Ruth Castle (New Zealand), woven objects

Ruth Castle was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1928 and studied art at Canterbury University College. After graduating, she worked as a teacher and a textile designer. In 1967, she travelled to Asia to study traditional weaving techniques. This trip had a profound impact on her work and she began to experiment with new materials and techniques.

In the 1970s, Castle began to exhibit her work in galleries and museums around New Zealand. She was awarded a number of grants and fellowships, which allowed her to travel and study further. In 1981, she was awarded a QEII Arts Council grant to travel to California and Mexico to study Native American weaving techniques. Castle's work is characterized by its use of natural materials, such as rattan, flax, and wool. She often used these materials in unexpected ways, creating intricate and delicate patterns. Her work is also known for its more... bold colors and geometric designs.

Castle's work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums around New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. She is represented in the collections of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T?maki, and the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu.

Castle was a highly influential figure in the New Zealand textile art community. She was a mentor to many young artists and her work continues to inspire and challenge contemporary textile artists.

Ruth Castle died in 2016 less...