Carmella Karijo Rother‘s engagement with simple materials and tools resonates with her manner of working. Her pieces demonstrate an elegant simplicity that emerges from a “less is more” aesthetic. These are unusual works: sculptures and vessels of felted wool, paintings of quilted silk, panniers and vessels of cotton rope, and textile compositions of cut and sewn fragments. People are encouraged to touch her art, to experience the warmth, softness and texture of the materials. All her series demonstrate ideas and techniques outside of convention.
Carmella’s home and studio are nestled in Gatineau Park, Quebec among century-old pine trees. Her love of nature – the beauty, wonder and tranquility she finds there – is woven throughout her life.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology (University of Saskatchewan) and a Master in Environmental Studies (York University). Her first career was in the field of nature interpretation and education, working at Ontario Parks and the Canadian Museum of Nature before she became a full-time artist.
Carmella’s work is in the City of Ottawa’s Fine Art Collection. Recent exhibitions include Wall Space Gallery in Ottawa, General Fine Craft in Almonte and Darrell Bell Gallery in Saskatoon. She has also participated in the international World of Threads Festival in Oakville, Ontario.
Items for Sale
New work for 2023: repeatedly sewn/cut/sewn pieces of cotton fabric and thread. mounted on felt or wood panel
Cotton rope sewn vessels and panniers, some with silk or painted additions
General Fine Craft 