the proper means of investigating truth, approx. 40 x 108 inches ©2014 Deidre Adams
found papers, dressmaker’s pattern tissue, thread
Does my post title sound obnoxious? I’m working on getting better at horn-tooting, but there’s a fine line between believing in yourself and beating people over the head with it.
Last October, I wrote about some new work that I started during my residency at the Vermont Studio Center (here). I’ve continued to work on these, and when the call for entries for Form, Not Function came up this year, I decided I was ready to release some of it out into the world. Fortunately, they agreed, and the work was accepted into the show.
Yes, I know you’re supposed to make the work only for yourself and not care what anyone thinks. In fact, that is how I felt when I was making these. But on the other hand, I really don’t want to make my work in a vacuum. And this work is so different for me, and for anyone who’s familiar with my work, that I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received.
So it certainly was a pleasant surprise to be notified that I had received an award at the exhibition — the Award of Excellence in Memory of Textile Artist Alma Lesch, presented by DELvelopment Foundation. I found out from a lovely voice mail message, which also said that the piece had been the subject of a lot of discussion. I can’t imagine anything nicer to hear about one’s work. So yay!
the proper means of investigating truth, detail
Congratulations Deidre, I love your work and always follow you. Yes this is a departure from your usual style but in a very positive way! It drew me in immediately to look closer . Not to mention your great post that is a ‘hook’ to read further.
Well done!
Anni, thanks so much. Your work is wonderful. Love the nests.
Love the work and the commentary. As someone always encouraging you – I think – to toot your own horn good to hear the horn!
You are most excellent! Congratulations on an honor well deserved!
Ack, horn tooting is torturous, it goes against the grain of how many of us were taught to behave; be modest, not boast or brag… it’s so much easier when someone else says something for us.
I’m glad you posted though, your headline caught my attention, it worked 🙂 and I’m happy for the acknowledgement of your work, it looks wonderful, I hope to see this new work in the flesh someday.
Congrats, Deidre! That is excellent! I hope I can see it in person someday.
Very well deserved award, Deidre. Your work is amazing and I wish I could see it in person.
FNF is one of the few exhibits I get so see in person! Can’t wait to see your piece! Congratulations to you!
Now, this is interesting, Deidre — the detail does look like a total departure from your earlier work. But the overall shot has the visual texture and subtle color shifts of your painted quilts. All of your work seems of a piece to me, coming from the same inquiring mind and talented hand. Many congratulations, both for the award and for the work itself.
Thank you all for your kind words. I appreciate every one of you taking the time to comment.
Judy, you hit the nail on the head. I think I was probably a little braggart when I was little, and people worked extra hard to “correct” me on that. And it took!
Karoda, so glad you’ll be there. I hope you will take some pictures & post on FB.
Jeannette, thanks for that feedback. I always wonder if I’m making my art life more difficult by not sticking to one medium.
Oh Deidre, I’m so happy for you! As you know, I LOVE this new work (direction?) of yours, and I’m *so* pleased that a jury of your peers agrees.
Congratulations! Such well deserved accolades for such beautiful work.
This is marvelous work. I wish I could see more of it. Really, I do – there is such texture and mystery and places I want to explore.
Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition. And, great headline! Might as well get the horn tooting done with one well chosen word, right? Excellent!
lovely, lovely lovely! I am SO liking this direction. Paper is fiber after all. AND if you didn’t toot, you would have deprived me from seeing your soul feeding work!
Bravo woman! I love seeing this transformation!
I’ve been looking forward to seeing how you would finish this and love it. It looks more free form than your other work, but definitely related. Your work stripped to its essence. It’s like what’s under the other work, structural. It’s to that other work as the pattern paper is to a garment (or whatever it’s designed for)? Love the scale.
This is a fabulous piece. Better than excellent. I saw it at The Carnegie in New Albany. I could look at it for 1000 hours and never see it all. It is beautiful in the main or the wholeness of it… But then the details! Congratulations!
Vickie, thank you! I appreciate your kind words.