Craft Show Artists 2009

Laura Breitman — Warwick, NY   |   laurabreitman.com

I am committed to expressing how light interacts with form and the task of fooling the eye. Thousands of pieces of fabric are often contained in each work. Attention to detail is my way of capturing viewers, bringing them in closer so that details meld into shapes and colors – which is often the case when we contemplate an object. It is this type of meditation and study of individual elements that trigger the kinds of thoughts that sweep through our minds and take us by surprise. My work is meant to inspire these moments.

Leah K. Evans — Madison, WI   |   leahevanstextiles.com

A selection of fiber works based on research of maps, satellite imagery, and microbiology. Viewed together the work explores similarities in the macro and micro worlds. My process features a balance of machine and hand stitching as well as use of hand-dyed and salvaged materials. Techniques include natural and synthetic dyeing, needle-felting, applique, Xerox transfer, reverse applique, piecing, bead work, and a variety of hand embroidery stitches.

Martha Fieber — Manistique, MI   |   martha.fiebers.com

I call my work "Landscape in Thread". By using subtle colors and details, and complex compositions, my art expresses our human connection to the natural world. It encourages the viewer to contemplate the interconnectedness between all things. I incorporate intense detail, texture, depth, shading, dimension, and layering into each of my pieces of work. I use only 4 types of stitch, straight stitch, French knots, couching, and chain stitch, to achieve the incredible depth and perspective you see in my work. I love working with fiber. Its color, sheen, feel, and finish all contribute to my lifelong fascination with detail and precision. Dyeing and hand painting my fibers has brought additional dimension to my work and satisfaction to the creative process. I am continuing to experiment with materials and colors to bring more feeling to each piece of work and to make the viewer to feel like they are inside the scene.

Renee Harris — Cincinnati, OH   |   reneeharris.net

These one-of-a-kind narrative wall pieces are influenced by my love of illustration, folk art and nature. I use a number of techniques and materials in my work but mostly choose: hand dyed felted wool and cotton thread hand and loop embroidery for surface embellishments. The colorful felted wool fabric is my canvas while the hand embroidery becomes a drawing tool and the end result is an illustrative interpretation of my imagination.

Karen Henderson — Montpelier, VT   |   karenhendersonfiber.com

In my work, I am interested in the connections between self, place, emotion and time. Seasons, atmospheres and the time of day intrigue me. I try to recreate these natural occurrences, evoking emotions that I associate with them through the use of color, line, and texture. I use different dye techniques (batik, shibori, discharge, rust print) as well as sewing with my weavings and fabric pieces. I draw lines by stitching with thread. Dimension is added with tucks, layers, or other manipulations of fabric. The lines suggest landscape or other aspects of nature. Most of the techniques I choose to use are very contemplative, encouraging introspection; other processes are spontaneous and unpredictable. I try to find a balance between the two approaches.

Susan F. Hill — Kansas City, MO   |   susanhilldesign.com

Fiber collage assembled from hand woven tapestry, felt, fabric, photo transfers on fabric with machine stitching and hand embroidery.

Meg Little — Newport, RI   |   meglittle.com

One of a kind hand tufted rugs using many colors of wool yarn blended together in a looped pile punched into a backing cloth, latexed and lined. Meant to be walked on, but equally at home on a wall, my work ranges in size from door mat to room sized.

Kelly M. Marshall — Minneapolis, MN   |   kellymarshall.com

The scandinavian rep weave technique is used to create these luminous cotton and linen textiles. These artful, textural pieces include rugs and wall hangings, in vibrant colors. Through the fine craft of handweaving I use historical patterns as well as my own original designs as you see in the images. These pieces are often one of a kind created for a specific location.

Chris Roberts-Antieau — Manchester, MI   |   chrisroberts-antieau.com

Even when I didn't KNOW I was an artist, I guess I was an artist. I've always drawn pictures in my mind, making compositions of the landscape going by from the backseat of my father's car - drawing horses for hours on the living room floor - copying fashion illustrations from my mother's Vogue magazine. Art has always been my most natural way of speaking. My parents taught me to preserve my instinct of self-direction. I know that I've never really had a choice in the course my life has taken. I have no formal training. I was not recommended as a candidate for college. I did not like nor fit into high school. Humor is my vice. I think the experience of joy is why we are here. I love to sew and I love to draw. I love the texture, pattern, and versatility of fabric. I trust what I do. I trust this journey I am on. I do not trust the media. I am humbled and blessed and very grateful.

Adrienne Rogers — Kinderhook, NY   |   adriennerogers.com

The creative possibilities inherent in hand-knitting have always intrigued me. Needle size, yarn weight and mathematical calculations dictate the outcome of a repetitive flow of continuous knots. Simple tools and complex stitch arrangements result in a delicate and rhythmic dance. I strive to create pieces that maximize the combination of a few basic elements to achieve unexpectedly expressive sculptural forms. I develop works that are rooted in tradition but have a modern sensibility. Each side and every edge is carefully crafted to play off the textures. I embrace the natural challenges of the cooperative endeavor. Partnering with the materials and being aware of their intrinsic qualities is critical to allowing them to live and breathe. I work to ensure the grace, integrity, and complexity of the materials exhibit their own life while I attempt to fill every space with thought, interest and expression.