Région

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Date

1978

DIMENSIONS en centimètres

94 x 94 each

Matériaux et techniques

Wool; 8 harness double weave

Crédit

Patricia Pollett McClelland

Numéro d'identification

Cape Breton University Art Gallery 1989.04A, 1989.04B, 1989.04C, 1989.04D

Patricia Pollett McClelland was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1938. In 1960 she graduated with a certificate in applied visual arts from Mount Allison University where she studied pottery, leather work, silver jewelry, and weaving techniques. Two years later McClelland became an associate professor at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design from 1962-79 with weaving techniques being one of her primary teaching responsibilities.

In 1978 McClelland created Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter using an 8 harness double weave technique. The production of these panels was an experiment in understanding how to combine colours using this unique technique. It was by chance that the colours McClelland had chosen to use in weaving these panels resembled the iconic colour combinations of the four seasons as one would experience them on the east coast.

Along with being an honorary member and past president of both the Canadian Craft Council, and the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council, McClelland has acted as Vice President of the World Craft Council and is an executive member of the Canadian Conference of the Arts. McClelland brought incredible talent and enthusiasm with her when she came home to Cape Breton and became a driving force behind the success of the local craft community. As Executive Director of the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design in Sydney, Nova Scotia from 1988-1999, McClelland revitalized the crafting culture through the institution of new workshops and committees to enhance the skills and networking of local artisans. For her leadership and numerous achievements McClelland was awarded the Progress Women of Excellence Award in 1998. Now residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, McClelland continues to ply her trade in the form of rug hooking.