Page 97 - The Digital Cloth issue 2

I was excited to meet Textile Embroidery Artist
Sophie Standing from Kenya. I chatted with Cheryl
who lives 100 kilometres inland from Geraldton WA
who also took out an award for her third SUASITD –
what does that tell you? I met lots of great souls I’ve
connected with over social media – a treat to wrap my
arms around them and the sheer joy to talk and laugh
face to face.
Food, oh dear me…. did I mention the food? Far, far
too much delicious food – did I have to eat it? NO!
I’m back to my 5/2 routine now that I’m home.
The BBQ under the stars was excellent. Everyone
wants you to enjoy the experience, from the bus driv-
ers to the catering staff who fill your glass with wine,
ensure you have enough to eat, cater to your needs
to the max. The star talk was the first time I’ve had
Scorpio mapped out in the night sky (yes I’m a Scor-
pio girl)….the vastness of the Milky Way snaking its
way through the Universe. Now that’s awe inspiring,
in fact spiritual for me. The insignificance I felt as one
teeny tiny speck looking up into that vast night sky
was breathtaking!
On arrival to the “Field of Light” it was announced
there is a further extension of this installation
until 2020. Take note: MAKE SURE YOU GET
There were quite a number of husbands among the perfect as possible. In fact SUASITD takes two years THERE…….and wear lots and lots of warm clothes!
group who took the opportunity to explore the area in the planning.
during the days, take in a helicopter ride, cycle or The accommodation at Desert Gardens and Emu
hike. Steve Bruhn enlisted in a glass making class Walk are great (Sails Resort looks amazing – I’m yet
while to stay there).
Dallas Mischkulnig talked about the Segway tour I was lucky to share an apartment at Emu Walk with
around the Rock. It’s a photographers dream even if Margot from Urunga and Ali George who was also
the photographer is a novice – it’s very hard to take a my tutor. Great roommates to share a glass or two of
bad shot out there. There are lots of opportunities to wine after hours.
keep loved ones occupied and then of course
regrouping at night for the Sunset tour and BBQ The gallery at Sails is full of exquisite pieces or art,
or you could buy a ticket to the Sounds of Silence custom made jewellery, glass, silk scarves, and
dinner. pottery. The buffet dinner on Monday evening (is that
on every night) is exceptional. I’m so glad that the
There are optional extras. weigh in at the airport on departure was only for my
Bernina offered exceptional support with the team luggage!
comprising of Kerrie Hay and Joy who calmly pro- Yulara town-ship is a buzz from early hours until late
vided tips and instructions on how to use your brand into the evening and full of great souls who want your
new SUASITD Bernina215 sewing machine. experience to be a never ending memory. There are
All machines had a skin attached with some beautiful shops and galleries, Kulata Academy
stunning artwork titled “Womans Café (the staff are exceptional) a post office,
Dreaming” My Country by Julianne Turner Information Centre, restaurants and IGA offer
Nungarrayi an Aboriginal Artist from Yuelamu, everything you need if you want to cater for yourself.
Central Australia. Meeting up with people I love is so exciting: Artists
Caroline Sharkey and her team consisting of Deb, and Tutors Ro Bruhn, Michelle Mischkulnig, Gloria
Jenny, Jeanette and Linda provided care and support Loughman, Ali George, Susan de Vanny. I finally
running from the start of day until lock up. Nothing met Stephanie Allen and some amazing textile artists
was a problem; smiles from ear to ear, always willing including Yvonne Pywell, Rebecca Wolske and Rae
to assist. Caroline puts in a huge amount of work and Strahan who also entered my 2018 One Red Thread
effort to ensure your time at her retreat is as close to Textile Art Prize.
Photo by Linda Robertson