Pat Loucks

address: 30 Main St., Bedford NS. B4A 2M7
phone: 9028358027
email: patloucksart@gmail.com
website: patloucksart.wixsite.comtextiles

SHELTER 2, section of outdoor installation - torn cloth embroidered with twigs and threads, attached to branches, woven into fencing.

SKIN DEEP, selections from series of 12, repurposed silk fabrics, torn, reconfigured, stitched, plant dyed, appliqued.

SKIN DEEP, selections from series of 12 pieces- repurposed cotton fabrics, torn, coloured with earth pigments, reconfigured, stitched, embroidered, appliqued.

UNEARTHED, one of a series of 15 wall pieces, repurposed silk, stained and dyed with rusted metal and plants, torn, embroidered

THREE PLOUGHED FIELDS, wall piece, wax discharged, dyed, painted, embroidered, appliqued.

UNEARTHED, three of series of 15, repurposed silk, stained with plant materials, stitched, embroidered.

Artist Statement

I situate my art practice within the cultural and aesthetic tradition of textile work done by women. In this tradition recycling, reuse and reconfiguration of textiles are part of an intentional and necessary conservation of resources as well as a form of artmaking. I adapt traditional materials and techniques (stitching, knotting, patchwork) to accommodate more abstract contexts such as freestanding or site-specific installations. The direction I have chosen to take in my work reflects my interest in recording marks, forms and patterns in the landscape which are the visible remains of human activity and forces of nature. These marks may reflect seasonal growth patterns, microorganism activity or simply the passing of time.

Biography

I am a graduate of the NSCADU Textiles program where I received my foundation education in weaving, printmaking, dye and print applications for textiles. I supplemented my education with intensive summer studies at Haystack Mountain School of Craft, focusing on shibori and other 3-dimensional work with cloth, quilting, dye and print techniques. After graduation from NSCADU I spent several years weaving functional clothing and linens. In recent years I have moved on to dimensional, freestanding work with cloth and other fibres. Artist residencies in Portugal and France gave me time and studio space to work on larger scale pieces, and to find venues to exhibit my work. Over the years I have taught in artist-in-the-schools programs and dye and print workshops for adults.