PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE by Janis Huisman

PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE by Janis Huisman

Quietly, swiftly, the canoe glides through water transporting us to our destination. From early time we have used the finds in nature to cobble together items of use. Taking from what was provided to create. Leaving behind only that which would be returned to the earth to sustain new life. Transparent living, a life that was clearly simple and did not leave modern detritus in its wake. The canoe and paddle take us back to those times. “PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE” This weaving technique is called Transparency and was developed in the early 1900’s. The design is woven with wool row by row over the foundation of the sheer linen background. One row at a time. The two parts weave together as the inlay of the graphic design is woven in. It is not stitched afterward as is needlepoint or embroidery. The 1” curly maple wood paddle was designed by Janis and crafted by her husband Rudy. One hundred sixty-two holes were drilled to allow for threading the warp at twelve ends per inch. The linen warp was tightly strung through the paddle frame to expose two independent warps, one side for the picture of the canoe, the obverse for the water and clouds. Transparencies are meant to hang so that light can shine through the weaving allowing both side of the warp to blend into one picture: the canoe riding upon the water.

JANIS HUISMAN

Graduating university with a BS Ed, Janis studied weaving at Holland College School of Visual arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island under the instruction of Trudi Coffin. She continues to study weaving through the OHS Weaving Homestudy program and has completed the first three units as well has taken many workshops. She participated in the PEI Weaving Guild as President, the PEI Arts Council, The PEI Craft Council Shop, The PEI Christmas Sale, and The Causeway Marketplace. After moving to Ontario, she joined the Kawartha Handweavers and Spinner’s Guild of which she is currently co-president and is the current President of The Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. She has participated in the Victoria County Studio Tour, Kawartha Arts Festival, Fenelon Falls, Kawartha Art Gallery, Bobcaygeon Art Gallery, “Standard Incomparable” exhibit touring the USA, Italy and Scotland, Stouffville-Whitchurch Art in the Park, Apsley Christmas Sale as well as donations to various charity auctions. Janis works out of her home studio “Too Many Irons Studio”.

If you are interested in purchasing a piece of work by this artist, the artist will retain 100% of the sale proceeds from any of their work sold through this exhibit.

Janis Huisman
janis.huisman46@gmail.com