Important Notices:

If you would like your work displayed here please send jpg to Karin

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

March marches out like a lamb

IMPORTANT NOTE about SDA member show for Inter.face conference--the deadline for submission has been extended until April 15th. All else stays the same: requirements, submission site, etc.





Workshops:

Workshop on Saltspring Island  May 12, 13 and 14, 2013   We are thrilled to announce that Lauri Swim will be on Salt Spring Island

    From Start to Finish- A Three Day Workshop with Laurie Swim       
    Explore possibilities for creating landscapes in fabric and thread from an artist's perspective in this three-day workshop with Laurie Swim. Participants shall develop a series of samples with innovative techniques and processes. Laurie will teach you a unique method for creating a small building that can be incorporated into a small landscape using the techniques learned.  Plus, over the three day period, each student will develop a pattern for a future landscape project of their own choosing. Demonstrations will be given throughout the workshop as well as suggestions for mounting, framing and hanging a finished work. $355.00 for 3 days

    About the artist: Laurie has worked as an artist for some 40 years, developing unique and innovative treatments to fashion her imagery in textiles with fabric and thread. She has written three books, two published internationally, on quilt art. The Joy of Quilting with an Introduction by Alex Colville, 1984, made her an early leader in the art quilt field. Laurie's third book, Rags to Riches: The Quilt as Art with an introduction by Mary Pratt, was published in Canada in 2007.
  
Laurie's works grace many private and public collections, including the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Art Bank, Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council, the City of Toronto Art Collection and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Del Mano Gallery in Los Angeles, California has represented Laurie since 2007. She is also represented by Zwicker's Art Gallery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Amicus Gallery in Chester, NS.

    Complete details at StitchesFibreArt
    127 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island BC, V8K 2V5
    creativity@StitchesFibreArtSupplies.ca



Good reads:

Craft Perception and Practice celebrates the excellence of Canadian crafts by bringing together twenty-four essays and critical commentaries by sixteen independent critics and curators, professional artists, art historians, and studio art instructors. Highly readable texts by authors Glenn Allison, Amy Gogarty, Paula Gustafson, Paul Mathieu, Gil McElroy, and Anne McPherson-as well as by noted Canadian painter Mary Pratt-discuss the conceptual, social, and cultural significance of craft media, engage linguistic and feminist theories.

(This book is listed as available in the ACAD library. PDF of craft/media/resources here.)

Employment:

                 
                       Casa Employment Opportunities Upcoming

Keep an eye out for employment opportunities on www.artslethbridge.org this weekend. Some of the available positions include: Reception, Facility Attendant, Printmaking StudioTechnician,      Textile Studio Technician, and Custodian.  Both Full Time & Part Time positions are available.







Miscellaneous:





Proper sizing of photos for social media sites. (Remember to set resolution at 72dpi to protect quality and make it harder to print for those who don't ask!)

On Owning the Role of Artist  How labels and comparisons can strengthen creativity, a bit simplistic but food for thought certainly.


Boutique sales opportunity:  

BC member Jaiya Anka Ross, has recently made the transition to working more as a designer/maker and has become a boutique owner, in beautiful Victoria, BC. Following is her info:

    As of this April, I will become the new owner of a lovely boutique called "Cusp" and it has been on Lower Johnson (in the heart of boutique row!) for five years, cultivating a following among fashion-forward women. I will be evolving the collections within the heritage space, to include a greater focus on local designers, products and practices with a greater emphasis on sustainability, and my own work over time. The boutique will focus on wearables for women and textile products for the home.

    And so I am looking for local designers and artists who may wish to have their work featured in a boutique in downtown Victoria. The boutique is fashion-forward and currently features products in a mid-price point category. With time, I would like to bring in "exhibits" of the work of local artisans and host artist/designer talks, in order to increase the awareness, education and appreciation around textile art and design.

    Cusp Clothing:
    102 - 561 Johnson Street
    Victoria, BC
    V8W 1M2
    t: 250.381.8614
    cuspclothing@gmail.com as of April 2.

    While Cusp Clothing has a very active Facebook page, I will be creating a new website and blog and will be sure to send you a link to this once it is up and running.


Friday, March 22, 2013

Lisa Grey will speak at SDA meeting in Calgary


This is the first information out about the next SDA talk in April.
Mark your calendar.
Lisa Grey will talk to us about her life and work.
Please come willing to be part of an inspiring journey.
Please feel free to share this information!



