PATTERNS OF EXPANSION
Fri, Sept 5 – Tues Sept 30, 2008
Opening reception, Thurs September 4 from 6 – 8 pm
Fibre artisan Jessica de Haas’s “Patterns of Expansion” runs September 5–30 at the Circle Craft Shop & Gallery in Granville Island’s Net Loft. In this exhibit, visitors will discover an exploration of wearable and twodimensional fibre pieces focusing on, but not limited to, felt. Jessica de Haas explores colour, texture and pattern using surface techniques like inlay, cut-outs, natural dyes, batik and embroidery.
She says, “My work sits at the juncture of art, craft and fashion, and is simultaneously of the moment and timeless. It challenges the notion of what is precious … is it the new or the old? Is it the material or the energy used to make it?” Apropos to her work and art, a Rumi quotation on de Haas’s home page propagatelove.com says,
May the beauty you love be what you do; there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground. “Historically textiles have always been deeply rooted in society, both for function and ornamentation. In our modern day society, the contrast of the hand-crafted item is stark against mass-manufactured disposable goods.Hand-crafted items are precious; there is a different energy to them, one that is alive and connected to the hand that made it. The faster the spread of globalization, the greater the nostalgia for what it replaces, and human connection is often what we are lacking in our high tech lives.”
De Haas’s work focuses on the creation of hand-made fabrics, which are then transformed into wearable art pieces. This process usually starts with hand-dyeing wool, which is then felted onto silk. A variety of surface design techniques are also used to create a pattern on the felt, such as fabric inlay, appliqué, free motion embroidery, hand stitching and beading. All of these processes layer colour, texture and pattern, which together create a rich unique surface. The foundation of de Haas’s work requires knowledge of ancient techniques, physical labour, and patience.
Jessica de Haas
is a BC-born fibre artist who specializes in felted garments and wearable art. She studied fibre art at the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, BC, and now lives in Vancouver. Her studio is in EastVancouver. Her work sells under the design name of Funk Shui.
Click here to read Thelma Ruck Keene's review. 
