More Educational resources coming soon!

TETHERING

11 October - 9 November 2024 | Albany Town Hall

In her solo exhibition Tethering, Annette Davis explored ideas of connection and holding on.

Her curiosity about trees growing from rocky crevices and coastal shrubs clinging to windswept granite boulders was her starting point. Inspired by nature’s will to survive, Annette has used materials and techniques associated with rural life to create this new body of work.

The first step in her creative process involved the materials having a conversation with nature, either through natural dyeing, frottage or being buried under leaves for extended periods. Using techniques of knotting, looping, stitching, and twisting, these raw materials of canvas, cloth, paper, rope and wire have been transformed into artworks which express connection to place.

Annette Davis is an artist and curator from Albany who is interested in landscape and history. Each year she stays near the Murchison River in the mid-west for extended periods, where she immerses herself and her materials in nature.

This exhibition was proud to be a part of the IOTA24 Festival, supported by Lotterywest.

VIRTUAL TOUR of Tethering

Birdsong Map

Annette identified the birds around Murchison River in the mid-west of Western Australia. 

Annette Davis Birdsong Map full artwork

Annette Davis Birdsong symbols

Annette Davis Birdsong detail 1

Annette Davis Birdsong detail 2

Art Education Activity - Birds and Textile Art

Objective

Students to look and listen to birds and create art using textiles

Materials Needed

  • Pictures of local birds
  • Fabric pieces
  • Sewing supplies (needles, threads, scissors)
  • Sketchbook and drawing materials

Activities

  1. Bird Identification
    1. Look for birds -
    2. Make a chart with pictures and names for each bird
  2. Symbol Creation
    1. Talk about how Annette made symbols onto fabric piece
    2. Students will create their own symbols for different birds
  3. Textile Art Project
    1. Students will stitch their symbols onto fabric pieces
    2. Be creative with colours and designs
  4. Reflection
    1. Students will show their artwork and talk about their bird and symbol
    2. Discuss why birds are important to ecosystem and how art helps express nature