Exhibition Celebrates Influences on the Spiritual Path
A Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Anglican Foundation of Canada
(in)finite: spiritual conversations in cloth
May 25 to June 4, 2017
Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, B.C.
Vancouver’s magnificent Christ Church Cathedral is set to showcase some truly inspirational works of art this spring.
To mark the AFC’s diamond anniversary, the (in)finite: spiritual conversations in cloth exhibition explores the “finite limitations of humanity and the ineffable, infinite nature of the Divine” in a special exhibition space in the cathedral’s chancel.
View selections from the exhibition.
This free exhibition places the spotlight on the work of textile and fibre artists from across Canada – and it takes a fascinating look at the diverse influences that have set them on their individual paths to spiritual enlightenment.
A keen canoer for more than four decades, Katie Stein Sather (Red Paddle, image featured) of Maple Ridge, B.C., says she has often connected with a higher level of spirituality while paddling.
“Paddling takes me to that spiritual connection with what some might name God,” she explains. “It gives me a sense of focus that leads to this intimate and powerful connection. Paddling is a meditation as well as a means of transportation. Hand stitching is also meditation.”
Travel is clearly a big inspiration for Trish Graham from New Westminster, B.C., who spent two decades researching traditional handicrafts in West Africa.
“The time overseas gave me the opportunity to travel, study traditional techniques and learn about other cultures,” says Graham. “Working in a series, I am creating a group of faces based on fragments. Fragments because – from the fragmentation of my daily life, when I sit at my loom it all falls away and wholeness is created – in fabric but also in my spirit.”
Karen Fowler of Nanton, AB, cites feminine strength and an inspiration that connects her with her spirituality.
“I am continually mystified by female resiliency and strength,” she says. “’Women’s work has held a constant fascination for me. The silk fibres are symbolic to me of resiliency and strength, yet they are exotic, feminine, and divine at the same time. Collectively the hangings capture colourful and moving fragments of women – the essence of beauty, transparency, and grace.”
These highly spiritual works of art have been specially selected by a Curating Circle that recognizes the connection between the artists’ creations and their various journeys towards faith.
The Circle includes Dr. Angela Clarke, who holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia. She is the Museum Director and Curator of Il Museo at Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Centre. Clarke lectures on textiles and decorative art at academic conferences and cultural symposia across the globe.
The Exhibition Manager is textile and liturgical artist Thomas Roach. Roach holds a Textile Arts Diploma from Capilano University and his artwork is featured in church and private collections from coast to coast.
Celebrating 60 years of providing generous funding to innovative projects that have benefited thousands of individuals, AFC’s anniversary celebrations include an opening ceremony on May 27, as well as an impressive selection of Foundation meetings and events. The 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm opening reception features notable guests and several participating artists. The event is open to the public.
The (in)finite exhibition runs from May 25 until June 4 at Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard Street in Vancouver. Hours for the exhibition are Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The exhibit will be closed on Saturday, June 3rd. For more information visit www.anglicanfoundation.org/infinite.
