“Public art is really valuable,” says local fibre artist Marni Martin. “It’s a beautiful way to engage people and draw them in through giving everyone the ability to access art so it isn’t always just behind closed doors.”
When it was suggested that one of her works grace the exterior of Trinity United Church, she happily agreed.
The church wanted to enhance the exterior of their building and make it more welcoming for the community.
Initially, Lynda Arnold, the church’s communications rep, contacted Ian McTavish, a teacher at Huntsville High School and mentor for the school’s robotics club, for help creating a new sign. He used the opportunity to teach his robotics students how to use different pieces of equipment to cut out the individual letters for Trinity’s new sign and paint them.
Then they decided that a public art installation would be a great addition to the exterior of the church.
Arnold knew that Martin, McTavish’s wife, creates hand-dyed woven tapestries. As those would not withstand the elements over time, a weather-proof reproduction was the next best thing. Of the three pieces Martin proposed, the church chose “Repository of Memory”, a piece inspired by Brooks Falls in Emsdale.
“Over the years the rock at this particular waterfall has been shaped by the water and the rocks have changed shape over time. However, the water also changes course around the changing rocks which to me represents how our experiences change and shape us as people,” says Martin.
For the Trinity reproduction, which was created by Dallas Clarke of Hypervision Signs, Martin used a high-quality image of “Repository of Memory” taken by photographer Paul Bennett. It was installed earlier this month.
“This piece really speaks to me so I love the fact that now lots of people in our community can see it,” said Martin. “I love the fact that in today’s age we are so fast-paced and the work involved in woven tapestries goes against the grain. Tapestry weaving is such a long-term commitment and you have a piece of art that lasts for generations.”
“Repository of Memory” was completed in 2019, and has been travelling through the US, making stops in Massachusetts and California, as part of the American Tapestry Biennial, a juried exhibit showcasing the best of international contemporary hand-woven tapestry.
Martin has recently thrown her creativity into her newest initiative, Indigo Rain Flower Farm, and says she is excited to see how the florals impact her future woven tapestry pieces. “Woven art really contrasts with my work in the flower farm since growing flowers is so fleeting and tapestries are timeless.”
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That is so beautiful! A real highlight for Marni’s talent and Dallas Clarke’s skill to create a masterpiece for all of us to enjoy. Well done!