TextileX Conversation Series: Blue McCall and Vo Vo

The TextileX Conversation Series brings together two contemporary textile artists to discuss their work and practices in relation to the theme of New Traditions. New Traditions begs the question: In these rapidly changing times, what do we preserve and build upon and what do we rethink and rebuild anew? These conversations ask participating artists and audiences how they can transform their textile practices to serve a more inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and connected purpose. In this conversation, Atist, Vo Vo is joined by artist Annabelle Blue.

Blue McCall is an interdisciplinary artist originally from Southern Appalachia, currently based in Portland OR. They are known for developing an experimental method to laser engrave drawings and text into silk and for cooking vibrant color in natural dyes. Blue is currently working as a choreographer for hyperpop and metal musicians, most recently making video and performances for Jan Julius’ album Meat Shot Idyllic.

Vo Vo is a Portland-based radical educator of 11 years in over 20 countries in inclusion, racial justice, intercultural communication, trauma-informed care, de-escalation and transformative justice. Editor of an internationally renowned publication, speaker, local festival organizer, curator, artist and musician who has exhibited and toured in Australia, Germany, Indonesia, The Netherlands, Singapore, Croatia, Mexico, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Vietnam, Sweden, Malaysia, and the States. Their recently initiated career as a visual artist, primarily working in textiles, embroidery, weaving, and furniture building. Their installations seek to interrogate power dynamics, structural oppression, challenge histories and realities of imperialism, white supremacy and colonization. They continue to explore support strategies and models of community care within a post-traumatic social landscape, focusing on the resilience of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ and disabled communities.