New FilzFun…coming soon!

I am on pins and needles waiting for the release of the next FilzFun magazine out of Germany.   Harlequin Feltworks will be in there!

This is a stellar magazine with an un-paralled passion for felting in all of its forms.  Family-run, the team behind this publication has an immense dedication to serving the latest trends in feltmaking from across the world and it has been a real joy to work with them preparing the article.

It was tough to keep things “under wraps” for these past few months, but it was worth it: the article serves up some fresh ideas, both visually and in the insightful interview.

You can order a copy, or subscribe, at their website: FilzFun

Recommended: Second Skin by India Flint

Second Skin by India Flint

There is a lovely woman in Christchurch, NZ, who always sends in the best recommendations.  Recently, she shared the following book: Second Skin by world-renowned dye-master India Flint and recommends reading this review by Alice Fox at her Textile Blog, stitchprintweave for a great synopsis.

An excerpt:

India Flint’s new book Second Skin is a beautiful follow up to her first. It has the same luscious feel, packed with gorgeous photographs and illustrations and has a pleasing mix of practical information, snippets from different cultural traditions and more general anecdotal writing that gives an insight in to India’s colourful life.

 Despite its visual appeal some of the content doesn’t make for comfortable reading. India reminds the reader of how poorly informed most of us are about where our clothing is derived from: the fibres and the processes that have gone into the garments that we wrap around our bodies for the majority of our lives. Of course, even if we care about such things it can often be very difficult to find out the history of what we buy and this book highlights the real facts about the systems that our clothes pass through.

 You can read the full article at this link.

Upcoming…Beyond Function: Fiber, Fabric, and Finery at De Saisset August 17-Dec 2, 2012

Rose Collar by Jenne Giles, 2011

Craft is defined as “the mastery of material and technique to produce an object by hand.”* For many decades, the art world has grappled with the issue of when does an artist’s statement transcend utility? The eleven Northern California artists participating in this exhibition have taken their chosen medium to the level of fine art through their innovative techniques and meticulous workmanship. A wide variety of media is represented, from traditional quilts and kimonos to embroidery and hand-knitted lace, all with the common goal of being appreciated for their aesthetic value rather than their usefulness. In addition, many of the artists incorporate found or recycled materials, giving them a new life beyond their original purpose. The exhibition includes artists who are well-known in their respective media, such as Yvonne Porcella, Joan Schulze, and Therese May as well as emerging artists Stephanie Metz, Jenne Giles, and Steve MacDonald who explore new possibilities with familiar materials such as felt and thread.

This exhibition is guest-curated by Sheryl Nonnenberg.

For more info: http://www.scu.edu/desaisset/exhibitions/fabric.cfm

SDA Article following up on ACC Show, Baltimore

The Surface Design Association invited 4 artists to show at the American Craft Council Show Baltimore.  We were one of them.  Here is an article with collected insights from the artists at the show.

ABCs of an ACC Show: 4 SDA Exhibitors Give Insider Tips

by Candace Edgerly

In their quest to attract new talent, the American Craft Council gave several art/craft-focused organizations the opportunity to invite 10 of their members to bypass ACC’s jury process. 4 out of the 10 SDA invited took us up on the offer by participating in the 2012 Baltimore ACC Show in February.

With over 650 juried artists, the Baltimore show is a bit overwhelming. For the visitor, there is no shortage of interesting and inspiring new work. For the exhibitor, however, there are some challenges involved in putting yourself out there. Jiyoung Chung, Tamara Embrey, Jenne Giles and Deborah Kruger shared some insights into their experience of working this venue below.

Read the full article here

Animal Fibers at ISS featured in SIGNED magazine

Innovation in Fashion

Alexander McQueen’s Ready-to-Wear A/W show, during the 2009 Paris Fashion Week. Photography by Eric Ryan / Getty Images.

When it comes to fashion, we often talk about beauty and desire. But the industry is really about inspiration, provocation, and constant reinvention. Fashion is, more than anything, an engine of innovation. This is why its success should be measured in terms of the passion—positive or negative—it incites in people, versus its loveliness.  Full Article from Design Mind Here

The Summer Groove

The past couple weeks have been a period of switching gears: as the season for shows (& the traveling that it entails) winds down, so too does the super-production pace of the shop, and a sense of urgency is replaced by a more moderate & relaxed pace.  After 7 years of experiencing felt’s seasonality (only in chilly SF is it considered a year-round necessity), I look forward to the unwritten nature of the Summer.

I have a few ambitious goals set in my sights for the upcoming season, but am largely trying to regain a sense of pacing and an openness to new ideas and ventures.  Whereas my OCD can be helpful for the small details of running a business, it can get in the way and mean missing out on the bigger picture. As my nose is close to the ground and only focused on the scent that I am looking for, I miss the opportunity to look up, interact and explore the environment through other senses & understandings.  One of my goals is to lessen my grip on controlling all the details and to have more faith in the natural momentum of life.  If opportunity knocks and one is too preoccupied to hear it, it’s as good as not happing at all.  I find that life sends opportunities one’s way when the time is right, if & when we are receptive to new changes/challenges.

One of my other big goals is to work on communication.  As a life-long mumbler, fast-talker, and free-association think-out-louder, I have not often made the most of art of communication.  Recent experimentation leads me to believe that it is about saying what I mean & meaning what I say.  So far, the experiment has been really beneficial both personally & professionally.  Now if only I could work on my phone manner….

Bips & Bleeps:

Saw Surviving Progress at the Shattuck Cinema…deluxe!  Poetically-visual film about how debt is sucking the life out of the planet.

Taught a great private lesson on Saturday.  They say “the devil is in the details” but I think it is not the devil, but the essence that one finds in the basic details of a craft.  Think what a difference it makes to cooking: good ingredients, understanding of the craft, and confidence in the process make for delicious meals and experiences.

 

The Lab’s Annual Art Auction

My felted wool & mixed media piece, Flue, is on the auction block at the Lab’s upcoming fundraising event.  Support a great space & get great art!

It is bittersweet to see a piece go but I know it will go to a great home and will be an incentive to make new work.  Gotta let the love flow…

Artwear at the DeYoung May 4 & 5

Upcoming Show: Artwear at the DeYoung Museum May 4 & 5

First Anniversary

Wedded by Jenne Giles 2011

felted wool, mixed media

Today is the first anniversary of my my marriage.  My husband and I have been together for 9 years and, as many do, I did not think things would change that much after the ceremony.  I have been surprised in many ways by the profound changes that did follow: more trust, better cooperation & communication, and certainly better balance.  Our marriage and mutual support has given me a profound sense of security that I did not feel previously.  One does become one half of a greater whole.

This painting, Wedded, was completed just prior to our ceremony.  It evokes the atomic relationship between partnerships and the greater interrelationship of parts that make stabile societies.  I hope that it conveys the buoyancy and humor that I feel are required to make a resilient and lasting bond.