Graeme Black Watercolour Tapestry

When asked by Graeme Black to turn a piece from his latest watercolour collection (inspired by trees and details of bark) into a tapestry, we agreed that this would be more of a collaboration than an exercise in trying to recreate an original art piece into a textile form. Not that there is anything wrong with this way of making, it is simply not something we as a studio are able to do; Our work is raw and pared back, the emphasis on materials (ours being mohair) and the imprints of the maker(in this case Katriena Kammies).

The result has been far from pared back, a mixture of techniques, yarns and playing with light and texture to create something that captures the movement and freedom of watercolours whilst honouring the structure and form of bark. The result looks and feels both like our studio, yet it is distinctly the work and imaginings of Graeme Black. As with all great collaborations the process has stretched us open, challenged us and invited play into the process. We have learnt an entire new way of diluting woven form into a more fluid, water coloured medium.