As a student studying for a MA in Fine Arts at Arts University Plymouth (AUP), I have been researching the slightly thorny issue of what makes a piece of woven textile a piece of art instead of a product of craft. My studies have been closely related to my ambitions to develop my own weaving practice. As part of my studies, I decided for the first time to respond to an open call for a contemporary art competition by entering one of my recently woven pieces. I thought it was a long shot and expected the rejection email, but no, to my great surprise my piece entitled Seed was selected to be exhibited in the Plymouth Contemporary 2021. Organised by The Arts Institute of the University of Plymouth, The Box Plymouth and KARST Plymouth, the Plymouth Contemporary 2021 is a biennial exhibition showcasing emerging and established contemporary artists. After COVID delays, Seed was hung in The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth from 7 July to 5 September 2021. As a weaver it is a strange feeling to see my cloth hung in a big gallery setting, beautifully curated with remarkable artwork. It was the first time I had seen the piece with room to breathe. Bear in mind that I have had years of selling my woven products in a craft/design setting, often on a tabletop in a field, demonstrating on my loom as I sell, talking to visitors.
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