Highlights from five days immersed in surface design:
India Flint exhibit at the Nash Gallery. When India's book, Eco Colour, came out last fall, I didn't pay much attention. The book itself looked beautifully designed, but I just didn't have room for one more set of techniques. I figured I would get to using botanical dyes "someday." Seeing her work, and the work she inspired in my friend Kathie, has made me say, Someday needs to be now. (Another highlight would be Kathie's phone call on Monday morning, telling me she & India were standing outside my house, would it be okay if they took some of our peony petals for dyeing?)
What Matters? a lecture by Jane Dunnewold. I really only knew of Jane as a master of surface design techniques (through the books Complex Cloth and Art Cloth). So I was really blown away by her talk on nurturing a creative life. Tears in my eyes. It would also be worth giving up a few hours of sleep to read her blog, Existential Neighborhood.
Hanging out with Natalie Chanin. I have been working hard at narrowing my focus, and finding my own style with hand-stitching. Seeing the work of my friend Linda Kollofski at the trunk show, and all the amazing pieces in the fashion show (especially my friends Beth & Beverly, whom I mentioned the other day, and featured artist Carter Smith), I was of course second-guessing myself: wouldn't it be great to create something fluid? sheer? ethereal? Enter a day spent stitching with Natalie, and I'm right back where I was, loving my common materials and eager to create more.
Some questions to dwell on:
What do I have to say?
What do I want my work to say?
What is unique about my experience?
What is important to me?
I do not enjoy sewing, but I do appreciate the talent and beautiful work. I am, oddly, inspired by beautiful pieces and wish that my sewing experience was more joy-filled. I really and truly admire those who create such beautiful pieces. :)
Posted by: MelissaPete | Jun 15, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I enjoyed this post. Your questions to ponder actually helped me do a bit of cleaning in my craft room. It's time to let some things go, and my answers to your questions were in the back of my mind as I sorted through some materials today. Thanks!
Posted by: Cheryl Jaeger | Jun 16, 2011 at 06:43 PM
It is so exciting to watch you go through this rediscovery as an artist. Thank you for sharing the process with us. I feel like we're watching the beginning days of a butterfly transformation unfolding. We'll be able to say 'I knew Gina when...'
Posted by: gisele | Jun 17, 2011 at 09:23 AM