Welcome to WAFTA

WAFTA was established in 1996 with the primary function of supporting and advocating Western Australian fibre and textile practice.

Our objectives:

• to promote understanding and appreciation of fibre and textiles
• to encourage and provide a means of free exchange of ideas and information
• to encourage the highest standards of design, craftsmanship and critical evaluation
• to facilitate and encourage the transition from student to practitioner

Members' Exhibition - 'WAFTA Naturally'

WAFTA has an exciting members' exhibition planned for August 7th - 17th 2009. It will be hung at the fabulous Moores Gallery (Main Gallery) in Fremantle! This year we align ourselves with The International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 (IYNF), a perfect concept for the exhibition, as our members come from diverse fibre and textile backgrounds.

This will be an inclusive exhibition opportunity for all WAFTA members. There is no judging process - if you have met the design criteria below and are a WAFTA member you‘re in! We have set design parameters to create an exhibition that looks cohesive and not like a jumble sale. We envisage  a single installation with many appealing works.

The exhibition will demonstrate the individual skills and artistic outcomes of WAFTA members; a public face for a relatively unknown fibre/textile body. We also aim to celebrate our association, our friendships and provide an opportunity (and support) for all members whether professional, hobbyist or emerging artist.

This is not intended to be a commercial exercise, but we anticipate some artists would like to sell their work and will accommodate this, whilst giving the public the opportunity to purchase superb art works.

The Moores Gallery is a large and difficult space to exhibit in - it is heritage listed and has a rustic look. The walls, which cannot be touched, are lumpy and there are huge exposed brown rafters lining the ceiling. We have considered how, in such a space, we might bring the volume of 120 or so individual works and styles together to form a cohesive and outstanding exhibition. The gallery will provide an interactive space where people can walk in and through the 'fabric' which would move in the breeze. The look will be unified, ethereal, considered, inviting.

In short, the unity of the exhibition is in the format. Long, narrow, rectangular lengths of 'fabric' suspended from the exposed rafters - think prayer flags. We are also exhibiting 3D works from members who choose to create this way.

Design Guidelines for members:

• format 1: to hang in rows, from the rafters, in the main gallery, rectangular 'fabric' of finished length 3.6 metres long by 0.5 metre wide (finished length including 10cm hanging sleeve/carrier)
• format 2: to stand in the front room, 3D work of minimum size 50 centimetres on 2 sides and maximum 1 metre on any side
• content: predominantly natural fibre, no less than 80%
  
• thematic ideas: spirituality, the spirituality of your creativity, flags, prayer flags, wishes to the world
  
• techniques: any! and may include (as examples) felting, quilting, all over machine stitching, hand stitching, natural dyeing, screen printing, layering, cut work, appliqué, reverse appliqué, knitting, lace, knotting, weaving...
  
• colours: predominantly muted, subtle; think nutmeg, cream, mushroom, shale, mud... see colour board samples here
• The lengths of 'fabric' will be viewable on both sides as people walk amongst them. Consider how a hanging sleeve might be incorporated such that it is a part of the work. Remember the total finished length is 3.6m with hanging sleeve.
• The term 'fabric' is used loosely to form an image in the mind. The technique and materials chosen define 'fabric' for the final pieces.

The entry form is due on June 16 2009. This form is required to record each member's entry details. Please fill in the front page, keep a copy and return to WAFTA. Download the entry form here

If you would like to become a member and join in the exhibition, please sign up using this form, or read more about becoming a member on the membership page.

Other websites to visit:

www.naturalfibres2009.org
www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/406148/natural-fibre
www.binhaitimes.com/history.html

WAFTA Events

See the Events page for details of coming events... (and lots more)....

Have your say...

If you have ideas or suggestions for WAFTA activities why not drop us an email (via the link on the left hand side bar) ... or better still, if your suggestion involves an event or activity, why not join the WAFTA Committee to help deliver your particular idea?  All volunteers are busy people but have found that getting involved is a most interesting way to meet and participate in the local fibre scene. 

Items for the webpage are also most welcome ... if you know of an event, please share it with us.   Don't worry if it is an event that has passed by, or old news, please let us know! With your help we aim to be a leading resource for Fibre and Textile information in Western Australia.  

Or just send an email to say hello ... or show us your work ...