tidbits

Some exiting news have come my way lately. Two of my pieces, forest floor and sumac study, were accepted to the World of Threads Festival exhibit, De rerum nature, in Oakville, Ontario this fall. I am still waiting for more details about the event and the other participants, but I am thrilled to be part of this exciting international exhibition. World of Threads also published an interview with me this past week. I am grateful for the chance to showcase my work and discuss my thoughts and ideas in this wonderful forum.

Next month I will have an exhibit of small works at C'ville Coffee, a local coffee shop here in Charlottesville. My sunflower series will be on display along with other things. The show stays up throughout the month of June.

My disintegration and repair pieces are coming along nicely. The printing was finished up last week, with some exciting results (see photos below). I am so pleased with how this work is progressing.

I have just listed a small selection of elegant eco-printed envelope clutches in the store. I love how these small purses highlights the delicate and unique prints. Lastly, I want to thank all of you for sticking with me here. I know my posts have been more sporadic than usual, and that follow ups on your comments and emails have been lacking. I do appreciate all of you, and the thoughtful feedback you provide!

in excellent company

This coming July, I will participate in a textile invitational at Warm Springs Gallery, here in Charlottesville. The title for the exhibit is Disintegration and Repair and my work will be displayed alongside work by five fantastic fiber artists; Kathryn Clark, Marguerite Gignoux, Karen Henderson, Natalia Margulis, and Barbara Wisnoski. I am beyond thrilled. Not only is this a big event and an honor for me, but it is a big event for our small college town. Owner and curator Barbara Buhr, is  expanding the scope of her already reputable contemporary art gallery by initiating this textile show, with its national and international participants. Here is the exhibition statement:

"Disintegration and Repair, examines the physical, formal and conceptual aspects of cloth's fragility, its tendency to deteriorate, and the human inclination to rebuild and restore. The exhibit speaks of wear and tear, damaged cast-offs and unwanted remnants as metaphors for the evidence of use and the passage of time. The idea of Disintegration and Repair offers artist and viewer the opportunity to reassess the meaning and value of mending and reuse."

True to form I am still working on my pieces for the show (samples of the work in progress is scattered throughout this post). 

The exhibit runs from July 1 - July 31, with an artist reception Friday, July 6, 6 - 8 pm. I would love for you to come for a visit to view the beautiful work on display!

book making

Maybe it is the small scale, the tactility of the handmade papers, or just the fact that I once again get to use my graphic design skills. I am obsessed with making small simple books using the multitude of eco prints I have achieved on paper for the past several months. The initial impressions lead to some research about the trees and plants, which lead to photo sessions to capture their leaves and flowers, and then finally some words. Just simple phrases, more like reflections. Naturally some fabric is incorporated as well, stitched in place.

Four books are completed so far. They have become starting points for a series of books celebrating native trees, and important garden plants in the region where I live. "Small book of Roses" and "Pecan book" are available here, if you are so inclined. More are in the works.