Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

For half a century, artist Thoma Ewen has explored the intricate relationship between light,

energy, and the interconnectedness of life through weaving. Beginning January 23, her work will

take centre stage at Galerie Montcalm in Le Tissage et le temps (Weaving and Time), a

retrospective exhibition celebrating her career and artistic vision. Organized by the City of

Gatineau, the exhibition runs through March 23 and marks a homecoming for Ewen, who first

exhibited at the gallery in 1981 during its inaugural year of programming.

The exhibition, which spans decades of creativity, offers a reflection on Ewen’s view of weaving

as more than just an art form. “Weaving is a perfect metaphor for the interconnections that link

everything in the biosphere,” she said. “The warp and the weft, the vertical and horizontal

threads, come together to create something harmonious and whole. It’s like the structure of life

itself.” Her work, often illuminated by themes of light, seeks to capture this harmony and evoke a

sense of peace in its viewers.

Ewen’s luminous high-warp tapestries have been exhibited across Canada and internationally,

drawing attention for their intricate designs and vibrant use of colour. One such piece, Coatlicue

(2023), features wool and cotton interwoven to evoke the energies of the natural world. The

tapestry, named after an Aztec deity, represents the artist’s ongoing fascination with the flow of

energy and the metaphysical aspects of light. “Light is both the primal source of life and an

endless inspiration,” Ewen said. “It carries energy, beauty, and a sense of the infinite.”

To honour her contributions, the exhibition opens with a celebratory vernissage on January 23 at

7 pm. Guests are invited to wear attire inspired by two recurring motifs in Ewen’s work: the

butterfly and the starry sky. The playful invitation reflects the artist’s belief in the exchange

between viewer and artwork. “My work is intuitive,” she said. “I rarely analyse its meaning as I’m

creating. Sometimes the meaning reveals itself later, and sometimes a viewer will interpret

something I didn’t see. That’s what makes it so rewarding—there’s always this dynamic

exchange.”

Ewen’s approach to her craft is deeply personal, shaped by a meditative and intuitive process

that values rhythm and balance. “In weaving, every movement is followed by its opposite—over

and under, back and forth, left and right. This creates a sense of harmony and calm, both for the

weaver and the viewer,” she explained. “Weaving actually transmits the energy of peace. It’s a

sacred path, one that connects the maker to the mysteries of life.”

The retrospective arrives during a moment of global resurgence in fibre arts, which Ewen sees

as a sign of their enduring relevance. “Fibre arts are being recognised as a major art form on

the international stage,” she said. “It’s an exciting time to be part of this community, to see how

the tradition continues to evolve and inspire.”

With admission free to the public, Le Tissage et le temps invites audiences to experience

Ewen’s work in an intimate and reflective setting. Housed in the Maison du citoyen in Gatineau’s

Hull sector, Galerie Montcalm provides an ideal space to engage with the artist’s vibrant

tapestries and the tranquil energy they embody. “I hope visitors find beauty and peace in the

work,” Ewen said. “Weaving is more than a craft—it’s a way of transmitting something larger,

something deeply connected to the energy of life.”

Photo: Thoma Ewen’s Le Tissage et le temps at Galerie Montcalm celebrates fifty years of the

artist’s luminous weaving, exploring themes of light, interconnectedness, and harmony from

January 23 to March 23, 2025, in Gatineau. (TF) Photo courtesy of Thoma Ewen