More experiments in paper and fiber


Confluence, 74 x 37 inches. Reclaimed cotton and polyester sheets, found papers, thread, ink, acrylic paint. ©Deidre Adams, all rights reserved.

In May, I started some new work combining fabric and paper. I wrote about by process here. I have several of these in progress, but now that I’ve got a second one finished, it’s officially a series. This piece is currently on view at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder as part of the exhibition “75 — A Celebration of New Works in Fiber.” The exhibition was accompanied by several events which I’ll post about shortly. 

Detail view of Confluence:


Confluence, detail.  ©Deidre Adams, all rights reserved.

Experiments in paper and fiber


Not Entirely Unfamiliar, 60 x 18 inches. Reclaimed cotton and polyester sheets, found papers, thread, ink, acrylic paint.

A short post today to show some recent work. I’m inspired by my collection of materials from various library and other used book sales. I’m also trying to use up old things I’ve had in my fabric stash and in the house generally that would not be of value to anyone. I brought out some old sheets from the closet and tore them into strips. They’re very soft and worn, and they take paint beautifully. The tearing process leaves lots of loose threads, and I’m loving those, too. 

I’ve been thinking about how to combine fabric and paper for quite awhile now. My process for this particular work started out spontaneously; just taking all these things on the table and starting to put them together, then follow where it leads. I’m thoroughly enjoying working with a collage process and limited palette. I have no specific end in mind whatsoever, and that’s always fun. I like to follow the unknown road.

A lot of the paper came from this Japanese book (I think it’s a novel but would appreciate any further insight):

 

Here are some detail shots:

 

 

A New Spin: Fiber arts at the Art Gym

Encoding-SchemeI-EditEncoding: Scheme I, 58 x 56 inches, acrylic paint on stitched textile, ©2015 Deidre Adams

July 7–30, 2016
Opening reception: July 14 5-8 pm

1460 Leyden St, Denver, CO 80220
Hours: Tues-Sat  |  9am – 6pm

Art Gym Denver is excited to present A New Spin, a fiber arts exhibition curated by Jo Fitsell. A self-taught artist, Jo Fitsell’s work explores internal rhythms and unseen connections. In this show, Fitsell connects a wide range of works related to the fiber medium and modern innovations in fiber art. A New Spin features artwork from Deidre Adams, Christi Beckman, Susan Brooks, Heather Doyle Maier, Patty Emmons, Jo Fitsell, Pam Fortner, Mary Horrocks, Tom Lundberg, Barb Olson, and Jennifer Pettus. According to Jo Fitsell, “I tried to remember pieces visually, without thinking of the artists themselves. I chose pieces that connected on a personal level that would be intriguing to the general public. We have a history of idealizing art from the far past and diminishing those of the present. This was an opportunity to reveal what is happening in the fiber art world.”

Art Gym Denver is a membership-based community and creative workspace with shared access to tools and equipment for a variety of artistic disciplines including painting, printmaking, sculpting, design, culinary arts, dance, and more. It includes a gallery space with new shows opening every few weeks.

In association with A New Spin, there will be several events of interest:
July 7, 2016, 5-8 pm: Exhibition Opens

July 14, 2016, 5-8 pm: Artists Reception  |  Artists will be present, light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres served

July 16, 2016, 3-5 pm: Artist Talk with Mary Horrocks about Rust Printing Technique – free and open to the public

July 20, 2016, 5-7 pm: Artist Talk with Jo Fitsell about Fiber Art History, Techniques and her own Creative Process – free and open to the public

July 27, 2016, 5-7 pm: Artist Talk with Thomas Lundberg about his Stitch Techniques and Inspiration taken from the History of Textiles and from Everyday Life.

July 2nd, 2016|Exhibitions, Fiber / mixed media|Comments Off on A New Spin: Fiber arts at the Art Gym