ArtFields 2014

If you're near Lake City, SC you can take a look at my installation "Overgrowth" as part of ArtFields, it will be up till Saturday May 3rd. If you like it, you can vote for it, my Voter ID #858652 but you have to sign up in person.

Also, if you're near Savannah, GA some of my new embroidery pieces will be up in a group show at The Sentient Bean, 13 E Park St. Savannah, GA 31401, the reception will be this Friday, May 2nd.  

New Embroideries on Paper/Wood

I've been spending the last few weeks working on this new series of embroideries on paper.  I like the contrast of the delicate thread and thick watercolor paper, and the way my planned and carefully pre-poked holes lead to chaotic floats of thread.  I also recently picked up some birch veneer on a whim and started some ideas in a new direction.  Again the material contrast is driving my exploration, and the contrast between the organic, naturally formed patterns of the wood and traditional geometric embroidery designs which act as a nature analog.

Emergence IV (Ithsmi),  20" x 16" Thread on Paper

Emergence V, 20" x 16" Thread on Paper

Emergence VI, 20" x 16" Thread on Paper

Sample, 10" x 8" Thread on Birch Veneer

Overgrowth In Artfields

My installation, Overgrowth, which was constructed during my residency last summer at Contemporary Craft, is on display in Lake City, SC as a part of the Artfields competition.  I drove up yesterday with my lovely assistant Lysa to install it in a really great space called Emerson Row.  The shop is full of beautiful pieces selected and often refurbished by owner Emily Richardson.  It was a great fit for Overgrowth, which grew down the brick walls and onto an antique hutch.

Artfields is an art competition in Lake City, South Carolina, which runs from April 25th until May 4th. If you in the are stop by and check it out!

New Embroidery in Progress

A detail of a new embroidery in progress.

New Studio Explorations

After finishing all the work for my thesis this fall I've found myself a bit at loose ends, which is a good thing, as it's allowed me time to explore several different directions.  I've been doing some more weaving, using similar imagery that I used in the rusted work, but using naturally dyed yarns instead.  Here is a small sample I wove using some wool I dyed at the end of the summer in Pittsburgh. The green comes from goldenrod treated with Iron.

Dappled (Green), Wool, 14" x 24"

Dappled (Green) detail

  I've also been working on more embroidery on paper pieces, completing a couple larger ones. 

Emergence I,  Embroidery on Paper,  20" x 16"

Emergence I detail

Emergence II,  Embroidery on Paper,  20" x 16"

Emergence II detail

Finally, I've been going through some of my early rusted woven samples that are beginning to deteriorate past the point of being able to show or even move easily.  I've decided to do some rust printing with these pieces, essentially taking an impression from the rust surface.  The printed linen on the left below will survive much longer than the original woven piece on the right.  I think this impression will be the first step in a layered  piece, and I plan to experiment with some embroidery and applique on top.

Impression, in progress

Etsy Store Open for December

I've dusted off my etsy shop and added my felt and sterling silver jewelry just in time for the holidays.  Several old favorites and a few never before seen pieces are up!  It's been a fun challenge to get back to some of the jewelry designs I was working on before starting grad school 2 years ago!

Felting Fun: Mittens and Slippers at SCC

One of the things I love most about working in fibers is how versatile the medium is.  While in most of my work I use it for expressive purposes, it's also very nice to be able to make functional items, especially at this time of year.  When it starts to get chilly and I begin to make holiday gift plans I really enjoy using my skills to make cozy, one of a kind gifts for the people I care about.

This year I'm also excited to share a couple of my favorite projects with a workshop at Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh.  I'll be teaching a class December 14th called Felting Fun: Mittens and Slippers. I'll be teaching the basics of wet felting and then showing the specific techniques needed to make a custom pair warm and cozy mittens or slippers.  It's a super fun project and easy as well, everyone will leave with a completed project to keep for themselves or give as a gift.

Also, on Friday night I'll be teaching Ugly (Or Not so Ugly) Holiday Sweaters as part of SCC's first Crafts and Drafts.  Participants can bring an old sweater from home or a thrift store find and I will be demonstrating needle felting customization techniques just in time for holiday parties.  Throw in some Local Beer and cheesy music and it should be a fun time for all!