Local artist profile: Rozlyn Effenberg

THIS week we chat with fibre artist Rozlyn Effenberg, who credits a 12-day immersion craft tour in Japan where she spent her days weaving, dyeing, eating and being inspired by the immediate environment as a pivotal point in her career.

What initially motivated you to become a fibre artist?

I first became interested in fibre arts as a student here in Bendigo at the Teachers’ College in the early 70s.

I majored in Art and my studio practice was threads and textiles.

How do you describe your style and how did you develop it?

My style is very freeform, often allowing the materials to dictate.

For example, I like to stitch using variegated thread and allow the patterns to just emerge.

I have been influenced by the Japanese form of weaving – Saori – where there are no rules and where a fault becomes a feature, which is very liberating for a Virgo like myself.

I also like to use natural objects in my work.

For example, I crochet but push the boundaries by crocheting around rocks and leaves.

I love sticks and seed pods and incorporate these into my work as well.

I reuse and upcycle fabrics destined for landfill by using them in my stitching and weaving.

Which other artists inspire you and why?

No one in particular, but it’s always wonderful to view other`s work and gain inspiration from it.

I love attending exhibitions and supporting local artists.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have of your career so far?

A pivotal point in my career was a 12-day immersion craft tour in Japan where we spent our days weaving, dyeing, eating and being inspired by our immediate environment.

I was introduced to Indigo/Shibori* which is one of my favourite aspects of my practice (*a method of dyeing patterns by twisting, binding, wrapping, folding and stitching).

Another highlight is exhibiting with other artists.

For example, Cloak at The Living Art Space (2023) at the Visitor Centre in Pall Mall and Kinetic at Kennington Reservoir (2022) in Strathdale.

This year I also exhibited my work in the Celebration of Saori exhibition in Clunes and the recent coLab exhibition at Dudley House.

Being part of Open Studios was also a highlight of the year, where 36 local artists opened their studios to see where art lives.

I love to still be a student by attending workshops.

I hosted Saori weaving workshops at Honeysuckle Cottage Studio at the end of October where Prue from Dyeing to Weave inspired us all.

I got to weave both days as well as make cups of tea and pass around TimTams and Minties.

I’ve also booked into a 4-day Indigo/Shibori workshop in the Grampians next March to further develop my skills, and be inspired by others.

How has your career been affected by COVID?

COVID was actually a big benefit for me as it meant I had extra time in the studio to create.

It gave me permission to focus on myself and my creating.

How can people check out your work online?

I’m on Instagram and Facebook under “Honeysuckle Cottage Studio”.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up?

You can come and see my work, my lovely loom and Indigo/Shibori dye space (Honeysuckle Cottage Studio is located at 25 Honeysuckle Street, Bendigo).

What would you say to young regional artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Don’t leave it too long!

Give yourself permission and have confidence in yourself to put yourself out there.