Loops and Knots is a series of four free weaving workshops for young people aged 15-18 years, led by artists from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Pacific cultural backgrounds. In each workshop, students are taught techniques over the course of the day and are guided to produce a woven object.

At the end of the series of workshops, participants are invited to return to the IMA with their families to present their work and share cultural traditions in a public community celebration.

The free workshops include lunch and materials are provided. Travel subsidies are available for students’ transport to and from the workshop. To enquire about a subsidy contact sancintya@ima.org.au. To book a place register via Eventbrite here.

About this Workshop:
Sonja Carmichael will introduce participants to a simple string technique, central to the weaving practices of the Quandamooka people. Learn how to twist pliable natural and coloured fibres to create a bracelet. The coiling technique will also be explored to create a turtle from reclaimed washed-up marine debris and natural materials.

Biography:
Sonja Carmichael is a Quandamooka woman, from a long line of traditional women. She is a descendant of the Ngugi people, one of three clans who are the traditional custodians of Quandamooka, also known as Yoolooburrabee–people of the sand and sea. Weaving is central to her deep-rooted connectedness to her country and reflects her family’s spiritual connection with the land and seas of Minjerriba (North Stradbroke Island). As part of Carmichael’s practice, she gathers and weaves with diverse lost and discarded items that are washed up on Minjerriba, which she unravels to create new forms, connecting past, present and future. This marine debris has survived harsh conditions and is an expression of caring for country and the resilience and strength of our community today.

This project is supported by the Queensland Government.