Category: Textiles

  • Trading Traditions: Joey Veltkamp

    Trading Traditions: Joey Veltkamp

    I’ve written before about my admiration for artists using modern quilt making as their medium.   I love the way these artists are taking an old folk tradition and making it fresh.  But there is something altogether different about what Seattle artist Joey Veltkamp is doing with his contemporary art quilts.

    Veltkamp_Sissy Goodwin:I am a good person Veltkamp_This is not a protest Veltkamp_Life after God Veltkamp_Seattle Womens Convention Veltkamp_Not What they seem

    The quilts, part of an exhibition titled It’s Not a Protest. It’s a Celebration! showing at ArtsWest Playhouse & Gallery in Seattle through June 7th, are part play, part politic and all truth tinged with humor.  Veltkamp is known for his comforting subject matter– imagery of beer and blankets ( two of Mr. F’s favorite things! ) and now taking it a step further by creating his own art quilts and flags.

    There is nothing so comforting as being wrapped in a quilt handmade with love– it’s almost like being shrouded in love.  Many of Veltkamp’s quilts carry messages of tolerance and acceptance, a gentle way of saying to the world that we are all the same, all long for the same thing– to be bundled up in love.

    To see more of Joey Veltkamp‘s work, please visit his website.  If you’re in Seattle, be sure to check out his show at ArtsWest!

    All images via the artist’s website.

  • Fiber Loves: Juliet Martin

    Fiber Loves: Juliet Martin

    Mr. F and I have known each other a long time.  We were friends from way back before we became Mr. & Mrs.  Long enough and well enough to know each other’s exes.  We often speculate on what our lives had we stayed with our former loves ( and thankful each day things turned out the way they did!! ).  In her Men I Have Known series, New York artist Juliet Martin crafts woven textile sculptures, each representing a different lover.

    Juliet Martin | artsy forager #art #artists #sculpture #textiles Juliet Martin | artsy forager #art #artists #sculpture #textiles Juliet Martin | artsy forager #art #artists #sculpture #textiles Juliet Martin | artsy forager #art #artists #sculpture #textiles Juliet Martin | artsy forager #art #artists #sculpture #textiles

    In these colorful, playful phalluses ( I didn’t immediately see the phallic quality to some, but then I can be pretty naive like that.. ), the artist, according to her website, is satirizing the idea of man as conqueror and possessor of sexual power.  Instead, she’s creating her own “trophies”, bedpost notches, if you will.  At first glance, the viewer would have no idea the meaning behind these pieces but the mystery is half the fun, yes? 😉

    To see more of Juliet Martin‘s work, please visit her website.

    All images via the artist’s website.

  • Design Foraging: Hopewell Workshop

    Design Foraging: Hopewell Workshop

    I’m a big fan of modern quilts.  I love that artists and artisans are continuing a longstanding tradition yet giving it a modern spin.  The ladies of Hopewell Workshop, Eliza Kenan and Claire Oswalt came together to continue the tradition of their respective families of creating artisan wares such as these quilts with a modish edge.

    Hopewell Workshop Hopewell Workshop Hopewell Workshop Hopewell Workshop

    Just as our ancestors created quilts based on their traditions and folklore, so are the Hopewell makers creating new traditions on a contemporary foundation.  Each piece a work of art.  I would love to curl up under one of these or just hang it on my wall and gaze at it!

    To see more of the wares of Hopewell Workshop, please visit their website.  Oh and make sure you check out my post on Claire’s work from earlier today if you missed it!

    All images are via the Hopewell Workshop website.

  • Artsy Lately: Rachel Denny

    Artsy Lately: Rachel Denny

    Mr. F and I often talk about what has drawn us to the Northwest.  The mild summers have a lot to do with it, but even more, is the feeling that, in comparison to so much of the US, there is a wildness here.  Big cities are few and far between, the landscape filled more with small towns, rural communities and much still wild and untamed wilderness.  The thought that we can go out on a hike and see deer, elk, bears, and even moose in some areas, is thrilling.  We are living on the edge, ya’ll.  But that also means that we, as humans and society are ever encroaching on the wilderness and the animals found therein are paying the price.  These themes of nature and our relationship with it and effects upon it are the catalyst for the work of Portland sculptor, Rachel Denny.

    Cold Comfort by Rachel Denny Tangled by Rachel Denny Soft Heart by Rachel Denny Lemon Thief by Rachel Denny Rumor of Spring by Rachel Denny

    In her work, Denny has created a visual language for exploring the charm and delicacy to be found in the natural world.  Whimsy belies a deeper meaning, if we take the time to look beyond what we see.

    Rachel Denny’s latest work can currently be seen in her solo exhibition, Outside In at Foster/White Gallery in Seattle through October 26th.  You can also see more of Denny’s work on her website.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Design Foraging: Julia Gabriel

    Design Foraging: Julia Gabriel

    Mr. F and I can definitely relate to snails, turtles, basically any of those I-carry-my-home-on-my-back types.  Although technically, we carry home in our Hyundai Santa Fe.. still, we feel a kinship. 😉  But what if you really could carry your home on your back?  These utilitarian sculptures by Julia Gabriel are hand-dyed canvas backpacks inspired by architecture and well, they are the most inspired backpacks I’ve ever seen!

    Julia Gabriel_Painted Lady 6

    Julia Gabriel_Painted Lady 5

    Julia Gabriel_Painted Lady 4

    Julia Gabriel_Painted Lady 2

    Julia Gabriel_Painted Lady 1

    I mean, how fun would it be to carry your books & laptop to your favorite coffee shop in one of these?  This series is available through Buy Some Damn Art until November 5th.  Check out the show online at BSDA and see more of Julia Gabriel‘s work on her website.

