Curve series, Fold series, Twist series

Abstract

Within the field of contemporary textiles, the majority of practitioners are concerned with the idea of functionality, ultimately reconfiguring and re-evaluating the notion of function itself. This has resulted in artists who work with textiles moving away from notions of functionality. This creative shift away from functionality limits the scope of textiles within contemporary art practice.

The Curve, Twist and Fold Series by Liz Williamson, address the relationship between wearable pieces and the body, exploring textiles from a conceptual basis while maintaining a concern with functionality. Individually hand-woven on a loom, these works investigate the challenge of designing textiles that will produce particular structures: folds, loops, bunches or curves. The resulting distortion of these unique weave structures is wearable pieces with character and depth that acknowledge the technical exploration of the processes of darning and repair within weave.

The significance of the Curve, Twist and Fold series are attested by their inclusion in the exhibition Sydney Style: Objectsdesignideas at the Sydney Opera House an exhibition of 12 outstanding designers selected by Object gallery Associate Director Brian Parkes and Williamson’s subsequent selection as one of Object’s ‘Living Treasures’ involving a solo design show which toured regional NSW and QLD. Items from the series have also been shown at the Powerhouse Museum and written about by Craft Australia and design theorist Clare Bond.