Thoma Ewen
Moon Rain Centre
Tapestry maker
Val-Des-Monts, QC, Canada
Threads across time and space
- Thoma weaves large tapestries from her secluded studio in the Gatineau Hills
- Her process starts with a drawing, followed by at least a year of weaving
- She uses a limited palette of Canadian wool, blended to create tonal variations and intense colour
Through her tapestries, Thoma Ewen aims to capture the immensity and energy of the natural environment that surrounds her home. A decisive moment came in 1968, when she encountered French tapestries in Ottawa and embraced the medium. After completing a BFA, Thoma trained in Finland with tapestry artist Oili Mäki, gaining first-hand experience of studio practice. After establishing her career in Toronto, she moved to the Gatineau Hills, where she lives and works off the grid in the middle of nature. "A meteorite shower on a full-moon night inspired me to call the studio Moon Rain Centre," Thoma says. Each of her tapestries starts with a drawing and often takes over a year to weave on the very same loom she built 50 years ago. Thoma exclusively works with a small palette of Canadian wool, blending colours directly on the loom to achieve depth and vibrancy.
INTERVIEW
While visiting an exhibition of French tapestries in Ottawa in 1968, I saw a large, beautiful and colourful work. This is when I knew that I wanted to become a tapestry weaver.
My intuitive process starts with an idea that has been in my mind for a long time. I start by drawing before I gather the courage to begin weaving. These large tapestries usually take longer than a year to complete.
I always gravitate towards larger works. I feel like my wings are clipped if I have to work on a smaller scale.
The idea must have enough force. I set many drawings aside before the energy comes through the drawing and I commit to it fully, following it through to completion.
Thoma Ewen
Moon Rain Centre
Tapestry maker
Val-Des-Monts, QC, Canada
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
English, French
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