As a fibre artist, I have a post modern experimental take with my work, combining the past and present to create something original by pushing the boundaries of these materials and traditional techniques towards new found forms. A background in theatre and dance combines the art forms of performance and visual, by incorporating elements of narrative, physical expression and character studies. I work to build figures and art dolls, as well as create screens and sculpture with knitted lace and wire. I’ve been privileged in my opportunity to have a space and time to be an artist, however, other commitments, family needs and life in general often take precedence over my art practice. I’m envisioning time away from home and a space in your beautiful environment with a guided theme will provide a focused location for a new body of work.

Last March, I was acquainted with a biological brother through DNA analysis. We share a deceased biological Father, who neither of us knew. I investigated the unknown father in recent years, following every path as far as it would carry me. However, as he had no children listed or mentioned anywhere, I never saw this brother coming. A sibling, a living physical reflection of a side of myself I’d never experienced until now, midlife. Between us, we have exchanged anecdotal stories about our lives, to find parallels and synchronicities in our separated experiences. There is a delicate analysis in motion around this unique situation. Physicality has been a primary component around the deceased father, many of his male contemporaries made mention of his physique, so we decided to write anecdotals to each other about our own physicalities. Even though we are male and female we have similar body types and have been told we share similar movements. My physical structure has always been different from my maternal family’s characteristics. After a lifetime of feeling out of place physically, I have found a counterpart and it’s odd in its familiarity. In experimenting with body language, I have created malleable figures. Centering these figures in expressive vignettes under layers of movement, phrases and sound. I’m looking to Toronto for an artist in residency as this is where my new brother and his children reside, which would give me time to further develop this new identity. I’d also like to come to Gibraltar Island for an opportunity to focus and commit my idea and practice with the guidance and artistic community Luminous Bodies has to offer.

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Kemo Schedlosky is a Fibre Artist, working in Vancouver. She has been an active member of the Arts Factory Collective since 2015. She studied textile arts with The College of North Atlantic in Newfoundland and with Capilano University in North Vancouver. Her technical skills include knitting, embroidery, fibre dying, weaving and quilting, with knitting being the most explored and beloved. Before switching her creative impulses to fibre, she was a thespian and teacher, gaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Education Degrees at The University of Calgary.  More of Kemo’s work can be seen at www.kemostudio.org.