March 25, 2013
Jo Bowler, the latest artist to feature in the Bunya Forest Gallery’s ‘Artist in Focus’ Program, likes to spin a yarn … literally.
In the 1990s, Jo and her husband decided to live as self-sufficiently as possible, long before it became fashionable.
“We were given three sheep and I soon learned to spin,” Jo said.
“That’s how I became hooked. From the ewes and a black lincoln ram I refined the colours and micron to find the most suitable for hand spinning.
“To create my range of original garments meant breeding colours to vary the choice.
“Later I added alpaca fleeces, from the blackest black to the reddest tans, for a greater range of colours and blend of fibres.
“I enjoy mixing the elasticity of wool and softness of alpaca to give the best of both these warm fibres.”
Jo said her spinning had become not only an opportunity to earn a small income but was also a therapeutic activity.
“The rhythm of spinning soothes the soul and solves your problems,” she said.
“Sam has always helped. Firstly with his woodwork then machine knitting and weaving to complement the spinning.
“Whenever I visit the Bunya Mountains, it’s as if Mother Nature puts her cloak around me. I feel at peace with the world again and for a time it’s almost as if my craft is an offering for her approval.”
Jo’s works will be exhibited at Bunya Forest Gallery from March 29 to June 2.
The Bunya Forest Gallery, which is located in Bunya Avenue at the Bunya Mountains, is open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
[Photos: Kay Joyce]
