Mackenzie Frere's Meditative Palette

 Mackenzie Frere's experiments with 'wavy reed' from Japan

Walnut hulls after a year of fermentation - image by Mackenzie Frere

Textile artist Mackenzie Frere definitely knows how to concoct the finest art + craft + poetry perfection. This Calgary-based weaver, knitter and educator blends his technical fiber expertise with a deep vat of meditative beauty. The results are not only entrancing but state-of-the-art in terms of exquisite textile language.

Silk warp in string heddles - image by Mackenzie Frere

I was so fortunate to have Mackenzie agree to exhibit his 'Breathing 3' piece in (Re)Fashioning Fiber. This intricate net of knit fiber was naturally-dyed with madder root as per the image below. Mackenzie truly understands the value of 'less is more' in terms of both process and palette. His work is ethereal but grounded in a familiarity with raw materials.

Study for Breathing 3 (in progress) - image by Mackenzie Frere

'Breathing 3' (detail) - image by Mackenzie Frere

Recollect (detail panels 1, 2 + 3) - image by Mackenzie Frere

You can learn more about Mackenzie's work and textile interests via his blog, ArtClothText. He also curates and edits the very informative Poplar Gallery Online.