The Signature x Futures 17 - Harriet Goodall 01

Harriet Goodall 
Jennings Kerr 

Raised on a large farm in rural Australia, Harriet Goodall explores belonging and connection by creating work with texture and patina, utilising natural materials, weaving and welded sculpture. Her work in metal and fibre transforms techniques from traditional basketmaking and tapestry into contemporary sculpture. The similitude of patterns in the landscape and human mark making are expressed through the laborious nature of weaving, the basket and textiles acting as metaphor for country life including the demarcation of women and fencing off land. Meditative, tactile practices of weaving, stitching and painting are central to her work; she takes ancient global traditions and melds them using metalwork techniques like welding, brazing and riveting which she saw her father use on the farm. Harvesting plant materials and earth pigments from the bush, salvaging agricultural off casts and recycled metal, she creates works with a focus on balance, patina and shadow that speak of a respect for the landscape . Harriet has had commissioned pieces in private and commercial collections, created a kinetic installation with a dance artist installed for arts festivals and is regarded as an innovator in the world of sculptural fibre and basketry. She has taught thousands of people to weave over 14 years in Australia lead retreats internationally but she would define her fine art practice as evolving. She held her first very successful solo show in 2019. Her love for woven cloth and textiles was forged on travels through the Himalaya and Andes birthing a fair-trade exchange with indigenous weavers across South America which ignited a passionate advocacy for indigenous weaving and natural dyes. She regularly works with Aboriginal communities and Arts Organisations to help them re-invigorate knowledge around native plants and practice She has studied under well- known masters including Virginia Kaiser, Jim Walliss, India Flint and Anita Larkin along with masters of bamboo in Japan and Vietnam. In recent years, she has taught at art retreats in the USA, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia.