Tapestry Talking
Tapestry Talking: Understanding the Language of Handwoven Art with 326 works from around the world, Micala Sidore, 2026, Schiffer Publishing We tapestry weavers are always happy when a new book comes out promoting what we do. Ours is a field that is often misunderstood (it…
Mending as a metaphor
I completed a miniature tapestry recently about metaphorically healing, using the fabric of the tapestry as a stand-in for fabric that can be repaired. The focus was on two traditional Japanese techniques – boro, clothing mended over and over again using sashiko running stitches and…
How to Scam an Artist
Modern life means that we all need to be on the lookout for scams. We are wary when a ‘friend’ sends an email saying that they have been mugged in Barcelona, and could we please send money to pay their hotel bill. But some scams…
Boro/Kintsugi
A few years ago, I mended an existing ragged prayer rug using gold linen thread to address the topic of Islamophobia. (Blog article qv: https://joannesoroka.co.uk/how-to-make-a-tapestry-about-islamophobia/) The idea was to highlight the mending process, not to hide it, in the same way that those who…
Encounters with the Powerful
In 1982, I got my dream job – the Artistic Director of the Edinburgh Tapestry Company, also known as the Dovecot Studios. Before being confirmed in the role, I was invited to lunch by its owner, the Marquess of Bute, at his stately home,…
Last Chance to See…
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…
Coordinating on organising an exhibition
In my last blog post, I was talking about collaborating with my friend Fiona Hutchison on putting together a two-person show. This post is on the same subject, but more about coordination, a similar but distinct topic. The themes of our work are similar but…
Collaborating on an exhibition
My friend and fellow tapestry weaver Fiona Hutchison and I are in the process of planning an exhibition which will open with a private view on the evening of the third of May. All exciting, of course, but as other artists have commented, making the…
What not to say to a tapestry weaver
No doubt every professional suffers the indignity of ignorant remarks, once people know what their calling is, from wanting a medical diagnosis at a drinks party to those who think they understand police procedure from watching television. Tapestry weavers are in the same boat. Whether…
Thanks, Brexit
I have regularly participated in international exhibitions in Europe for many years. There are several juried shows, ie a sort of competition where judges decide whether your tapestry is suitable to be included. So in December of 2020, having had a tapestry accepted, I sent…