Loops and Knots is a series of four free weaving workshops for young people aged 15-18 years, led by artists from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Pacific cultural backgrounds. In each workshop, students are taught techniques over the course of the day and are guided to produce a woven object.

Limited places are available for these free workshops. Some travel subsidies are available for students’ transport to and from the workshop through an application process. To register your interest and for more information please contact sancintya@ima.org.au.

At the end of the series of workshops, participants are invited to return to the IMA with their families to present their work and share cultural traditions in a public community celebration.

About this Workshop:
This workshop, led by Hannah Gutchen, explores Torres Strait Islander weaving techniques, focusing on put weaving. In Torres Strait Islander dance and dress the put is used for head and arm bands that embody the sacredness of the Abal (Pandanus) tree and its many uses that are incorporated into living traditions. Gutchen will guide participants through specific techniques, representing the strong values of “Links of Unity”.

Biography:
Hannah Gutchen, is a Torres Strait Islander/Jewish woman, traditional weaver and artist currently practicing in Brisbane. Gutchen has been passed down sacred knowledge of weaving practices that allows a space for self-expression, self-healing, sharing of culture and connecting stories. She has exhibited traditional weaving adornments and facilitated weaving workshops, striving to preserve cultural knowledge through thought-provoking delivery. Gutchen is passionate about expressing self-governance with the foundation of cultural connectedness through weaving, visual and social platforms.

This project is supported by the Queensland Government.