Late October, Dazzling Commissions, Stark County Artists
I decided to make the most of my "extra hour" of time today to work on some things I have been forgetting, notably this newsletter. I have been very busy this month with my work, with commissions, art shows, and prepping for an art market in November. Not to mention 'parent teacher conferences'. It keeps me busy, but I love getting to do this work and have it out in the public.
This month I finished work on this series of pieces for the KSU Fashion Museum. I was asked to created 9 different pieces to award the donors and volunteers who worked on the "Dazzle" gala this year to support the museum. The museum director, Dr. Sarah Spinner-Liska asked me to get inspired by the architectural details of the museum, and use blue and gold for the color scheme. I had fun trying to find the best materials and colors for the project. I ended up sourcing some naturally gold "red" peace silk, and dyed lots of different blues into my wool warp. I like how the sheen from the silk and the different wool colors interact in the weaving. I think I would definitely use this combination again with this diamond "birds eye" pattern to make more pieces.
It was a shock when I found out that the two pieces I entered in the Stark County Artists Show were both accepted. I made the first variation of this paper woven "waffle" piece last year when I was experimenting with handmade paper and weaving it into some linen. I got a commission from a client for an all white/neutral version and I wanted to make more variations. These two were the largest pieces I have made with paper, measuring 36x36". The paper is mulberry paper I dyed using the same process as cotton or linen yarns. I panted the dye on, and let it dry giving it some different tonal effects. This wool, the same from the previous commission, is from a farm outside of Columbus. This is my favorite yarn to use for pieces like this because it is really 'sticky', making the intersections of the weaving really hold together.
The Stark County Artists opening night was really fun! My family and friends came out to support me, and many friends won awards. I also got to see my friend Eric Anthony Burdis' show at the Studio M Gallery upstairs.
I was happy to see so many people at the event, and even though I didn't win anything, I am so proud to have 2 pieces in the show this year.
Just to wrap up, I am making some special things to sell at Belltower Brewing Company for their Holiday Market. I got to use the Risograph printer at Bounce in Akron to make these prints of a floral design I like to draw. I have enough of these to make about 100 notebooks that will be for sale, along with coasters, placemats, and some wall hanging artwork. I will post more information about this event on my next newsletter and on my socials!
This is your gift for scrolling down all this way- some random selfies from this month! Me with Alex and Janice at "Dazzle", Me and my friend Alison at the AIR concert, and me dressed up for "Yeehaw" day at school.
See you later this month!