Rivers – Metaphor for a Journey

NZ Professional Weavers Network

Date: Jul 17 – Aug 6Space: Main Gallery

When we talk about rivers, we imagine a flowing watercourse, usually a stream flowing over land or in a cave towards a lower elevation, such as an ocean, sea, wetland, lake or other river.  It can also be a flow of lava from a volcano, or a man-made canal constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation.  Rivers symbolise vitality, fertility and the cycle of life. Rivers naturally flow and change over time, symbolizing the passage of time and the transformative nature of life.

If you follow the river to its source, you will learn that each river starts off as a tiny stream or freshwater spring; the river only later grows larger as other tributaries feed into it.  Each one of us is that stream; we all have the potential of that spring that starts the river flow.

In the lava analogy, every particle with mass on, and in, the earth is gravitationally pulling on every other particle of mass.  Lava flows are streams of molten rock that pour and ooze from an erupting vent.  Rivers of lava can continue to flow from great distances in tunnels beneath the chilled and solidified surface before it cools and becomes hard rock. Similarly, the focus of consciousness is affecting every aspect of creation causing energy to flow into the form it desires.

Metaphors for a journey allow an unequalled way to learn and describe the single aspects of our journeys in life.  They enrich our understanding of life’s different experiences – the fluidity of life and the continuous evolution of oneself.  A journey is a common metaphor for life as it reminds us that the destination is not our only goal.  Like with any journey, there are times when the rivers are straight and times when they are winding.

This exhibition will give an insight into how the weaver interprets the theme.  This could be how the river impacts the world, how the world impacts the river, how rivers of both water and lava change the landscape, or how the metaphor for a journey is a river of life.

About the Professional Weavers Network of New Zealand

The Professional Weavers Network of New Zealand (PWN) was established in 1991 after a group of dedicated weavers recognised the need for a national forum focused on the art of weaving.  This was to be done through the pursuit of excellence and the promotion of hand-woven textiles.

PWN is an active group, providing a stimulating and exciting environment for members.  The annual seminar gives an opportunity to share knowledge, expertise and new developments within weaving and the fibre arts.  Guest speakers and workshops are a popular feature.  Regular newsletters and Zoom meetings, keep members informed and provide further opportunity for sharing.  A small elected national executive has responsibility for ongoing management of the group.

Network members work independently from public and private studios and are highly respected in the weaving fraternity, many receiving top awards for their work.  We sell work directly to the public; hold our own exhibitions, (in professional galleries around New Zealand and overseas); or work to commission for private or public spaces.  Several members are experienced tutors, teaching through tertiary institutions, Creative Fibre (the New Zealand Spinning Weaving and Woolcrafts Society Inc.), or running regular workshops.

PWN aims to:

• Give New Zealand weavers and textile artists the opportunity to further the art of weaving through the pursuit of excellence and the promotion of hand-woven textiles.
• Ensure art textiles are promoted and recognized as a vibrant, exciting and high-quality contemporary art form.

Click here to visit PWN’s website

Opening Night: Friday 17 July 2026 – 5-7pm.