Evolution

Here's a peek at what I've been working on lately.




Below is an old dress I found at the Salvation Army. I had planned to sell it, maybe even wear it, but I never got around to doing either. Instead, I disassembled the thing, cut it into strips, and spun it.


The result was this thick, strong, yarn that's so damn bright I can hardly photograph it.

I've been extremely motivated lately. There's so much I want to do, but not enough time. I need to find a way to make this my job :)

Tonight I plan to break out the dye pot and experiment with some of the Gaywool Dyes I got for my birthday!

Psychiatrist Knits Anatomically Correct Woolly Brain!

My friend's mom sent this to me and I had to share it!

From Telegraph.co.uk

Speedy Delivery!

I came home from work to find a package waiting for me on the front porch. It was the wool batts I ordered from Liz of Hobbledehoy. What beauties they are; a nice blend of Merino and domestic wool with a touch of pink icicle nylon glitz. I can't wait to spin these babies!



I also splurged and bought myself a copy of Metamorphosis: The Fiber Art of Judith Scott. The book is well worth the money spent and if I get some free time, I'll try to scan in a few more photos of her work. I'm still in awe of her story and obsessed with her sculptures. It's just so surreal.

Okay, I'm off to bed now. I'm practically falling asleep at my desk.

Nighty Night <3

I Love You Judith Scott!

This past Saturday my friend Emily and I finally had a chance to visit the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD. As a long time fan of outsider/visionay art, I knew I was going to love this place, but I had no idea I was going to be brought to tears within minutes of entering the building.

The museum was unexpectedly packed when we arrived, so to avoid the crowd, we decided to take the elevator to the top floor and work our way down. Upon exiting the elevator we entered a small room where we were introduced to the work of Judith Scott.

I wasn't exactly sure what I was was seeing at first, but I absolutely loved it!



Within minutes of reading her biography, Emily and I looked at one other with tears welling up in our eyes. I remember wanting to speak, but I stopped because I was afraid I would start crying in front of the other visitors.

So what is her story?

"Judith Scott, who has Down's Syndrome, was rescued at the age of 43 by her twin sister from the State Institution of Ohio. Enrolled in the Creative Growth Center in Oakland, under the "guidance" or with the permission of fiber artist Sylvia Seventy, Scott began wrapping branches and then secret objects. Actually, according to John MacGregor's article in The Outsider magazine (an excerpt from his book "Metamorphois: The Fiber Art of Judith Scott") she was impossible to stop. The results are more than remarkable." -- John Perreault




I haven't been touched by an artist like this in very long time, maybe even ever. Her work is extrodinary and inspiring. If you ever get a chance to see her stuff up close and personal, don't miss it.

For more information on Judith Scott, check out:

Judith Scott Documentary

Hidden Worlds: Judith Scott

Metamorphosis: The Fiber Art of Judith Scott

Kate Harding: Whiskey Creek

I picked up the Jan/Feb issue of Fiber Arts last night. Inside was a small piece on Los Angeles based fiber artist Kate Harding, who recently had her work on display at Track 16 in Santa Monica, CA.

I was instantly drawn to the piece below. It reminded me of how leaves gather together on the ground after they've fallen from a tree. I love her color palette and use of disposed leather scraps.

ABOVE: Whiskey Creek (Autumn) 2007: found leather garments, thread, snaps, hook and eyes, grommets, steel hooks; 54" x 89". Courtesy of Track 16 Gallery, Santa Monica, CA

From her press release:

The Whiskey Creek pieces embody the context of the mediums’ past lives: as animal, skin, second skin, property, and fashion statement. Details are indicated by well distinguished, however, irregular shapes of color whose translation border on the topographical. The surface treatment and its simultaneous suggestion of illusionary space create both elements of description and abstraction.

Fashion is also an undeniable element of this series, for example, different colors used for each season: a scene of a deciduous forest whose true location is in the rural Midwest is recreated from garments exclusively gathered in Southern California where “seasons” may not be as evident in natural surroundings as they are in fashion trends. Upon close inspection, pre-existing garment details such as seams, zippers, pockets and other elements connote the materials’ former purpose. The most distinct difference of changing seasons has been deliberately recreated, marking time, shifting meaning and context.

For more images from the Whiskey Creek exhibit, click here: HERE