Biography

Sheree Rasmussen grew up in Toronto. She has traveled extensively, living in rural Denmark for 10 years, and presently lives in Toronto and Northumberland County, Ontario.

She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design (then OCA), where she was nominated for the Governor General’s Award, as well as the recipient of the Colour, and several other awards.

Artist's Statement

I love the complex play of colour and movement and that is what my work is about. I have always appreciated textiles, probably because my mother sewed, and dressed me in fabulous outfits. I studied dance, and my pieces represent a kind of choreography. I am excited by the improvisational process of working with the initial chaos of colours and shapes, and taming them into a harmonious relationship.

My influences range from the traditional cloths of the Balkans and Middle East to the modernist paintings of Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Hans Hoffman and Hundertwasser.

My past work focused on loom weaving, enjoying working within the mathematical confines of the loom, and pushing its limits. In my current work, I have broken free of those constraints, using the fabric pieces like paint, my scissors like a brush, allowing for complete freedom of movement and expression.

My wildly abstract collages extend far beyond the boundaries of traditional textile art. My influences, both from modernity and tradition, shape a powerful, ultimately joyful and uplifting narrative.

Curriculum Vitae

Education and Awards
  • Ontario College of Art Graduated in 1991
  • Nominated for the Governor General’s Award
  • Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence- winner of 12 awards between 2005-2009
  • Spirit of the Hills Annual Juried Show - Ist prize in the Mixed Media Category 2009
  • Spirit of the Hills Juried Art Show - Honourable mention- 2011

Shows
  • Museum for Textiles- Toronto, Ontario Student show 1990
  • Karme Choling Centre, Vermont, USA- Solo show 1994
  • Catch the Spirit - John Parrott Gallery- Belleville, Ontario 2009
  • Spirit of the Hills-Northumberland County Juried Art Show 2009
  • Masterworks East - Ontario Crafts Council Juried Art Show - 2009
  • Wondrous Textiles - 3 person show at Scott's Barn Cultural Centre, Grafton, Ontario  2010
  • Fabrications - solo show at Studio Vogue Gallery Toronto 2011

Memberships
  • Ontario Crafts Council
  • Spirit of the Hills - Arts Association for Northumberland County
  • Saqa - Studio Art Quilters Association
  • Landscape Ontario