Saturday, March 8, 2014

Booked!

As this goes to air as they say, I am in Cairns in Far North Queensland, with the hint of a cyclone off the coast, but nothing dramatic.

Barry and I have made the trip north to attend the opening of the fabulous exhibition "Booked!" run by the KnockKnock Contemporary Artists and held at KickArts gallery in Cairns.

The KnockKnock women are amazing.  Each year they organise and co-ordinate a bunch of activities celebrating women in the arts, around International Women's Day.

I was thrilled, honoured and excited to be asked to join in this exhibition - 12 women book artists from around the country and overseas.  The works look sublime together and tell gentle and powerful stories all at once.

A bit like many women I know really.



I am showing my Copper-Perspex book "Peace Mends the World"

Copper is a universal metal, found on nearly every continent on earth, and shared by many peoples. 

Metal books speak to me of tenacity, resilience and steadfastness; that their message will last and last. 

Mending, patching, putting back together; step by step peace can mend the world. 

The contrast between masculine (metal) and feminine (stitching) works - it seems to me we need both to build lasting peace. 

Women’s work matters and is often what ties us all together. 

There are still gaps as the work is never finished, yet each page is a treasure, contained and protected. 

Every effort we make towards peace is precious. 

Fragile, strong. Peace can mend the world.




The other fabulous artists include:

Raewyn Biggs (QLD), Louisa Boyd (UK), Barbara Dover (QLD), Louisa Ennis-Thomas (QLD), Vide Freiberg (QLD), Ania Gilmore (US), Mandy Gunn (VIC), Kyoko Imazu (VIC), Liz Jeneid (NSW), Susan Porteous (US) and Rose Rigley (QLD).

It is worth hopping off to their sites to see their work- stunning and amazing.

Rose also curated the show and helped keeps the likes of me on track- she has done a marvellous job.

20 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post Fiona - only wish I could see this great exhibition

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    1. Thank You Rosie I wish it could travel the world too - it is gorgeous!

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  2. Such an exciting book you have created, Fiona! It looks like a great exhibition.

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    1. Thanks Robyn - it is one of my faves, strong yet subtle...

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  3. Looks fabulous Fiona. I know of Louisa Boyd's work and will follow up the links to your fellow exhibitors. Enjoy the opening and good luck to all for the exhibition.

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    1. Oh fabulous it was indeed Lesley and there's quite a wow factor when you follow up many of the links. It felt pretty amazing to be in a show with Louisa may I say...

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  4. this is absolutely wonderful, fiona. this book is so very powerful visually as well as symbolically. and in company of other meaningful work.
    stay dry -

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    1. Thanks MJ - we stayed dry which was good, and I was just so pleased to be able to see it for myself, to spend time with the books and just gaze upon them all happily...

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  5. Congrats Fiona! Looks like a wonderful showcase of stunning works and I love the tonal quality the works.

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    1. Thanks Kim - the works worked beautifully together and made a stunning show. I was very happy to be there (and for my book to be there too!)

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    1. Thanks Sue - awesome pretty much captures it! Go well.

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  7. Beautiful work, Fiona. Congratulations!

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    1. Thanks Anna - I was so happy to be invited to show with these amazing women...

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  8. Congratulations....looks like you are in excellent company. Thanks for adding the links. It's amazing how many Queenslanders are supremely talented. Then again, perhaps it isn't.

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    1. Thanks Jo - it was great to be there and see it in person. Loads of talent in QLD hey!?!? Go well.

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  9. Congrats on the exhibition, Fiona! Your book is even lovelier than I remember, and following the links to the other artists has been very enjoyable. What a talented group of women you are, with work that is very different yet harmonious together...

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    1. The linking was lovely wasn't it Lisa? So many stunners out there…glad you enjoyed the exhibition all together as well; I was thrilled.

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  10. Looks just amazing, your work is fantastic Fiona - wish I could be there. :) x

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  11. Thanks Louise - it is a stunning show and the book works are beautiful! Might be over your way again later in the year...

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