Aligned with the core objectives of our research grant, our recent efforts at Helwan University, led by Professor Samia ElSheikh, have focused on fostering community building, solidarity, and transformative learning. Through diverse and collaborative activities, we are committed to reimagining higher education for the twenty-first century. Our involvement in the Textile Cartographies project, particularly the exploration of the “Continuum” concept, reflects this vision. Here, art and life merge seamlessly, symbolizing the continuous flow of time, space, and creativity. This approach allowed participants to explore how textile art can encapsulate an ongoing journey of creative expression.

Building on over twenty-five years of expertise in textile methods, guided by the esteemed artist Nancy Balfour, the workshop offered a unique opportunity to engage with textiles through photography-inspired techniques. Participants crafted textile pieces that not only represented continuous dialogue with their audience but also illustrated the evolving nature of artistic ideas over time. This workshop transcended traditional art-making—it served as a platform to bridge the past, present, and future of textile craftsmanship, ensuring the ongoing conversation within the learning.

Continuum

“Continuum” is the idea of a continuous sequence or progression without gaps. The concept of a continuous continuum of space and time describes the interconnectedness of space and time. Continuity is the absence of distinct boundaries between things. In art the term “continuity” can be used to refer to the idea of continuity or continuation of an artwork over time. Continuity in art can be demonstrated by the use of recurring techniques or continuing themes in an artist’s works, or by continuing to develop an artistic idea or concept across a series of works. The concept of continuity in art reflects the desire for continuous communication with the audience and the continuation of artistic expression over time. This may manifest itself in ongoing architectural works, ongoing artistic series, or artworks that continue to evolve and change over time.

Continuity is a necessary life requirement. To continue working and giving is part of your desire in life. To continue to create and express is in itself the food of life. Between continuity in living and creativity, I present my current experience, which is an extension of my works executed using various textile methods, which I studied extensively in America as part of my doctoral mission more than twenty-five years ago, where I studied at the hands of the artist Nancy Balfour, known as the Saint of Textiles in New York, and for whom I have great love. And gratitude. In my experience, I create textiles in the spirit of the photographer, in a style that I learned and added a lot to during my artistic experience.

Women and travel are the focus of my work. Some of the works were executed using the ribbon weaving method, which gives me satisfaction in being an artist who loves photography in all its styles. Others were executed using warp printing techniques and painting on them with specialized dyes and colors.

Creativity continues as long as life goes on…

Samia ElSheikh

Cairo, 12/13/2023