Small Holdings - Timeless Textiles Gallery, Newcastle NSW

Small Holdings is a fibre art exhibition hosted and curated by Timeless Textiles Gallery, Newcastle, New South Wales. With a curated collection of pieces from Local, National and International artists, the exhibition conceptually explores the idea of vessels. Jess had two pieces included in the exhibition by curator, Anne Kempton. Both of Jess' pieces conceptually explore natural curiosities including the phases of the moon and the Australian landscape. 

SMALL HOLDINGS 8/06/2017 - 12/07/2017

Jessica Forster  PHASES II - June 2017 - Merino and Cross Bred Wool, Wet felted using a resist process. 

"I have always been curious about the cycles of world. The day into night, a seed into plant, an embryo into a human being. Phases II is a sculpted from a singular construction of wool felt, moulded by hand. The inside layers are naturally dark merino wool, while the outer become lighter. We are given insight through portals into the form. Although the outside layer is what dictates the shape, be aware of the play of light, and how it forms its own elliptical crescent shadows. It is a conceptual exploration of material and form that reflects my recent fascination and experience of the properties of the moon. From impacting the elements, influencing the ocean tides, the growing of plants to our own states of mind. Yet it is a constant in our world, a definite."  

Jessica Forster - SATELLITES June 2017 - Merino wool, cross bred wool, corriedale, mohair, wet-resist felted

I feel I am a human satellite: a constantly orbiting nomad, circling home. My materials and motifs are intuitively born into felted life, dictated by wandering hands and thoughts. Satellites tells a narrative about an intrinsic connection to land and place. Constructed with a singular formation of wool felt, undulations along the piece form a landscape of pods and connectors. The protruding organic shapes are like cocoons or seeds at various stages of blooming. They are the places I’ve nestled and made my home. The felted rope mimics my regular in a state of transit. As I get older, travel further, explore more; I feel as though my relationship with home and the land deepens. As does my connection to natural materials and fibres – a relationship I’m beginning to nurture.