Craft Awards - Eiko Emori Glass

Rachael Speirs
Helen Frances Gregor Award

Within her work, Rachael uses scrap fabric, which she cuts, layers and paints with gouache to create textural and narrative pieces. Embroidery and paper is added. The result is a collage-like piece that creates a visual metaphor, connecting current events and human experiences. She also works to explore her own family history, the secrets, taboos and stigmas faced by the women in her family. The use of textiles is intrinsic to Rachael's work. It allows her to connect with the viewer, as it appeals to their sense of nostalgia; it connects them to something that is in all our histories -- the handiwork, embroidery, quilts, and other objects our grandmothers and great grandmothers made that were, in essence, art.

Rachael has a background in Social Services but maintained her love and passion for art. She had exhibited her work for the first time in 2010 and has since participated in multiple exhibitions and received multiple awards and grants including best mixed media at Riverdale Art Walk, top 5 installations for DesignTO and has received grants through the Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council. She took 5 years off from exhibiting to have two beautiful daughters.

https://rachaelspeirs.com/work

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Here Comes The Sun
Layered and cut fabric and paper that has been embroidered and painted with gouache on birch panel; 91 cm x 121 cm; 2019

Watching Storms Start To Form
Layered and cut fabric and paper that has been embroidered and painted with gouache on canvas; 76 cm x 152 cm; 2020

Test of Manhood
Layered and cut fabric, thread clouds made on dissolvable stabilizer, and paper that has been embroidered
and painted with gouache on canvas; 76 cm x 76 cm; 2021

Something Always Sings
Cut and layered fabric, thread details made on dissolvable stabilizer,
cut paper, embroidery and gouache on birch panel; 63 cm x 76 cm; 2020

We dont want to be found
Cut and layered fabric, cut paper, embroidery and acrylic gouache on canvas; 50 cm x 91 cm; 2021

A quiet place where thoughts can be thunk
Cut and layered fabric, cut and layered paper and acrylic gouache on canvas; 40 cm x 50 cm; 2021

I wonder how much
Layers of cut fabric and paper which have been painted with acrylic gouache,
embroidery on hand embroidered canvas; 40 cm x 50 cm; 2021

If you're quiet you'll see them
Layers of cut fabric, thread on dissolvable stabilizer, vintage doily,
cut and layered paper and embroidery on birch panel; 63 cm x 76 cm; 2019

I'll just cut it myself
Cut and layered fabric, cut and layered paper, acrylic gouache, embroidery and gold leaf on canvas; 76 cm x 76 cm; 2021

Truth Truth Truth Truth
Cut and layered fabric, cut and layered paper that has been painted over
with acrylic gouache, embroidery and gold leaf on birch panel; 91 cm x 121 cm; 2021

Who We Are

Formerly the Ontario Crafts Council, Craft Ontario is a not-for-profit service organization that works to have craft recognized as a valuable part of life. We promote and celebrate professional craft through providing member opportunities, and advocate for craft practice by educating and empowering diverse audiences.