The magic power that art has to bring people together was in evidence this week in the studio in Greymouth.
The textile studio in Māwhera Greymouth might seem to be a little incongruous. After all, the West Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand is not particularly noted for its textiles, relying instead on the beautiful scenery and natural beauty of the region to attract visitors. However, as in Shetland, having an art studio with hand-weaving in evidence as well as pictures and textiles on the walls intrigues people and encourages interesting conversations.
This week, one of those visitors was the artist, Susan Ewing, who came in with her family. Over a wide-ranging conversation about art and education Susan mentioned Cranbrook Art Museum, part of the Cranbrook Educational Community in Michigan, USA, where she was Director of the Academy of Art until 2021.
Cranbrook Art Museum holds a superb collection of textiles, including some by Loja Saarinen, wife of Eliel, the architect of the complex, who established Studio Loja Saarinen, a commercial weaving studio at Cranbrook. This studio employed Swedish weavers who made rugs and interior fabrics principally for Cranbrook. The Art Museum collections can be viewed online here.
If you happen to be in Māwhera Greymouth on a weekday, the studio is open 11am to 3pm (and by appointment – details on the front door). Come in and have a chat. Who knows where the conversation might lead.