me and uteri . . .

these past weeks I have been struggling ~ for one of the first times that i can remember i didn't have that delicious and overwhelming desire to make art, nor did i have direction?? or vision; i had more of a dread.  and i missed my inner idea machine whirling in my soul, and i worried that i had lost "it" ~ (not a feeling i would wish on anyone)

knitted wire uterus

but then,  thanks to the wonders of the universe/serendipity, i have rediscovered that happy whirling dervish was back. and why?? most likely because of a number of factors, but I believe the main reason was a 'fat quarter' of fabric that i received in the mail, a 'fat quarter printed with uteri, which is part of the Exquisite Uterus project,  started by artists and educators Alison Gates and Helen Klebesadel.

What is the Exquisite Uterus Project?  It is a fabulous collection of fiber based artworks that have been created to give voice to shared outrage at ongoing attacks on access to good and affordable reproductive healthcare for all women.  Started in early 2012 in reaction to the what is still being called the most current ‘War on Women,’ two artists, known notorious Feminists, and sometime curators Helen Klebesadel and Alison Gates decided to facilitate a collaborative art project to channel their shared outrage at the attacks on women's ready access to quality general and reproductive health care of their choice.

womb wrap, 2009 - 2011

A fellow artist, the lovely Jeanne Williamson,  sent me the link to the call for artist's and before i could even think i ordered my quarter.  this also got me on the spoonflower website which is quite exciting in itsself - and i even created gift wrap with my dresstags and other products, always inspiring!!

Yet it was the arrival of the faric that seems to have jumpstarted my muses.  suddenly my brain is flooded with different images, techniques and methods with which to create my contribution to this project.  I vacillated between an angry uterus and an over the top beautiful uterus, in fact I could do an entire show with all the ides I have for this project! And I am proud and happy to say that my sweetie, Harriet,  may  also be contributing a uterus!!!

frida, 2010

You can view many of the beautiful and creative uteri that other artists from all over have already contributed on pinterest, here is the link to the boards.  And I will post my finished uterus soon!!!

But as i sketched and pondered how to fashion and construct my uterus I was struck by the realization that uteri have been an consistent element in my body of work for many years, and they still are.  the uterus is a symbol of the wonders of creation, of mystery and pain, and the uterus is a serious political minefield. No wonder I am so inspired and attracted to it! This is our core, our strength and i am proud to celebrate this organ and be part of this tremendous project!

Thank you Alison Gates and Helen Klebesadel.

peace

wire dress, 2008

getting dresses out there

5x7 matted dress with quote

As alluded to before - I'm trying to get sale-able stuff out there so that I can support my large dress making habit, as well as help pay rent, buy groceries and such :) and with that in mind . . .

 This week I dropped off some of my dresscards and dressmats at the store at the Attleboro Arts Museum. They have been carrying my dress project notecards but were excited to add the one-of-a-kind pieces to their inventory.

'uterus' organic knitting

Also my 'uterus' is on exhibit at the museum in their "On the Threshold" show, juried by Michele L'Heureux (be sure to check out her website). Then following that show, I am one of the eight artists that the museum will be exhibiting in their "8 Visions exhibition" ~Work from 8 Juried Member Artists.
 This show will run from August 21 – September 15, 2012.  

I'm VERY excited about being part of this show and a bit freaked out about how quickly the delivery date is approaching.  I was planning to have an entire new body of work to exhibit (in another reality) but I am happy with the new pieces that I will have.   I will be exhibiting with seven other wonderful artists: Patricia Berube, Brenda Cirioni, Susan Denniston, Sand T Kalloch, Niva Shrestha,  Mary L. Taylor & Felicia Touhey (this is the first year that the exhibiting group is all women :).

I have also been experimenting with some produced products, items that I am not making all myself. I have designed some products where an image of the 3D origami dress will be printed on a 2D product?!?  I have put in a sample order so we will see how & if this all works out?!?!?! 

It is all a work in process!! 
And with that said I need to go to work in my studio :) - no more productive procrastination for this artist!

Wishing all a peaceful and joyous Summer Sunday!! 

make custom gifts at Zazzle

so much to do, so little time . . .

where to begin . . .

Dress of Poetry on display at Attleboro Public Library

today I am heading to Attleboro to start the install of the Birds of Poetry!! I have two wonderful assistants with me and we are going to primp the birds, get them already for flight then, if TIME allows,  launch them into the atrium.

birds in process

I also plan to stop by the Attleboro Arts Museum to see the exhibit On the Threshold – A National Juried Exhibition (July 14 – August 10, 2012).  I was hoping to make it to the opening last Wednesday but nasty thunderstorms and flash flooding put an end to that idea.  But will make there today to see the show.

'uterus' in "on the threshold'

 While at the museum I will be picking up announcement for their next show, 8 Visions – Work from 8 Juried Member Artists in which I am also exhibiting!! I am really excited about this opportunity!! and, when I can, I am frantically working in my studio to finish some NEW pieces. Here is the info about that show : 

Exhibition: August 21 – September 15, 2012

Opening Reception: Wednesday, Aug 22nd from 7 – 9pm. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, Sept 8th: Gallery Talk, 2-4pm.  Free and open to the public. Kindly reserve your space by Thursday, September 6th. 508-222-2644  

Also last week I meet with the folks at JP Knit and Stitch and discussed performing 'insatiable' at their adorable shop during this years JP Open Studios!! Again, so excited!!! to sit in this inspiring place and crochet on 'insatiable' for hours ~ truly my idea of bliss.  

So on Sept. 22 & 23 you will find me 461 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA, crocheting away!  I will also be selling my dresscards ( need to make that money thing :)  Here are some samples I made for JP Knit - with the paper for the dresses based on fiber arts and knitting.  I also borrowed some of their awesome fabric for some dresses!! So mark your calendars and stop by.  

 ALSO they want me to teach an organic crocheting workshop in the Fall ~

SO FUN!!! 

Now off to Attleboro!! 

peace