Tapestry in New Mexico

Last weekend I had the good luck to be in Santa Fe during the first New Mexico Fiber Crawl.  While there were way too many sites, scattered all across the state, for me to visit in my limited time, I did get to visit the hub of the "Santa Fe Thread", a show sponsored by Las Tejedoras Fiber Arts Guild and held at El Museo Cultural De Santa Fe.  I was delighted to see a number of fine tapestries and other weavings and wanted to share them with you here.

I'll limit my commentary just to point out how many of these artists are captivated by effects of light and dark.  A natural consequence of living in New Mexico, I am sure!

Mary Cost, Skyscape.  wool, cotton 

I could look at the light and shadows in Mary Cost's piece for a long time. 

Donna Loraine Conrtractor, Koch Snowflake Fractal. wool, cotton. 

detail, Donna Loraine Contractor, Koch Snowflake Fractal. wool, cotton.

I got to see more of Donna Contractor's work at the Tapestry Gallery in Madrid, NM, just down the road from Santa Fe.  It was a pleasure to see her work in person after following it online.  I am curious to see where her new series based on fractals takes her.

Kathy Perkins, Summer Solstice in Cochineal.  wool, cotton 

I enjoyed seeing how Kathy Perkins used weft blending, hatching, and varied diamond shapes to make a lively surface.

detail, Kathy Perkins, Summer Solstice in Cochineal.  wool, cotton

Letty Roller, Iris I-IV. wool, rayon, polyester

detail, Letty Roller, Iris I-IV. wool, rayon, polyester

I love how these lushly detailed, gorgeous flowers contrast with solid gold backgrounds.  These are floral icons.

LaDonna Mayer, Orchidaceae.  wool, cotton

Speaking of icons, I thought the presentation of these pieces was interesting.  Both were mounted on deep frames, at least 2-1/2" deep, with black painted edges.  These tapestries had high-relief presence.

Jennifer Moore, Rhapsody in Red and Blue:  Triptych. silk, bamboo

detail, Jennifer Moore, Rhapsody in Red and Blue:  Triptych. silk, bamboo

Jennifer Moore's weaving wizardry is simply astounding.

Elizabeth Buckley, Ocean Memory.  wool, silk, cotton

detail, Elizabeth Buckley, Ocean Memory.  wool, silk, cotton

I really enjoyed exploring Buckley's use of various tapestry techniques to create value and color gradations, and of course her signature transparency and flowing, sinuous lines.  And I marveled at her exquisite technique in this tiny piece, so flat and perfectly finished. (Apologies for the shadow in the photo--unavoidable.)

Elizabeth Buckley, Mesa Moonrise.  wool, cotton

Lisa Trujillo, Always Greener.  Wool.

A cursory glance this may suggest this is a fairly traditional take on a Chimayo-style rug.  But look again--there are human figures, in enigmatic postures, scattered throughout.  I wonder what the two figures at the top are up to?

detail, Lisa Trujillo, Always Greener.  Wool.

detail, Lisa Trujillo, Always Greener.  Wool.

Finally, this piece reminds me how I first fell in love with New Mexico--by gazing on this mesa.

Sarah Warren, Sunset over Pedernal. wool, cotton

This detail shows the subtle gradation of color and the use of soumak to define the landscape.  The strong horizontal format is perfect for this subject.

detail, Sarah Warren, Sunset over Pedernal. wool, cotton

I hope you've enjoyed this quick tour as much as I did.  

Two shows!

The planets have aligned and I have work in two shows, both opening this weekend.

Here in the Atlanta metro, the juried Georgia Artists show has its opening reception Friday, May 5 6:30-8:30.  I'm excited to report that for the first time, Sam and I both have worked accepted to the same show (that's not in our own home).  For the best possible reason (our daughter is receiving her Master's degree) we will be unable to make it to the opening, but we can't wait to get a look at the show next week.  I got a peek at the list of the other accepted artists accepted and a number of Atlanta's finest, in a variety of media, are there.  I hope you'll make time to stop by while the show is up (till June 16).

One note about the venue:  While the building faces Johnson Ferry Road, parking is located around the back of the facility, accessible by taking River Valley Road on the south side of Johnson Ferry, and then immediately turning left into Bridgewood Valley Road.

The other show features work by Tapestry Weavers South.  It's rare to have a chance to see an all-tapestry show, and the weavers featured are some of the best in the country.  Eminent weaver and teacher Tommye McClure Scanlin will deliver the keynote address at the opening, Saturday, May 6 at 3:00 p.m.  That's a detail of her latest tapestry below.  The show is in Yadkinville, NC.  It's a beautiful time of year for a road trip!!!

Tommye McClure Scanlin,  Phoenix, handwoven tapestry 30" x 60", 2017.  

If you go to either one, drop me a line and let me know what you think.