Ruth is inspired by the landscape of Aotearoa and she has been exploring fabric collage and natural dyeing and printing processes as preparation for this Solo Exhibition so the gallery is filled with wonderful new works reflective of this learning journey.
The ‘Earthwise’ exhibition is about landforms and the soil formed at the surface of the land where living things and the rocks of the Earth’s crust meet and mix. For these works Ruth uses eco dying, rusting and painting with earth pigments to bring ‘Earthwise’ to life. Painting on linen using earth pigments mixed with soya milk uses sustainable art materials and practices and the addition of stitch adds focused impact.
Many of the silk works are delicately patterned with layers of prints from the ecodying processes that Ruth uses, resonating with patterns seen in nature that she encounters during her walking practice. There is a great richness to the layers of colours and patterns that lead the imagination of the viewer into the multiple layers of the land we live on.
Ruth Nicholas is a textile artist whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. She grew up in Taranaki, lived here for many years and returns regularly from Upper Hutt. She will be at the gallery each Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon during March and looks forward to chatting with visitors about her art.
A Gallery Gathering will be held on Sunday 1st March between 1pm and 3pm. At this gathering, Ruth will talk about her art and the individual pieces in the exhibition.