Julia Raath

I am a textile print designer with a passion for colour, pattern, and ethical design practice. With over 30 years of experience in the Higher and Vocational Education sectors in Australia and India, I have mentored and taught emerging designers while maintaining my creative practice.

My work extends beyond the studio into meaningful collaborations with Fairtrade organizations and not-for-profits, where I apply my expertise in textile design to support artisans, promote sustainable practices, and celebrate traditional craft techniques. Through these partnerships, I have worked on projects that empower communities, preserve cultural heritage, and create opportunities for ethical production.

Throughout my career, I have exhibited my work in solo and group exhibitions, participated in markets and studio sales, and collaborated on a diverse range of design initiatives. My designs—rooted in floral, geometric, and abstract motifs—are brought to life through screen and block printing, reflecting my love for handcrafted processes.

Stepping away from academia, I have returned to full-time creative practice, focusing on producing limited-edition textiles and paintings while continuing to engage in collaborative projects that align with my values. The connections I have built through textiles, teaching, and social enterprise continue to inspire my work, reinforcing my belief that design is a powerful tool for creativity, connection, and positive change.

Exhibitions

Solo

2022                   Still life for a still life, The Boroughs, Brunswick, Victoria  

2004                   Manoeuvres, Craft Victoria, Melbourne, VIC

2003                   Interlocutor, Megalo Arts Access Gallery, Canberra, ACT

1999                   Material Matters, Solo Exhibition, UTS Gallery, Sydney.

1988                   From the Grave, Exhibition of Photographs and Fabrics, Camera Lucida, Sydney.

1980                   Photographs, Australian Centre for Photography, Sydney.

 Selected Group Shows

2023                   Second Look, Barometer Gallery, Sydney

2023                   Last Picture Show, Duck Rabbit, Sydney

2020                   Make the World Again, Australian Tapestry Workshop, Sth Melbourne, VIC            

2020                   Moreland Summer Show, Counihan Gallery, Brunswick, Victoria

2018                   Printing as Process, Incinerator Gallery, Moonee Pond,s Victoria

2013                   Interwoven  Design Institute of Australia, Melbourne. Victoria

2009                   Women’s Salon, Counihan Gallery, Brunswick. VIC

2003 & 4            Women’s Salon, Counihan Gallery, Brunswick. VIC

2000                 Techne, UTS Gallery. Sydney

1999                   Masters of Technique, Creators on Cloth, Monash City Art Gallery- toured Regional Galleries Victoria

1998                   Hand to Cloth, Metro Craft Centre, Melbourne, Victoria.

Swanky Hankies ANCA Gallery, Canberra ACT, Jam Factory, Adelaide, Centre for Contemporary Craft, Sydney.

1997                   Frances Bourke plus Four – Comparisons in Australian Textile Design, UTS Gallery.

1996                   Hand to Cloth Meat Market Craft Centre, Melbourne, Victoria.

1993                   Lizards, Snakes and Cattle Dogs, Exhibition of Australian Contemporary Textiles, Krefeld, Germany and Canberra School of Art Gallery.

1993                   Decoration and Diversity, Craftspace Gallery, Sydney.

1993                   The Australian Scarf, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney.

1993                   Fashion for AIDS Scarf Auction, Hyde Park Barracks. Sydney.

1992                   Derision and Desire the Car, toured Regional Galleries, Blaxland Gallery, Sydney, Campbelltown Regional Gallery, Campbelltown N.S.W.

1991                   Contemporary Textiles, Reptilia Salon, Rozelle, Sydney.

1989-91              Exhibition list will be provided on request.

 Commissions, Awards, Collections

1999                   University of Technology, Sydney, Art Collection

1998                   National Gallery of Victoria Australian Textile Collection

1996                   Winner Melbourne City Council Award for Excellence and Innovation, Hand to Cloth. Meat Market Craft Centre, Melbourne, Victoria

I acknowledge and respect the Ngunnawal and the Ngambri who are the traditional custodians of the land on which I live. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.