This Raw Material

This Raw Material is an exhibition featuring contemporary wool craft and bespoke creations by Liz Mitchell (MNZM).

Liz Mitchell (MNZM) holds a prominent position in Aotearoa New Zealand's fashion industry. With her specialization in bespoke tailoring, she has devoted nearly three decades to harnessing the inherent beauty, adaptability, and enduring qualities of wool. Her unwavering dedication has established wool as the cornerstone of her design philosophy.

Liz passionately believes that Aotearoa's wool remains an underutilized resource with vast potential. It is primed for transformation into tangible products ideally suited for the global built environment. However, wool has unfortunately been overshadowed by synthetic fibres and plastics, which contribute to environmental pollution. Liz's mission encompasses two critical objectives: to introduce Aotearoa's wool into every household and to showcase its versatility in a myriad of architectural applications. Her ultimate aim is to reignite worldwide appreciation for wool, driven by her design-centric approach, with the ambition of positioning Aotearoa's robust wool as a sustainable and regenerative resource. This endeavour seeks to return wool design to the international forefront.

Spanning all three rooms of Homestead Galleries, This Raw Material pays tribute to wool as a regenerative, sustainable, non-allergenic, biodegradable, versatile, abundant, creative, and life-enhancing raw material. The exhibition encourages visitors to embrace strong wool in Aotearoa as an integral part of their daily lives, fostering a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.

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View exhibition booklet and artist bio here.

View exhibition catalogue here.

Read the Five Under 5 interview with Liz Mitchell and curator Melina Payne.

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Gallery Programmes accompanying this exhibition:

27 November - Opening Preview
4 November - Tour of This Raw Material
13 November - November Gallery Bubs
2 December - Knitting Club

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Join the Wool Revolution - Powered By Liz Mitchell

During this exhibition season, Liz ran a successful a PledgeMe campaign to raise funds for the development of the new Wool and Natural Fibres Textile Hub here at Corban Estate Arts Centre, which will include the creation of educational materials, promotion and training.

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Liz Mitchell joins Summer School 2024

Joining the ranks of a range of renowned practicing New Zealand artists, Liz Mitchell is hosting her own immersive four-day weaving and felting workshop at Corban Estate Arts Centre during Summer School 2024.

Spaces are limited. Secure your spot soon to join Liz on a journey of wool appreciation in the new year!

19-18 January - Off-Loom Weaving and Felting