As we struggle to understand this space rock that we all live on, we are left with one overarching conclusion. Our planet, like all other planets in our known universe, is not static. It is, in fact, frighteningly dynamic. Nothing is accidental nor happenstance. Because we are little more than tenants of this planet, we unfortunately have the tendency to view things through the rather opaque looking glass of our own self-interest.

As humans we don’t truly have the capacity to destroy our planet—that is, curtail its actual existence. We do, however, have the tools to render it uninhabitable for humans. I believe that’s what environmentalists have been trying to get across to us all, rather unsuccessfully as it turns out.

This body of work, “Our Moody Planet” does not attempt to preach restraint, nor rein in our excesses, nor make any effort at all to reverse a course for us that pessimistically foretells doom. We are not the sole contributors to the dynamic nature of our planet. Nor have we all the answers necessary to alter its course.

Though our technology now allows us to look around our planet, and other planets for that matter, most of us live day to day in a rather tiny, insular microcosm. Events, disasters come at us in daily news bites; we have trained our minds to view these moments as the entirety of events occurring on our planet at that particular moment.

This collection of paintings is an attempt to change that thinking, to gather those things we know of our planet, the daily bruising that it takes, and present it collectively in one gallery presentation. Every day, for the rest of your life, all of these images you see in this gallery today are happening on our planet. Every moment of every day.

A solo extravaganza featuring the felted artworks of Esther Neufeld showcasing both 3D and 2D renderings of the elemental ‘Women of Creation’ – Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. These are compelling, enlivened and highly textural pieces which bring the viewer into the experiential realms of the deeply inspirited world in which we all live, toil and dream. Walk amongst them, feel their presence, savour their power.

Also featured will be an alluring boutique bazaar – ‘ELEMENTS’. The works presented here will reflect the overall ‘Women of Creation’ theme, giving the participant the opportunity to translate the living vitality of the show into a garment or accessory which can be worn in daily life – or on that ‘special’ occasion. A wide panoply of pieces, including felted shawls, silk print scarves, custom hats and caps, colourful bags, and dyed kerchiefs will be on offer.

Don’t come away with just memories of this astonishing show – drape these sensations around you, and become yourself a living celebration of these sublime and all-encompassing sisters, mothers and bosom confidantes – these ‘Women of Creation’. Come! Experience it!

PLACE IN PERSPECTIVE is a collaboration (over three years), between three award-winning textile artists who share connections to Cape Breton, Alberta and Saskatchewan. For several years, the artists met at an annual week-long artist residency in Saskatchewan where they came to realize the common bonds they had to these provinces; similar life experiences of transition and upheaval; and strong, individual artist voices that celebrated colour.