Date: Thursday 25th April
Time : 7pm - 9pm
Place: Atlantis Fine Framing & Studio (click here for map)

Cost: Free to SDA members.  Non-members $10.
(((Why not join SDA - and get their magnificent journal 4 parts a year, only $60 plus international postage.)))

RSVP - required for Lisa's talk to allow us to assess seating needs and refreshments.
Also numbers are limited.
You can RSVP by pressing HERE.

Lisa is a member of the Surface Design Association and the representative for New Hampshire, USA.  


She is a very highly respected teacher and practising artist who produces sumptuous works that are exhibited and sold internationally.  She is famous for her application of disperse dye to produce spectacular marbled surfaces.  Combinations of her printed and dyed fabrics with her photographic imagery provide a refreshing take on surface design.
Her philosophies, galleries and methods can be viewed on her delicious website.

If you think you know what your are going to see and hear about you, are probably wrong....
There is a full spectrum of the rather comfortable .......

A Fine Balance (Detail)
Disperse dyed using painting, marbling and xerox transfer techniques.
Artist: Lisa Grey


.......to the somewhat uncomfortable which will make for a very interesting evening.

Adored/Abandoned II 
Pigment inkjet print on collaged paper and fabric with freehand machine stitching on marbled background. 
15" x 15"
Artist: Lisa Grey


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Marching onwards

The Arts Budget in Alberta:
On March 13th, the Government of Alberta presented Budget 2013, a budget that reflects the fiscal challenges our province faces as a result of international resource market pressures. Even as we take a proactive approach in addressing the challenges brought on by global economic reality, we also continue to take a balanced and responsible approach in making decisions on how best to invest tax dollars in core programs.  MORE HERE.



Exhibitions:

CUTTINGS: Textile paintings by Jennifer Love
March 30th - April 28th, 2013
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 30th, 2013, 2-4pm
FibreWorks Gallery in Madeira Park, Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast, BC. 




Workshops:

Info from Nicole Dextras about her upcoming ECUAD (Emily Carr) course.

    Here is the info about my class coming up this summer. Environmental Installation, June 8, 15, 22. 3 consecutive Saturdays. register with ECU. Cost $245.

    Working with natural materials, found objects and local environments can be a great source of inspiration. In this course you will learn basic techniques such as plaiting and weaving along with ecological techniques for assembling and fastening organic materials. Attention will be given to building a stable armature onto which branches, leaves or recycled materials can be fastened. You will explore the concept of responding to specific sites through projects that float on water, hang in trees or are situated on the soil. Further reading material on the history of environmental art, featuring the artwork of international and local artists, will also be supplied. Dress appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities.



Artistry of Rug Hooking (with Rachelle LeBlanc) at the Leighton Centre
April 13th, 2013

This is a one day introductory rug hooking class where you will learn the necessary techniques to create or improve your own rug hooking project. The classes run for one day from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The cost of the class includes step by step instruction book, the kit called "View from the Leighton"(designed exclusively for this workshop with an image of an Alberta Foothills), hook, pattern on linen, and wool to complete the project.

In this workshop, students will be shown new ways to use rug hooking as a creative tool for self expression. Students will learn how to create movement using the techniques of transitional and directional hooking of color.  Nothing in nature is straight or even in width; the same rule applies to rug hooking.  Treat the wool strips the same way you would use a paint brush.  Some areas of color will be wider then others and nothing should be straight.  Use narrower strips towards the horizon and the wider strips towards the foreground by trimming the strips as needed.  The wool strips included in the kit have been cut with #8 and #6 blades.
Students need to bring a 12" to 14" hoop and a pair of fabric scissors.

To register please go to http://www.leightoncentre.org



Eco-Print Workshop with arlee barr
May 18-20th, 2013 10am-4pm
Deadline for registration is April 15th, cost is $350
Explore the process of creating natural dyes, and producing prints on our fabrics as well as how to work with your fabric to enhance your creation.
Information link.



Artist Links:

Anna Hergert has a couple of thought provoking blog posts about originality, copying and derivation. Part 1 and Part 2.

Kristin Rohr "Mapping her world", artist website.

