In a new year…

Last year…well, it was memorable in so many respects, it’s an understatement.  I’m simply grateful for the events, many forms of engagement, friends, family and the many others who in many ways kept me thinking, working and engaged with living. It was an overwhelming year in many respects, but I’m still grateful for the challenges.

Indigo Threads

There was some fun in it, and work. I’m looking forward to more of that “blue” engagement.

I don’t know quite what the year will bring, which is a good thing. I like a little mystery. I do know that I plan to be a student at some point instead of a teacher (more upcoming). I’m looking forward to learning some different perspectives on the topic.

For the moment, I’m offering an exploration in “nui” or stitched shibori at Sertoma Arts Center (Raleigh, NC) in March. There’s more detailed information on the Workshops page. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Wishing you serenity in this New Year.

 

 

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the August studio

This month’s focus has been the yukata (summer kimono). After completing a small mock up,  these last two weeks have been about a full-size piece. It isn’t finished, but close enough for the moment.

full length – front & back of one side

The first week was spent dyeing all seven pieces to the garment: 2 front and backs, 2 sleeves, 2 overlaps and the collar. Each piece was manipulated uniquely and then dyed.

Beginning to look like “something”

At this point, all seven pieces are attached, but it is long and unwieldy. It’s bulky (because of the cloth type), wider, still than it really should be…still, I rather like the way things came together with the hand stitching. Yet, in the near future, I may take it apart to make some adjustments.  There’s much more to this garment than anticipated.

nearly there

And as we are now looking into September, I invite you to consider the weekend shibori workshop (Upcoming Workshops page) coming in the latter part of the month. It can be as intense and serious as you want, but I think fun is a necessary ingredient. It’s about indigo, it’s possibilities and beauty, as well as shibori.

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the Gregg is asking….

Adire stitch resist

“Have you seen the some of the indigo pieces in the current Gregg exhibition ‘Measure of Earth: Textiles and Territory in West Africa?’ Interested in hands on learning? Indigo Dye Magic is a workshop that Janine LeBlanc and Susan Oliver Fennell are co-teaching at Pullen Arts Center starting October 24. There is still room in the class to sign-up. Learn more here:  https://itode.wordpress.com/upcoming-workshops/”

That question was posed on the Gregg Museum’s facebook page where I found it first thing this morning.  So I thought to add my own “reply” or comment – it’s an opportunity to learn about the materials and the process.  It’s an opportunity to experience it, hands on.

The image, a detail of one of those richly patterned cloths now on exhibit, contains the kind of imagery we could easily reference in this upcoming class.  The resist technique used in this piece is universal throughout the many cultures that have used (and still used) in their textile pattern making.

  Janine and I would be delighted to have you join us as we consider our explorations in indigo dyeing and shibori.

Fibers — Indigo Dye Magic

On p. 26 of the Leisure Ledger (Raleigh Parks & Recreation – Pullen Arts Center), in the left-hand column, at the bottom is this description:

Age: 16yrs. and up. Indigo is an ancient dye that is still approached same way it was thousands of years ago. This hands-on class will use a traditional Japanese approach to resist dyeing, or shibori, to create distinctive patterns on fabric. Participants will explore a variety of techniques such as itajime (clamp resist), arashi (pole wrapping), tying and stitching

Supply fee of $60 due at the first class.

Instructors: Susan Oliver Fennell and Janine LeBlanc (4 sessions)

Pullen Arts Center – Course Fee: $80

#147321    Oct 24-Nov 14    Th
6:00-8:30pm

It’s time to register.  Hope you’ll join us at Pullen Arts in October. We look forward to to seeing you!

outside influences

3243

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

I’ve been so fortunate to have had a few “behind-the-scenes” experiences at the Gregg Museum. It’s given me some very close up and hands-on exposure to some wonderful textiles that I keep thinking about.

First, I saw some fabulous Nigerian pieces in resist (batik and shibori) – saturated in indigo. Then, there were those small swatches and they were in shibori (and other dyes and colors). Then, in the spring, my friend Janine (who works there) sent me a couple of photos of a piece of cloth.

Apparently, it was from China and was manipulated in shibori and dyed in indigo. So, once again, it was a piece that held interest and I decided to attempt the pattern.

From the image, the reader can see that I did just that, and it is my first attempt. It’s more of a reference than copy, but the pattern is close enough. I considered using silk, but on this first try found the fabric a bit too slippery for the folded ori-nui areas.

I decided that cotton would be best for this first attempt and later found out that the original piece is also in cotton. Even so, I found it a challenge, but would like to continue working with it on different types of cotton and maybe linen (in good time).

In the meantime, other patterns are speaking to me as well. As I work, I can’t help but think about the series of classes Janine and I will be teaching at Pullen Arts in October and November. What will our students want to know?

summer inspiration

itajimeOriginally uploaded by SOFennell

I hope the image will provide a little spark. The season for workshops is here. Indigo seems to love the summer heat and humidity and July is a perfect time for learning about it (and of course, shibori!).

My youth class at Artspace is fast filling up, but there’s still room in the weekend workshop for adults later in the month. It isn’t too late to sign up.  All information & links are on my “Upcoming Workshops” page.

There’s also the workshop at the Florence Thomas Art School in Glendale Springs, NC. Both Janine LeBlanc (Gregg Museum) and I will be teaching the characteristics of the indigo vat and aspects of shibori there.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Beaufort, NC Indigo Workshop

August is nearly here and it’s a month crammed with events and activity.  Beginning next week, I teach rising middle school students the art of indigo dyeing and shibori at Artspace (downtown Raleigh).  It will be a full week of dyeing, learning about itajime, binding, wrapping and a lot of nui (stitching).

Following that is a second week at Artspace working with rising 3rd – 5th graders doing a workshop titled Matsuri! 祭り！(festivals!).  We will be looking at crafts (textile) related to that theme as summer is one of the best times to explore that topic (can’t imagine why!).

After a week’s break in Tampa with family, I’ll be returning home to teach aizome shibori with Janine LeBlanc in Beaufort, NC.  I’ve posted more about that below:

Dates:  August 28th & 29th

Place:  Beaufort Art Center

Instructors:  Janine LeBlanc and Susan Fennell

For further details scroll down to p. 8 in the Arts Alive Newsletter for southeast NC.

Workshop Prep

CA-prep1

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

The last couple of days have been filled with organizing, planning and packing up what I need for only 2 days, but six mini-workshops for 9th graders in a nearby high school.

It’s my first series in this school year, and like being able to start out with my favorite subject matter, aizome shibori. I also enjoy the age group, so it should be an enjoyable experience.

They’ll be introduced to the indigo dye vat working with silk scarves and handkerchiefs. This also gives me an opportunity to introduce the topic of silk production and I’m looking forward to that.