After the buzz of the private view, things settled down with my fellow exhibitor, Fiona Hutchison, and I taking turns with the invigilation of our exhibition, Invisible Threads are the Strongest Ties. The opening (in some circles called a vernissage, French for varnishing*, so completely inappropriate for tapestry) is always a fun event, with lots of people raving about the work. We try to speak to everyone, but it is usually not possible.

However, while invigilating, you do get the chance to talk to visitors, who often want to know all about your work, whether the techniques used or the themes and preoccupations. This is a pleasurable part of running a show, being able to share why we do what we do with members of the public. Some of those who come to tapestry exhibitions have some connection to textiles, whether they are amateur tapestry weavers or do knitting or embroidery.

Of course the ultimate accolade occurs when someone buys a work. It’s not just that they are willing to part with their money, but it also means that they want to live with a work of art that you have put your soul into. It is the definitive form of admiration. However, with tapestry weaving, no one goes into it to make their fortune, since they are expensive due to the large amount of time it takes to make them. Sales of large tapestries are rarer.

The show closes at 5pm on Sunday 19 May, so if you can, we would love to see you in the gallery and chat about tapestry or anything else you care to discuss.

Invisible Threads are the Strongest Ties: Contemporary Tapestry

Fiona Hutchison and Joanne Soroka

Patriothall Gallery, WASPS Studios, Patriothall, Edinburgh EH3 5AY

*from the 19th-century practice of inviting patrons in the days before the opening of an exhibition to see the artists varnishing their paintings.

Collaborating on an exhibition

 

Coordinating on organising an exhibition