Artist

Carolyn Jongeward’s experience as tapestry artist informs her work in acrylic painting and mixed media. She first learned techniques of tapestry weaving from Navajo weavers, and then expanded her work in tapestry design and weaving through ongoing research, innovation and practice. The story of her creative process is the subject of the book Weaver of Worlds. Her exploration of woven design symbolism in different cultural contexts led to a Master of Arts from the Royal College of Art, London, UK. Carolyn has taught courses and workshops in Canada, United States and England on tapestry, design, colour and creative process. Her teaching experience and strong interest in the role of creativity and arts in adult education led to a Doctor of Education from the University of Toronto, Ontario. She has carried out research projects in India, Thailand, Turkey, Tanzania and elsewhere on the significant role of textile arts in women’s livelihoods and community economic development. Her studio practice now encompasses a range of media and styles of art making. She is an active member of the Women’s Art Association of Canada, a board member since 2016, and co-founder (2018) and co-chair of the WAAC Arts Committee.

Artist Statement

My tapestry art responds to the basic structure of weft-face weaving and includes an exploration of geometric forms and numerical patterns and also unexpected imagery that emerges at the loom without prior design. My abstract paintings in acrylic or mixed media focus on the interplay of colour and form through geometry, symmetries and rhythmic patterning and also through intuitive mark-making; some works combine these approaches and include block printing to produce lattice designs or geometric tessellations. My realistic acrylic paintings portray the intimacy of interior spaces and special occasions or places, emphasizing a particular atmosphere or feeling.

Exhibitions

Carolyn's tapestries have been exhibited in Canada, United States, and England—including Vancouver, Santa Fe, San Francisco, and London—and are held in private and corporate collections. Her abstract paintings and mixed media artwork have been exhibited frequently in the Dignam Gallery and the Ruth Upjohn Gallery of the Women’s Art Association of Canada in Toronto, as well as at Art Gallery of Bancroft, Campbell House Museum, Faculty Club of the University of Toronto, Boulevard Café, and Spadina Museum.

Contact

For further information about these works or to see more artwork and contact the artist, please visit the artist's website.

Website:  www.carolynjongeward.com

Instagram: @carolynjongeward