Two of the island’s textile artists have created an art display that expresses their love of the colours, textures, patterns and vibrancy of African art.

Janice Cottier and Pat Kelly opened their joint exhibition ’Africa’ at the Hodgson Loom Gallery in Laxey on Saturday.

The display has filled the gallery space with an impressive display of bright, vibrant and eye-catching pieces of textile designs, featuring a dizzying array of techniques and styles.

Both artists have a fascination with African-influenced art and design.

Janice spent many years living and working in the Southern African countries of Zambia and Lesotho, where she developed an affiliation for African craft techniques.

’This work I have produced is a reflection of our time in Africa,’ said Janice.

’They have all been influenced by the colour and the memories of the things that my husband, Brian, and I did with our two children did when we all lived out there.

’I went out to Zambia in the early 80s, I think, around 1983. When I ran my nursery school in Lesotho, I did craft work everyday with the children.

’I have always done something creative, but being retired now means that I have more time to enjoy it.’

Both Janice and Pat have used a mix of authentic African and hand-dyed materials, made using traditional techniques, such as plant-based and indigo dying.

Janice has also created pieces from beaten bark, taken from the Boabab tree.

Pat Kelly studied art at the University College Isle of Man, where she studied West African textiles.

’I have travelled a lot through Morocco and have also produced studies of material at the African section of the British Museum,’ said Pat.

Pat said she only met Janice when it was suggested that they could work together, as their styles were so closely matched.

’We worked individually on this show, as we only got to know each other after we agreed to take part in this exhibition,’ said Pat.

’Janice had already started her pieces, and we only got together when gallery curator, Julia Ashby Smyth, suggested that we should get together, as our work had a lot in common.

’I’m happy to say we are great friends now.

’And the exhibition is incredibly colourful and just wonderful to see altogether, especially in this gallery space.

’We both like the fact that it has such a "wow" factor when you walk into this room for the first time.’

The ’Africa’ exhibition is free to view, and is on display until Sunday, April 27.

by Mike Wade

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