Craft Conversations
Studio artist Yu-Fang Chi works with textiles and materials to transform a space’s atmosphere, engage with audiences and open critical discussions. Intertwine is an immersive installation made from re-called and environmentally harmful fishing nets. Applying masterful weaving and sewing techniques she allows for pause on the relationship between the natural and built environments.
Why have you chosen to repurpose disused yabby nets?
I am always interested in using textile-related material. When I made jewellery and objects, I regularly applied wires, threads, fibres, all kinds of liner materials on my work. I chose to work with recycled fishnet, partly because of my long-term interests of textile, another reason is from my previous experience of working in ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 Festival, which brings me to re-think about the role of art, and how artwork could possibly respond to environmental issues.
Can you tell what it is like to work with this material?
It is a great opportunity for me to work with recycled fishnets, which allow me to explore, rethink, repurpose the net and see how my work could interact with the structure and unique material. The biggest challenge could be… how to combine things together, through different layers and materials, how they speak to each other.
Another challenge could be…to disassemble these nets from original net sets and clean them. It is a time-consuming process. Sometimes nets tangled with ropes, dirt and leaves.
Why do you think we need to reflect and revaluate our approach to material in craft and design practice?
As a studio artist, I found the process happened naturally. It seems like my hand guides me to understand and re-visit the materials.
What is the responsibility of the maker and their approach to the use of material?
I feel if an artist treats the material and approaches honestly, that should be good enough..