Eleven years ago, 11 women got together through a common bond of working with fibre. Each came with her own sensibility and talents and they founded a textile co-operative, Fibres & Beyond. They challenge and support each other in the diverse mediums used by the artists. They manipulate fibre in all sorts of ways: hooking, dyeing, weaving, wrapping, stretching, embroider, stitch, sew and sculpt.
During each of the past 11 years, the women have organized a fibre show in the spring entitled Consider the Lilies XI. The show takes place at the lily strewn St. Mary’s Church in Metchosin.
The fibre artists in the 11th annual Consider the Lilies show and sale are: Linda Danielson, Gail Erickson, Joy Garnett, Irm Houle, Phyllis Lysionek,Judy Seeley, Joan Taylor, Elizabeth Tanner, Jessie Taylor-Dodd, Isabel Tipton, Mary Wolfe.
Elizabeth Tanner said the show is much the same as in previous years, although some of the artists are trying new techniques. At least two Sooke members experimenting with new ways of creating.
“Joan Taylor has been reconstructing images, reconfiguring pieces,” said Tanner. Taylor is known for her layers of fabric with machine stitching. Judy Seeley, as well as making her chennile garments, will have some wall hangings combining photography and stitches.
“They are going in a little bit of a different direction,” said Tanner. “It’s exciting to do it again, it pushes us.”
Tanner said the church yard will be ablaze with lilies.
“They will be in their full glory on the 13th,” she said.
Consider the Lilies XI runs from April 13 to 21 at Old St. Mary’s Church, 4354 Metchosin Rd. Hours are Sat. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sun. Apr. 14, 12 to 4:30 p.m. and Apr. 21, 12 to 4 p.m.