The discipline of constructing
Jolie Bird

January 17 – March 6

Stride Gallery Main Space

1006 Macleod Tr SE

In Anni Albers’ famous text Tactile Sensibility, the dedicated weaver stresses the importance of the tactile materiality rooted in the act of making, in craft: “we touch things in order to assure ourselves of reality. We touch the objects we love. We touch the things we form.” The discipline of constructing by Jolie Bird is an ode to the process of making, the cadences of intimacy between the artist, her tools, and materials. The exhibition collates weavings, textile installation, in-gallery performances, and idea and skill sharing with the community. Throughout the duration of the show, Bird will be working in a representational artist’s studio, complete with a four-harness floor loom, assorted weaving tools, materials and snippets from her recent trip to Japan that informs the new body of work and will be present in the studio from 1PM to 6PM on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Bird will also lead two workshops on the historical and cultural context of rope and knot making allowing participants to experience the tactile act of making both practical and decorative objects with their own hands.

Jolie Bird is a fibre artist who lives and works in Calgary, Alberta. She completed her MFA at NSCAD University, Halifax in 2013 and has also studied at the Alberta University of the Arts, Capilano University, North Vancouver, and the Kawashima Textile School in Kyoto. Bird works predominantly with fibre but also includes other mediums, found objects, and installation into her practice. She is drawn to slow techniques like hand-stitching, weaving, and wrapping for the investment of time needed to complete the work. Repetitive and slow-building in nature, the process becomes mentally and physically demanding, while at the same time feeling intuitive and somewhat meditative. Working slowly with simple tools and only her hands, she forms an intimate connection with the artwork. Her work has been exhibited locally, nationally and in the United States.

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Stride Gallery is located in Mohkinstsis, the traditional territories of Treaty 7 people. Our activities take place on the land that was, for a long time, stewarded and cared for by the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Iyarhe/Stoney Nakoda people comprising the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.