2011 Maiwa Textile Symposium Workshop

Dorothy Caldwell
$350 (Includes $40 Lab Fee) Three full days
October 26 - 28 (Wed - Fri) 10am - 4pm
Maiwa Loft - Net Loft Granville Is., Vancouver, Canada Class Limit 14

This workshop will examine “the stitch” using the traditions of Indian Kantha Embroidery.

Kanthas served as bed coverings, sitting pads for special guests, as well as coverings for mirrors, combs, religious books, and other valuables. They were even made into envelope-like containers to hold money, betel leaf, and other valuables.


Kantha-embroidered quilts use the running stitch to form patterns and narrative imagery reflecting the lives and experiences of the makers. Slides and actual examples will be used to bring this rich artform to life. With Kantha Embroidery as a basis and through a series of exercises, expressive aspects of “the stitch” will be explored leading participants toward building a personal vocabulary of mark-making.

Dorothy Caldwell is an active practicing artist who maintains an international exhibition and teaching schedule. She travels from Ontario to teach this workhop.

Dorothy Caldwell will give a lecture on Tuesday, October 25.

Dorothy Caldwell

Dorothy Caldwell is a graduate of Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and maintains an active international exhibition and teaching schedule. She has carried out research in Japan and India on textile traditions and is the recipient of grants and awards, including the prestigious Bronfman Award given to one Canadian craftsperson each year. Her work forms a part of many permanent collections, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Carlton and Reta Lewis collection in Washington, D.C., the Canadian Consulate in Bangkok, Thailand, and the American Museum of Art and Design.