Whether you like it or not, art is permeable, seemingly seeping through the seam of every form. Karen Luk, a fourth-year printmaking student premiers her solo exhibition woven into fine print, showcasing her interest in textile work.Taking place at the Gales Gallery of the Accolade West Building, the exhibit will be running until October 16, with a closing reception on the 15 of October.
Luk created several textile pieces that she knitted and weaved herself. She then paired the fabrics with books that reflect similar themes, showing the similarities and contrasts between how fabrics are made and the printing process of books and other print media.
Originally a printmaker, Luk often worked with intaglio woodcut, a process commonly referred to as engraving or etching. Using herringbone pattern common to knitting and weaving, the art pieces are all of a white or off-white palette.
“What [interests] me is the process itself. I am very aware of the influence the process has on my work, as opposed to seeing printmaking as a means to an end. There is a reciprocal relationship, and I enjoy seeing all the interactions,” says Luk.
Concepts of language, process and material were in focus, as Luk experimented with different fabrics. One of the most striking pieces, “lin’n’form” utilizes flax fibers and seed along with linen.
“Materials and process are of particular interest to me, and this show allowed me to use that as the subject and explore them both in more depth,” adds Luk.
Luk has been an artist since childhood, first enrolling in art classes before turning five. Not a big fan of traditional art such as painting or drawing, Luk stumbled upon knitting and photography in high school and continued printmaking from there. It was only recently that Luk began to challenge herself with textiles and fabrics.
As an artist, it may be hard at times to find inspiration or motivation. She states there are many reasons as to why she continues to create art, but finds those reasons difficult to articulate.
[su_quote]“Art is simply a part of my life.”[/su_quote]
Justyna Korczynski, Contributor
Featured image courtesy of Karen Luk