Good Reads:

The Journal of Modern Craft  covers all aspects of craft as it exists within the condition of modernity (conceived as roughly from the mid-19th century to the present day), without geographical or disciplinary boundary.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

More on the Conference

Exciting news keeps coming out about the SDA Conference, here is the latest...

Monday, March 18, 2013
Surface Design Association

Focus on Arts Education: In-ter-face Conference Workshops

SDA’s upcoming three-day In-ter-face conference in San Antonio, Texas, June 6-9, 2013, is offering 15 pre and post conference 1-5 day workshops taught by accomplished artists and educators.  Content is wide-ranging, from techniques that will expand artists’ skillsets to professional development tools that will increase their marketability.

One of the timely technique-based workshops being offered is Marlene True’s (http://www.marleneture.com) “Ordinary Materials to Extraordinary Jewelry”. Using color, imagery and text found on tin or aluminum cans and plastic bottles, True’s techniques will help students transform the mundane into extraordinary sculpture or wearable art pieces. 

Bookmaking is the subject in Naomi Adams’s (http://www.killerbeedesigns.com)
class, in which participants will make unique books and sketchbooks, learning a number of binding techniques as well as investigating the innovative possibilities for using textiles in bookmaking.

For those who appreciate art that tackles societal issues, Otto Von Busch’s (http://www.self-passage.org) “Strategic Threads” workshop will teach participants how textile art can be used to mobilize public opinion and effect social change.

Two professional development workshops will help artists strengthen their marketing and critical writing skills. Janice Arnold’s (http://www.jafelt.com) “Creating a Personal Road Map for Success” covers everything from how to create a high-caliber portfolio to how to develop innovative fundraising, marketing and branding techniques.

Bean Gilsdorf’s  (http://www.beangilsdorf.com) “Be the Critic! Writing Boot Camp for Inspiring Authors” will focus participants on generating discourse about textile art by crafting and honing well-written exhibition reviews.

For more information on these and many other excellent workshops and instructors, download a copy of the In-ter-face conference brochure at the Surface Design Association website (http://www.surfacedesign.org/subpage/conference-brochure-1)


***

The 2013 Conference Schedule includes Pre-Conference Workshops June 1–5, Conference Sessions June 6–9, and Post-Conference Workshops June 10–14, 2013.  Featured speakers, artist talks, student presentations, a professional panel, demonstrations, and workshops will also be conducted during the conference at Southwest School of Art, University of the Incarnate Word, and Crowne Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk.  Special events include many city-wide exhibitions, Fundraising Cocktail Party, Vendor Fair, Trunk Show, Silent Auction, Fiber Study Tour, and many networking and professional development opportunities.  For more information and registration, go to www.surfacedesign.org/2013conference.

***
            The Surface Design Association, a non-profit organization since 1977, is dedicated to raising the level of excellence in surface design -- the coloring, patterning, and structuring of fiber and fabric -- by inspiring creativity and encouraging innovation through publications, exhibitions, conferences, and educational opportunities. SDA has over 4000 members working as artists, designers, educators, curators, gallery owners, students, and textile enthusiasts from around the world.  New members are invited to join at www.surfacedesign.org.


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Yes It's a Timely Reminder

The Surface Design Association: Alberta Branch 
is pleased to be holding its second meeting in Calgary
SWATCH AND MINGLE
Wednesday 20th March

Please accept this as a timely reminder

At the home and studio of Susan Kristoferson 

8 Coach Gate Place SW
Calgary
T3H 1G2

Meeting begins with mingle and refreshments at 7pm (till about 9:30pm)

Apart from mingling we will also be investigating a wonderful resource that proved extremely enlightening at a successful meeting TSDG in Lethbridge last month:- 
Swatch Collection B from The Surface Design Association.

Members and non-members are very welcome, a small donation will be asked of non-members.

RSVP, to help with planning catering and seating for this event.

Information about making additions to the collection are available here, and will be discussed at the meeting.

Please come along to meet like-minded folks and learn more about variety in surface design.
The focus of the next meeting will also be revealed.

There will also be an opportunity to investigate our blog further and update your profile and web page on the SDA blog if you have not already done so.  Why not bring a .jpg image of your work, on a flash drive/stick, to upload whilst at the meeting.  Help will be on hand if you require it.

Any questions to karin
((Please see the previous blog entry for information about adding to this valuable resource yourself)).