    All images via the BSDA website.

  • Design Foraging: All Roads Design

    Design Foraging: All Roads Design

    As a dutiful child of the 70s, I love crochet, macrame, all those disco-era handicrafts. Though I don’t always love that era’s color palette as much as my sister-in-law– you guys should see the 1970s era RV she is redoing, appropriately named Gertrude. Anywhoo.. I recently stumbled upon the work of All Roads Design, I knew I wanted to share it with you! It’s like art you can pet. And I so would, every day!

    DF_AR5 DF_AR3 DF_AR1 DF_AR2 DF_AR6

     

    I think one of these would add beautiful texture to our one day Northwest dream home. He ( gotta be a he with all that hair ) would mix so well with all the other artwork I’m coveting. Hey, an Artsy can dream, right? Have a great weekend, Artsies! We’re hoping to take a little road trip this weekend, will fill you in on Monday!

    All images are via the All Roads website.

  • Design Foraging: Cloud Illusions, I Recall

    Design Foraging: Cloud Illusions, I Recall

    Monday morning, as Mr. Forager & I were leaving home, we both got excited at how grey and blustery a morning it was here in the desert.  A “Northwest kind of day!” we both exclaimed.  Perhaps you might think us a bit odd, but we really miss the grey and the rain.  Cool days spent reading in a coffee shop, wandering through used bookstores and galleries.  Those days just don’t seem to happen here in the desert.  So as I’m finding myself longing for clouds, I rounded up a few artsy finds of the cumulus variety!

    Cloud Slivers Lamp at Anthropologie
    Cloud Slivers Lamp at Anthropologie

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    Animal Clouds Pillow by SCHOP
    Animal Clouds Pillow by SCHOP

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    Tiny Cloud Necklace by Boutique MI
    Tiny Cloud Necklace by Boutique MI

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    White Cloud Teaspoon Rest by JD Wolfe Pottery
    White Cloud Teaspoon Rest by JD Wolfe Pottery

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    Rainy Day Wool Throw at Leif Shop
    Rainy Day Wool Throw at Leif Shop

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    Hope you have a wonderful weekend and may all your clouds end in rainbows.  See you Monday, Artsies!

  • Design Foraging: Tangled Up

    Design Foraging: Tangled Up

    Mr. Forager & I like to browse through thrift stores occasionally.  He’s always hoping to score something or other needed for beer making and I love finding great deals on vintage and designer clothes.  Every once in awhile, in our perusing, I spy a crocheted wall hanging, usually a bit worse for the wear, but it immediately takes me back to my aunt and uncle’s 1970s apartment!  There are artists & artisans who are embracing the homespun weaving craft and giving it a decidedly artsy and modern edge.  Here are a few contemporary woven tapestries I’ve spied recently–

    Try Angles by Liz Toohey-Wiese
    Try Angles by Liz Toohey-Wiese

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    Woven Tapestries by Maryanne Moodie
    Woven Tapestries by Maryanne Moodie, photo by Brooke Holm

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    Maze by Hannah Waldron
    Maze by Hannah Waldron

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    Pink Windows by Mimi Jung
    Pink Windows by Mimi Jung

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    I just love how these weavings do warm and folksy in a way that is completely current!  Have a wonderful weekend, Artsies!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Friday Finds: Fabrications

    Friday Finds: Fabrications

    I am absolutely hopeless when it comes to sewing.  Pretty sure I got a “C” on my big sewing project in junior high Home Ec ( a C was pretty unheard of for this nerd ) and my attempts as an adult haven’t been much better.  But I have a great love for textiles of all colors and textures.  Not only do I completely love contemporary artists who work in fabric, but I am completely envious of their abilities.  You know what they say, those who can, do.. those who can’t, well share with others!  Check out these beautiful examples of textile art!

    Structures #72 by Lisa Call
    Cleveland Foreclosure Quilt by Kathryn Clark
    Ada Quilt by Meg Callahan
    Prairie/Wall I by Sue Benner

    Lisa Call | Kathryn Clark | Meg Callahan | Sue Benner

    Be sure to check out these artists’ websites, linked above for more of their amazing work.  Happy weekend!

    All images are via the artists’ websites, linked above.

  • Friday Finds: Inspired Geometrics

    Friday Finds: Inspired Geometrics

    As with many right-brained folks, math is not my strong suit.  But one thing I loved about taking geometry was the analysis of shape and how each is formed using different angles.  It seems that many creatives are finding geometrics inspiring these days.  Check out my artsy geometric finds for this week!

    Filzfelt Stools via Apartment Therapy
    Hare by Marco Cibola
    Brooch by No Milk Today
    Welsummer Oblong Cushion by Lindsey Lang
    Quilt by Lisa Call

    Filzfelt via Apartment Therapy | Marco Cibola | No Milk Today | Lindsey Lang | Lisa Call 

    Happy weekend, Artsies!  Will you be doing some artsy geometric foraging of your own this weekend? 😉

    PS– You may have noticed that I’ve switched up the Friday’s title from Friday Faves to Friday Finds.  I’ll be using the Friday round-up to not only explore what’s trending in the art world, but to also share my inspiring finds throughout the world of design!

    Featured image is Hare by Marco Cibola ( detail ).  All images are via the artists’/designers’ websites, linked above.