Half moons?

Half moons?

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Well…I’m not really sure how to name this one. It’s a roughly 14 x 72 inch silk scarf in shibori and hand-dipped in indgo (in my studio).

It was made it specifically for the silent auction being held at Broughton HS (here in Raleigh) tonight. It’s for Stop Hunger Now and it takes place during their International Festival which takes place every year in the spring.

It’s a fantastic festival celebrating internationalism and the creativity and talents of the students who attend there. In my years of attendance, as a teacher, I was never disappointed. In fact, I was usually amazed at the performances and the generosity of the community. I hope it will be the same tonight.

handmade books at Pullen Arts

handmade books

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Last night a friend and I ‘braved’ the rain and wind (and anticipated snow) to attend a reception at Pullen Arts Center. Work by Kathy Steinsberger and Jennifer Lee Mahaffey were on exhibit.

I think each book offered a different world to explore – visually as well as in content. Both Kathy and Jennifer took time to explain their pieces and show different ones to us – much appreciated and a heartwarming experience.

I got home just as the storm picked up – first sleet, then finally the snow. We only received a slushy dusting of sorts that led to some icing this morning. Now the sun is out.

Swatch book – greys

Swatch book – greysOriginally uploaded by SOFennell

The first piece I photographed (at the Gregg) was a swatch book showing patterns in greys. They had more of an indigo cast and that’s what my camera read as well.

At this point, I should explain that this was a very informal “shoot” – strictly for documentation – to identify the pieces and nothing more. So, the lighting and set up were not ideal (neither was the camera or photographer). I guess this is a disclaimer. I tried my best to keep my shadow out of the images, but wasn’t always successful. Still, the story is there.

As I was shooting these pieces, Janine and I pored over them, looking at technique, speculating about their history and appreciating the handwork involved.

In this case, of course, it was a sample book and I’ve been thinking of just these kinds of things when preparing for my classes. It’s good to have a book of samples. What’s a good way to do that? Here’s one simple and direct approach.

My collection on flickr only reflect some favorite patterns and it was difficult to choose, as there were so many. This is also just a small sampling of what we looked at on Friday.

Shibori swatches

DSC00670

Originally uploaded by j9leblanc

I stepped away from the studio on Friday to spend the day at the Gregg Museum. Janine told me that there were some swatches that needed some “attention” (you need to see these!) and they also needed some documentation. I took snapshots until my camera battery was exhausted. Then we switched over to Janine’s.

This example is only one small example. Not all are authentic shibori, but printed or woven examples. Still aspects of these pieces are quite wonderful and I find them inspiring. This is, again, just a very small sampling of what’s in the collection of this ilk.

IMPRINT Exhibit

H&N-T&T-5Originally uploaded by SOFennell

I wish there had been a few moments when I could have documented (just a little) the main exhibits at the Block. The paintings and photographs are well worth lingering over. Anyone viewing them will be rewarded, I think.

I was there, obviously, for the book exhibit in the glass case (2nd floor). Janine’s display is elegant, needless to say. That’s what she does.

Ian Finley, our 2012 Piedmont poet laureate was also there to give his first reading of the year. It was a substantial introduction to his work – which means he uses words so well and made me want to explore Thomas Hardy again.

Tsukiji w/Furoshiki

Tsukiji w/FuroshikiOriginally uploaded by SOFennell

The event has been announced and it’s on the “Events” page as well, but thought since there are links…I’d just pass on the good word again.

Members of my Threads group are exhibiting some of their work (and I’m included), handmade books in a 2nd floor display case. The pieces are small and intimate, so they may require a closer look.

The opening reception is April 12 from 5-7 pm. Looking forward to this one!

Here’s the write up from Triangle Arts and Entertainment:

Here and Now – There and Then a grouping of handmade textile books in the gallery’s display cases, features artists Peggy Clover, Susan Oliver Fennell, Christine Hager-Braun, Janine LeBlanc, Linda Lowe, and Georgia Springer. The exhibited books look at the ties between emotions and home, and how this connection is altered by the passage of time and our memories.

Here and Now curator Janine LeBlanc earned an M.I.D. with a textile concentration from the College of Design at North Carolina State University. She is currently working as a textile consultant for the Gregg Museum of Art and Design where she recently guest-curated the exhibit Barkcloth, Bras & Bulletproof Cotton: The Powers of Costume.

the business side & so forth

Mokume on silk noil

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

It has been a different kind of work week – a short one in a way. I’ve had to shift my focus from textiles & dyes to the more ‘business’ and prep aspect of things for a few days. There are also dates to be met – things due for submission for teaching and perhaps the instructor’s exhibit (at least I’ll submit application) and other preps. It’s spring suddenly and that quiet winter work time is slowing down it seems – at least for the moment. Sometimes these are irritating distractions. I’d much rather work, that is make. It’s just that these things have to be done or what’s coming ahead won’t work well either. I also have learned (lessons from the amazing Mother Nature) never to put things off.

Then tonight the Trace Evidence Symposium at the Gregg Museum begins. I am so looking forward to it!

Meredith College Art Sale

Meredith College Art Sale 2009

Holiday Art Sale:
Times:
Friday, Nov. 19th at 2-7  pm. and
Saturday, Nov. 20th from 11 a.m. – 4 pm.

Place: Meredith College’s Gaddy Hamrick Building (the art building on the 1st floor)

I am also joining friends, students and faculty to participate in this event.

Available for sale are affordable works of art made by Art Department students and faculty from all disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, fibers, graphic design, ceramics, and sculpture. Although organized by the faculty, the sale is primarily staffed and operated by the students. The goal for the sale is to improve the professional growth of the students as well as to generate interaction with the community. Most of the proceeds will go to the artists, but a portion has been set aside to fund grants for independent student art projects.