Weaving workshop with Phyllis Stewart and Steven Russell | a reflection

Genevieve Stewart is a Kuku Yalanji woman and is studying a Bachelor in Design Animation at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She undertook an internship with Solid Ground and we invited her to respond to the Weaving workshop with Phyllis Stewart and Steven Russell.

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Blacktown Arts presented a series of weaving workshops hosted by artists Auntie Phyllis Stewart and Uncle Steven Russell alongside the recent exhibition kanalaritja: An Unbroken String. In these workshops, participants delved into a range of techniques to create unique woven objects.

Steven and Phyllis are part of the Jungah Weavers artists’ collective based in Gerringong, on the South Coast of NSW. Through their own creative practices, they use different materials and techniques to create functional and sculptural weavings. The have a strong connection with Blacktown Arts and have previously exhibited with Blackown Arts part of the Black Native Project artists 2014-2015.

In response to the weaving workshop, Genevieve responded with her drawing ‘Weaving Woman’.

She states: “After participating in the weaving workshop with Uncle Steven Russell and Aunty Phyllis Stewart, the motif of missing cultural identity reoccurred and also that I have not had the chance to fully explore the cultural practices from my own clan. The woman in the illustration represents that desire to apply the activities that were once banned to my everyday life. Her head signifies that her journey is not fully completed but once it is she will have the memory to pass on.”

‘Weaving Woman’ (2019)Connect with Genevieve Stewart

Instagram: @genevieve_antoinettePhoto credit
STEVEN RUSSELL & KRISTINE STEWART, Eel Traps, 2015
Lomandra grass, Running postman vine, red hot poker plant, 35 x 30 x 160 cm