Center of the Universe

Finding my mom's yarn stash in every corner of the house. She moved there over 37 years ago so this collection of yarn is leftover from finished projects, or unfinished projects or just plain forgotten about from the mid 1970's to the present. It's fun to sift through the boxes and revisit the trends in color and fiber where pastel acrylics, sparkly novelties and earth toned silks all take a place in the timeline of her purchases. 

In my attempt to comprehend the immensity of the volume of material - and to embrace what was hers - I've decided to wind each skein, one on top of another, into one large singular ball.

As it grows to something that currently weighs over 15 pounds it possesses a gravitational pull that draws you in. The layers blend and change by the minute with each new application of color. The action of winding around the sphere feels uncannily like I'm orbiting around a sun or other celestial body.

I plan to continue until it measures 34 in. in diameter (the width of my front door) or until I run out of yarn - which ever comes first. Tonight the ball has consumed two large boxes worth of yarn, measures 15 inches in diameter and weighs 15.4 pounds. This roughly translates to 246 ounces or 6,991 grams or 69.9 skeins.

I've barely made a dent in the supply.

Impulse Photoshoot

Friday was all about the final details of my show PHYLA that is installing at NK Gallery this weekend... AND the photoshoot of a few artworks, especially IMPULSE (Dendrite III). This piece was a delight to photograph with all the copper lines and details to focus on. To see IMPULSE in full, please join us at the reception on June 1 from 5-8 pm at NK Gallery, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston (directly under Samson Gallery). Thanks!

Hi Ho

Today I'll be working with with some employees of MEDITECH in Framingham as part of their Art Liaison Program. The plan for this workshop is all about wrapping found objects to explore the form. Participants will be bringing in small objects no larger than the palm of their hands and we will explore materials and methods to transform these everyday objects into bound works of art.

I love the idea of this creative outlet as described here in the post for employees:
Remember, no prior artistic knowledge or expertise is required for participation in any of the Art Liaison sponsored events.  Our mission is to provide a relaxing and FUN atmosphere for anybody who would like to step out of their logical, goal-oriented work persona and into their intuitive, creative, free-thinking zone.  So please join us, enjoy lunch from Rita's Catering, and "unwind" as you bind!

I can't wait to see the creativity that happens... I always gain so much from the interactions in workshops - seeing how others see things for themselves.

And there are so many artists to reference for this activity too... here are some of my favorites...

Two poignant sculptures by Judith Scott

Christo and Jean Claude's 'Wrapped Kunstalle' (above) and 'Wrapped Monument to Leonardo da Vinci', Piazza della Scala, Milano, Italy, 1970  (below)

Andy Goldsworthy, 'Rock Covered with Poppy Petals'

A bit of stretch here with the wrapping definition but can't resist mentioning... so perfect in material and execution.

Impulse

 

 

A sneak detail of a new work in the studio... a very large addition to the DENDRITE series. I love how the name connotes a rapid, almost thoughtless response when in reality it requires hours of deliberate decisions and actions to create. The copper is symbolic of conductivity... much like the electrical nature of our nervous system.