Friday, March 8, 2013

Swatch collection at March 20th meeting

As i looked through the collection of swatches we will be sharing at the March 20th meeting, i found a sheet that mentions more swatches are always welcomed. If you wish to contribute a swatch yourself, they must be 12x12" with bound edges (this can be as simple as zigzagging the edges or making a pillowcase finish). All swatches MUST have a card attached to the back with your name, techniques used, and if you like, some contact information (blog, website, photo album). There are samples of every surface design technique as to be expected with such a wide ranging membership and talent pool, from nuno felting to hand weaving, transfer dyes and procion printing, silkscreen, stamping, shibori and anything else that can be done to a fabric surface, so showcase your talent and processes! (Do remember though that these are sample swatches, not necessarily little works of finished art.)

As none of the swatches in the collection can be removed, please bring a camera if you want to "add" a technique to your practice. We do ask that you photograph the back so that the maker can be properly attributed.

Please let arlee or Karin know if you want to contribute a swatch, as a record of these must be made and attached with when the collection goes back to HQ.

if i could be two places at once.........



I'd like to invite you to my lecture that launches a series of events for the Craft Council of BC's 40th anniversary celebration. I'll be talking about how I use library resources for the research that goes into my work, dwelling on history, geography, sail making, and weather,  rather than "how-to" books on art (although the library has those, too). As an artist who has a "day job" at a library, I feel I have a wonderful perspective on the great, accessible, affordable treasure chest a library represents. It will be a brief tour of my creative process.

Bettina Matzkuhn
matzkuhn@shaw.ca; 604-253-9180; www.bettinamatzkuhn.ca

Bettina Matzkun: Library Resources and Creative Inspiration
A program open to all ages
Wednesday March 20
7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Free

Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level
Central Library
350 West Georgia Street
~~~~~~~

A reminder that the 2nd meeting for SDA Alberta is March 20th, hosted generously in her own home by Susan Kristoferson. Details and directions to follow!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Clarification of 12x12 Members Show at Interface Conference

  There have been some questions about the SDA Conference members' show
requirements for a mounted piece, 12" square. The deadline for entry is
APRIL 1, http://www.surfacedesign.org/subpage/sda-members-shows Thanks here
to Debbie Wambaugh, Northern California Rep, for her written clarification:

The work must be mounted on a 12" x 12" x 1.5" stretcher frame with or
without the canvas. You may stretch your work over the frame with or
without the canvas as long as you maintain the 12 x 12 dimension or you
may mount your work on the canvas. If your work is smaller than 12 x 12,
you must use a canvas.

The canvas can be altered by painting, collage, stitching or other
surface design. The work may be 3-D and extend off of the canvas as long
as it's not sharp or dangerous. The 12 x 12 dimension must be maintained
but the depth, including the 1.5" frame should be kept to a total of
3.5". Also include eyehooks and a wire on the back attached for hanging.


If you still have questions please direct them to Allison Brown-Cestero
membershow at surfacedesign dot org 

Monday, March 4, 2013

in like a lion

Webinars are the new way to "distance learn", and Kathyanne White is one of the premier artists in this experience. If you can't attend her SDA conference workshop on digital printing on fabric, you can still take advantage of her expertise and learn new techniques here. Kathyanne also creates and shares regular workshops on her site at an inexpensive $35.00 a year. (Non members can access some for a even less spendy $15.00 a "class", allowing you to pick and choose.)


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If you ever go across the border into Washington, you might want to try to catch this exhibition of work by
 WA members of the SDA.  The opening is Thursday March 7 th, 5 pm to 8 pm.  The Schack Art Center is located at 2921 Hoyt Avenue in Everett. For further information see: http://www.schack.org/exhibits/fiber-art/

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Are you a felting artist? felt::feutre Contemporary Canadian Felt has a call out for entry for the September exhibition being held at the same time as the first exposition by this association. Take a look a their workshops also, a few have spaces left with world class artists--wish i could go myself!!!!!!!!

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Turkey Red Journal is looking for articles from natural dyers for their online publication. (Scroll down through the letter for information and contact email.) A long time and well respected web presence, there are archives of older articles as well.

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Please note, we have a CLASSIFIED page now--check the sidebar for information!
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Hoping that everyone is safe and warm as we all experience winter's vagaries this week!