Laura Thomas’ solo show of work from her first twenty years of business (yikes, where does the time go??!) is now installed in its second venue in Wales. It was first on show in the Ruthin Craft Centre for three months at the end of 2023, and has now moved south across Wales to Cardiff, and the Makers Guild, Wales.
Included in the exhibition are some more unusual weaving techniques of clasped weft, of cut floats, of techniques more often seen in passementerie. Even though I am unable to attend in person, one of the elements of Laura’s work that I love is the visible and the shadowy – the forms that are physically created and the movable patterns created on the wall behind the work as light changes direction or as the piece gently moves. Much of Laura’s artwork is centred around hand manipulation – slowing down even more the slow craft of weaving. It is a personal engagement with the cloth, it is precise, it is present. To me, this is becoming more and more important in our craft – that of paying attention. The results speak louder than words.
You get three months to be able to go and see this show – it opened on 10th Feb and will close on 7th April.
And if, like me, you are unable to get there in person, you can order a catalogue from Ruthin Craft Centre or by email to order a copy at the bargain price of £5 plus P&P. Plus there are some other fabulous catalogues available, so definitely worth a browse!
You can also see images from the exhibition on Laura’s website: https://www.laurathomas.co.uk/wovenunwoven