Yesterday I went into Lincoln to see the Re-Action exhibition by Feltmaker Moira West being held in the Gallery at St Martins in Hungate.  This little gallery hosts a regularly changing programme of art exhibitions from emerging and established artists and I was keen to visit on the Saturday as Moira was going to be there in person.  It’s great to have the opportunity to view creative work of any kind when the artist is in residence to talk about how it came about and answer any questions you might have.  Moira said she “was delighted to be invited by gallery manager and artist Phil Bowman to produce my fibre art for another solo exhibition. This body of work will stretch me artistically, whilst also allowing a continuing interpretation of human strength and weakness – a recurrent theme of my work.”

It was refreshing to enter a gallery and be encouraged, rather than discouraged, to touch all of the work on display.  Moira believes that “art should create a sense of involvement for viewers, and prompt interaction between them and the work itself.”

Thought provoking work based around the subject of consumerism………

Her latest exhibition work relates to consumer excess, trade, and worship of the individual. This body of work is shown alongside some of her more important pieces from previous exhibitions.

“Freedom”, “Choice” and “Order”……. fabric, silk and wool.

“Hallelujah”….metallic threads and wool / “It’s What Shapes Us”…..jute, yak and wool

Moira’s work cried out to be handled as it is wonderfully textured and tactile.  My favourite piece is the tall grey vessel entitled “Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen” from a collection inspired by singer song writers.  The piece below is a detail from “Purple Rain” which combines steel mesh with British wool.

Detail of “Purple Rain”…..British wool, steel mesh, silver and linen warp thread.

It was lovely to meet the artist and see her work, if you get the chance the exhibition runs until 16th September.