Creating Space
I recently learned a little about the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’ which refers to a gap, pause or empty space as a positive entity often holding as much importance as the rest of an artwork. Ma has been described as “an emptiness full of possibilities, like a promise yet to be fulfilled." Ma can also refer to the perception of a space as opposed to an actual physical distance and as this online course grows it joins people from all over the world with so much in common – I feel the space between us becomes less and less.
The greatest honour in teaching Form To Freedom is seeing people embody the possibilities within the Ma. Whether that is a beginner, taking a deep breath, pause and stepping into the unknown to find space in their life for creative contemplation or as they advance, physically capturing empty space when they weave a sculptural basket. We named this exhibition Creating Space as it begins with seeking spaces where weaving materials grow, finding space in our lives and in our houses for weaving and finding space to balance our artworks. On the following pages you’ll see how wonderfully the emerging fibre artists have responded to the concept.
My heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to everyone who has bravely stepped into the empty space.
Harriet Goodall
