Dilana’s collaboration with renowned Christchurch artist, art teacher and printmaker Micheal Reed spans decades, with many successful rugs made. Our latest accomplishment is a hand knotted runner, in a contemporary, graphic style that draws on traditional Pacific designs.
According to the artist, this work was developed from studies of Pacific artefacts done over a 10 year period, starting in the late 1980’s, in museums across Aotearoa and Australia.
Dilana’s collaboration with renowned Christchurch artist, art teacher and printmaker Micheal Reed spans decades, with many successful rugs made. Our latest accomplishment is a hand knotted runner, in a contemporary, graphic style that draws on traditional Pacific designs.
According to the artist, this work was developed from studies of Pacific artefacts done over a 10 year period, starting in the late 1980’s, in museums across Aotearoa and Australia.
Marina Strocchi is an unconventional artist known for her tapestry-like paintings that bridge the boundaries between figurative and abstract representation. Her artistic journey, sparked by travel, has shaped her unique style of intense colour and perspectives capturing the harsh Australian light and its effects on forms in the landscape . Strocchi's art evolved to incorporate narrative elements, symbolic representations, and a map-like perspective. In her recent works, she emphasises pattern-making and rhythmic energy, creating paintings that leave a lasting impression.
“Top-end Mangroves” painting by Marina Strocchi, detail
The discipline of hand-knotted rugs on looms offered boundless opportunities to
recreate Marina Strocchi's intricate linework and delicate brushwork. However,
transforming her work "Top-end Mangroves" into a rug also presented several challenges.
The subtle colour shifts, crucial to the composition, required a solution that could
mimic the fluidity of watercolour. To achieve this, the traditional method of tie-dye
was employed, using yarn colours that were tonally close to each other. This resulted
in a stunningly understated, earthy backdrop reminiscent of Strocchi's original
painting.
Capturing the movements of each motif within Strocchi's landscapes was paramount in the rug's recreation. To ensure accuracy, the knot density was increased, allowing every motif and element to be clearly defined. Each motif was given its own space, existing independently, just as they do in Strocchi's original work. By meticulously preserving these elements, the rug became a faithful representation of the artist's vision, inviting viewers to explore the intricate details and symbolism within.
Among the limited colour palette used in Strocchi's work, an earthy bronze-red hue stood out, threading its way through every object and giving them life. This captivating colour became a unifying thread, enhancing the vibrancy and movement of the motifs within the rug. The dance of colour brought Strocchi's artwork to life in the medium of the rug. This recalled the energy and vitality of her original paintings.
The translation of her work into a hand-knotted rug posed challenges that were met with creativity and
meticulous craftsmanship. The resulting rug captures the essence of Strocchi's.
