GALLERY
Theshini is a mixed media artist specializing in natural fibres and other materials like wood and copper.
wearable art
Luxurious natural fibres and seamless construction methods are used to create one of a kind pieces.
wall art
A vibrant colour palette and multi textured surfaces characterize these unique wall pieces.
Layers of Connection June 2023
Kootenay Gallery – Castlegar June 16th till August 19th , 2023
Inspired by nature and fuelled by imagination, this body of work explores the concept of connection. Raw wool and plant fibres have little structural strength on their own, however, the process of connecting layers of diverse fibres to create structure, texture and form is a deeply satisfying and challenging process. Drawing on primitive wet felting techniques and a more contemporary use of a variety of plant and wool fibres, this process of transformation reveals elements of fragility, resilience, and strength, both in the doing and in the final product. Physical manipulation, use of wood veneers and the incorporation of various textile techniques such as stitching, knotting, shibori are used to connect the various layers
The complex matrix of connection underlies all life on this planet, yet the journey to find and establish meaningful connections as individuals and societies, can be a difficult, yet insightful and liberating one. However tenuous our connections seem, as individuals, communities, and societies, embracing diversity and connection, helps heal fractures and allows us to recognise our common humanity.
In the words of John Muir, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world”.
Gossamer Threads 1 (lilac)
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, shibori. Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie, cotton, merino wool, silk hankies, silk organza.
Size: 27 by 29 inches.
Price: $1900
Gossamer Threads 3 (teal)
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, shibori. Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie, cotton, merino wool, silk hankies, silk organza.
Size: 28 by 27 inches.
Price: $1900
Gossamer Threads 2 (green)
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, shibori. Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie, cotton, merino wool, silk hankies, silk organza.
Size: 26 3/4 by 28 3/4 inches.
Price: $1900
Gossamer Threads 4 (red)
Theshini Naicker 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, shibori. Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie, cotton, merino wool, silk hankies, silk organza.
Size: 29 5/8 by 28 ¼ inches.
Price: $1900
Centre is Everywhere
Theshini Naicker 2023
Techniques: Wet felting,
Fibres used: Ramie, flax, merino wool, silk threads, cotton gauze, hemp threads.
Size: 37-inch diameter
Price: $2500
Coming full circle
Theshini Naicker, June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, shibori, knotting, stitching
Fibres used: Ramie, flax, cotton gauze, merino wool.
Size: 35 inches diameter
Price: $2400
Focal point
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie, viscose, silk gauze, merino wool, wool nepps,
Size: 29 5/8 by 28 ¼ inches.
Price: $2000
Ebb and Flow
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie fibres, wool nepps, merino wool, silk gauze.
Size: 29 5/8 by 28 ¼ inches.
Price: $1600
Intertwined Ecologies
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, knotting
Fibres used: Ramie fibres, merino wool, Wensleydale wool, flax fibres.
Size: 29 5/8 by 28 ¼ inches.
Price: $2600
Nocturnal Blossoms
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, shibori. Hand dyed.
Fibres used: merino wool, silk caps, silk fabric.
Size: 35 by 31 inches.
Price: $1600
Undercurrents
Theshini Naicker June 2023
Techniques: Wet felting, Dye painted.
Fibres used: Ramie, merino wool, wood veneers, silk wrapped wire, cotton gauze
Size: 29 5/8 by 28 ¼ inches.
Price: NFS
Embracing Diversity, Connection and Beauty in the natural world
Techniques: Wet felting with resists. Hand dyed wool.
Fibres used: Ramie, merino wool, silk, silk wrapped wire.
Size: installation that occupies an approximate space of roughly 4ft by 6ft.
Price: $8300
Description of piece:
This installation informed the conceptual basis for this current body of work. It was constructed in response to a call out for an exhibition titled – View Point – A Fibre-based Exploration of the Natural World. The words diversity and connection came to mind when I saw the theme of the show. I used the common element of the cylindrical form and constructed the 5 individual, unique sculptures. Inspired by textures in nature, each cylinder is connected by silk wrapped wire.
WEARABLE ART
Felting lends itself well to “The Art of Adornment” . Wool is warm, soft and when well felted water resistant.The scale structure of wool also allows for other fibres to easily blend in, creating beautiful fabrics that can be worn comfortably.
WALL ART
Organic forms, shapes and landscapes, serve as inspiration for the creation of these wall pieces. The unique properties of wool creates opportunities for innovative, contemporary applications of this ancient felting technique.
GALLERY
COMMISSION PIECES
ABOUT THESHINI
Born in Durban South Africa, Theshini Naicker emigrated to Canada in 1990. She is a self-taught visual artist who has worked in a variety of different mediums. She gravitated towards felt as a medium after seeing her first exhibition of felted artwork at the Kootenay Gallery of Art many years ago. She taught herself how to felt and subsequently attended workshops by teachers from all over the world to hone her skills. Her seamless garments and other one of a kind wearable art was well received in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Vancouver for many years.
Her more recent work displays a shift in direction. Concepts of fragility, resilience, diversity, and connection form a framework for experimentation as she incorporates more non felting fibres into her work. Colour, texture, and a delightful sense of optimism is reflected in her new work, currently on exhibit at the Kootenay Gallery of Art. She continues to be inspired by her natural environment and taps into this vast resource to fuel her creative journey.
Recent Exhibition: Layers of Connection, Kootenay Gallery BC, June 2023.