This is a call out to anyone who might be in, or visiting the Southern Highlands this coming Sunday 19 April, when Julie Paterson, founder of Cloth Fabric, will be celebrating the local launch of her new book ClothBound at 11am at Sturt Gallery, Mittagong.
I credit Julie with changing the perspective on Australian textiles….well, my perspective anyway. She arrived in this country with fresh eyes, a solid understanding of her craft and came up with a whole new take on the local landscape, flora and fauna. I’ve been dropping her designs into my work here and there for years, to add a bold, contemporary edge, while maintaining an earthy, organic aesthetic. Although I’ve been following her progress these twenty or so years (can it really be that long??!!) as she’s moved from shop to showroom around Sydney, I didn’t know the backstory of her designs ’til picking up a copy of ClothBound at her Sydney launch a couple of weeks ago.
Her story is an inspiration. She has a lot to say….whether about the great beauty of this country, or life itself, as spelled out in her delightful manifesto. A copy would make a delightful mother’s day pressie, or mothers might actually like to give a copy to their daughters! Either way, get yourself along to Sturt on Sunday and score yourself a signed copy….I’m sure Julie will be only too happy to oblige.