Art Date: Stitched and Drawn

Karin and i went this morning to see Richard Boulet's show, Stitched and Drawn, at ACAD's Illingworth Kerr Gallery, and HIGHLY recommend it. I hadn't known what to expect, even after reading as much as i could find about Boulet, and was thoroughly engaged at the show.

This isn't a "review" in the accepted sense; this is what i saw and felt.

Gender is usually NOT an issue for myself in viewing another's art, but it *was* surprising to see such a feminine touch in the works. I don't mean a girliegirlie look or ultrafine detail, women's "issues" or an usurpment or corruption of tradition. Mr Boulet evinced a respect for the fabrics, whether new or old, referencing vintage flavours, what i think of as 60's and 70's "political" banners and soft sculpture elements. EDIT: after writing this paragraph, i found this article: read what he says about the feminine.

His experiences with schizophrenia and psychosis were the backbone of the show. Responses to medication, the mental health system, the commonalities of the disease and his personal feelings and knowledge drew me in, not in any strident diatribe, but in thoughtful treatment of the subject, but with no feeling of self absorption, personal aggrandizement or egotism. At times, i could feel a shiver, a recognizable sensation remembered from my own relationship to friends and family with the disorder. I could also laugh at some of the pieces, as a sense of humour was very evident, and some made me want to cry.

Fabric choices are intensely personal to textile artists. I would never have thought of pairing 1890's style prints with contemporary batik/hand dyes. I wouldn't do delicate cross-stitch and place it on a huge area of pieced blocks. I wouldn't combine soft sculpture elements with a traditional quilting pattern, or graphic phrases with soft colours. That being said, it all worked together in a highly individualistic style. Everything was integrated. It jarred, but in an evocative rather than provocative way.

And i can't really share any images with you other than those in the previous post, as there aren't a lot online, and of course, no cameras are allowed in the gallery! The only other info i could find was this.

On his "No Longer Homeless" piece was this in fine cross-stitch:

If all i had were bits of colored thread i would weave a web and dangle it in the wind that blew around my eyelashes

And this reminded me so clearly of my ex husband:

There is a grand perfection in delusional thinking that can deeply stamp the mind of a person with schizophrenia with a divinity that lays permanent doubt upon coincidence.

Much food for thought, and that's what the point is for an "art date".