 

Book of Abandoned Details  2018 by Anna Torma
cotton, silk, hand stitched 136 x 135 cm

The next video is a conversation with Anna Torma and is presented by the Esker Foundation, Calgary Alberta in honour of her 2018 exhibition there, Book of Abandoned Details

A Red Hill/A Green Hill by Dorothy Caldwell, earth ochres and hand stitch detail

It's been difficult for museums and art galleries (and for artists) during this pandemic time.  Closures and now appointments and mask wearing make the gallery experiences challenging for everyone.  

Dorothy Caldwell is one of eleven artists curated into an exhibition entitled Cloth Constructions at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln Nebraska this winter by David Hornung.  Here's the link

Book of Abandoned Details 2018 by Anna Torma
hand stitched cotton and silk  136 x 136 cm

Anna Torma's solo exhibition Permanent Danger was hung but the gallery had to close before the opening ceremonies last April.  It has since re-opened at the Museum for Textiles in Toronto Canada and has been extended until March 2021.   

Congratulations to these artists and to the curators who have have championed them.  Textile art is best when you can see (and yearn to touch) it in real life rather than on a screen or printed in magazine or book.    Let's try to visit art galleries again and be nourished.

6 comments:

Ms. said...

Oh-I'm in love. Thank you for sharing. I will probably post the film tomorrow after I watch it again. I simply love being in her presence.

razia ben said...

i am so grateful to you, Judy, for this post, it is a true gift, so precious, a glimpse into Dorothy's art and studio, wow! and Anna's! thank you.

Bev Longford said...

Thank you much for sharing this information, something to look forward to, will order tickets later in the fall when I go to Toronto, such a treat in these times. Will also enjoy a cup a tea this afternoon with the videos. Bev

susan hemann said...

I love Dorothy Caldwell! I wasn't familiar with Anna Torma's work, but I love it too. thank you for sharing the videos!

Camilla G. said...

Thank you, Judy. Hearing artists talk about their work and process is endlessly fascinating.

רזיה בן גוריון said...

i wonder if a woman interviewer would have asked Dorothy different questions, i think I would, more practical: what treatment do you give the fabric in order to get that special color and texture, what kind of dye or resist, how do you do it. but its great to get to know her, no doubt. i saw the video several times, truly inspiring. thank you.