“This is a starting point. It’s an introduction for anyone who doesn’t know about my work to my techniques, to my materials, and to what I’m doing,” textile artist Sayward Johnson said of her first solo exhibition.
The name of the show is Verdigris, a title reflected in the rich green-blue hues that compose the background of nearly every piece displayed, enhanced often with bursts of red or subtle metallic tones.
The shades call to mind the different aspects of nature represented in Johnson’s art, from oceans and barnacles to the forests of Northern Canada, a persistent source of inspiration for the artist thanks mainly to the time she spent tree-planting in the area.
But even more striking than the rich use of colour, is Johnson’s ability to manipulate the materials used in her work. The textile artist specializes in the weaving and threading of copper wire, incorporating it into her pieces in ways that demonstrate deft craftsmanship and hours of painstaking, detailed labour.
Yet she also integrates softer materials, knitting and embroidering various threads and textiles that meld with the copper in startlingly harmonious ways given their very different compositions.
The result is fascinating, a display of juxtapositions which the artist describes in a statement as “the new made old, the malleable made work-hardened, and the merging of craft techniques that appear incompatible.”
Those wandering through the Verdigris exhibition certainly seemed enthralled by the pieces on display, commenting on their unconventionality and the artist’s manipulation of textiles.
Christa Mooney, a personal friend of Johnson’s, attested to the massive amount of time and work invested in its production, calling it “simply mindboggling.”
Johnson however, mingling with those admiring her art, takes a modest response to its praise.
“I find that when people talk to me about what they see in my work, they see something I haven’t, or feel something that I didn’t expect they would. That, for me, is a really fun way to get to know someone,” she said. “It’s more interesting for me to meet them, to learn about them, to hear what they have to say about my work.”
Johnson said showing her work in Ottawa is a personal experience.
“It’s really been my home off and on for the last 20 years and I love it here. I know that the arts community in Ottawa has changed a lot over the last 10 years. It’s become more dynamic and I find that pretty exciting,” she said.
“It’s a good city to be in, and to be working in as an artist. I’m very grateful to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to what I can do as time goes on.”
The exhibition runs from Jan. 9 to Feb. 11 and is held in the Trinity Art Gallery of the Shenkman Arts Centre.
