Kim Carter

Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education
Textile and mixed media artist
Very recently became a member of Splinter Contemporary Artists

From memory, what was the first thing you made with your hands?

At the age of four or five I remember creating an assemblage of items inside my little yellow school case and proudly presenting it to my parents declaring I had made an invention and that I was going to be an inventor. My grand plan was foiled when Dad asked what did my invention do ... I had no idea. He said that perhaps I was going to be an artist then. Not long after, a teacher taught me to weave on drinking straws using scraps of wool (see image); I loved the feel of the wool in my fingers and the quiet, rhythmic nature of the task. I was totally hooked.

What are you making with your hands right now?

I am working on pieces for my second exhibition which mostly deals with damaged or discarded objects, including a quilt made from 500 teabags and coffee filters donated to me from people all over town. I am hand stitching the quilt with teabag strings, inspired by the Japanese technique Boro (meaning ‘rags’). Despite the calluses that are forming on my fingers and the time consuming nature of the work, I am finding it incredibly satisfying.

Why is the art of handmade so important?

I feel as though I am giving a piece of myself when I craft something with my hands. I also feel that we maintain a connection to the past when we learn those skills that have been around for generations.

Kim's current exhibition, Fragility, is on show at Gallery 294, Corowa, NSW (http://www.gallery294.org.au/). The exhibition can be seen daily from 10-4 until Sunday 3rd August.

 

All photographs courtesy of Kim Carter
Kim can be contacted via Splinter Contemporary Artists

 Kim is on Facebook and Tumblr

 

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