Cloth Tone has been working behind the scenes on a special project entitled, Weaving the Wool Future.
Focusing on the interwoven narrative between textiles, place and community, this project will explore what it means to create a local, handwoven, biodynamic textile. The geographic, environmental and cultural implications of using raw unspun wool sourced from the central Okanagan will guide the direction of this community art project.
While focusing on the value of sourcing locally, the traceability of materials, and paying attention to the organic and sensorial qualities of sheep's wool, this project values direct material experiences and local artisanal skills.
Weaving the Wool Future will culminate in a large, handwoven rya style weaving using raw wool sourced from local, small grazing orchards that actively implement regenerative farming practices. The sheep fleece was hand washed and dried in the sun. The initial phase of the weaving was collectively woven in public space on a custom built, upright, warp-weighted loom constructed from wood sourced from a local mill. The traditional loom weights are hand constructed in clay by Vancouver-based ceramicist and artist, Hillary Webb.
Special thanks to the City of Kelowna for funding to help make this project possible.