Were I So Besotted

Health Insurance

2012-01-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

Lack of access to affordable insurance keeps me in a conventional job. Working multiple jobs just to pay my rent significantly raises my stress levels...In all, this is not a healthy or sustainable lifestyle.

As a culture, our priorities are definitely out of whack.

Proposal

2012-01-27T17:01:00.001-08:00

Napkin

2012-01-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

"My friends now have a caveat when talking about their love lives:

Don't go embroidering this on a napkin."

Happy birthday, Sarah

2012-01-21T04:46:00.002-08:00

In the words of my friend, for her birthday...

This says: "I'm having intense cowboy fantasies ever since my recent trip to Dallas. These skinny Brooklyn boys don't really measure up."

Jacket collar...

2012-01-21T04:46:00.001-08:00

I think I'll buy him gloves

2012-01-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

When I'm around you...

2012-01-14T09:10:00.001-08:00

Wishes for a friend

2012-01-10T02:16:00.001-08:00

"His kisses will

taste like heaven;

I will fee embraced

in his presence; a

feeling of home, a mix

of tenderness and

excitement."

Funny HaHa

2012-01-08T03:36:00.000-08:00

Courtney J. Wendroff, the Brooklyn Arts Council's Visual Arts Director, is curating a show on "seriously funny" humor, and has decided to include my work. With that in mind, I've stitched up some wry post-its. Here is a preview of some of my favorites.

"Funny Ha Ha" will open on March 1st. More details to follow.

"for real"

2012-01-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

When you return...

2011-12-31T15:53:00.000-08:00

"When you return,

bring back

the part of me

you traveled with

so I can

love you better

so we can start

a new episode

fully present,

fully engaged."

Final piece of 2011 art. Happy new year to all - lots of love and joy in 2012.

On your side

2011-12-29T04:29:00.001-08:00

The tattoo on his arm says, "I'm on board."

Her calves/boots say:

"I'm on your side.

I'm all in."

Excuse my lapse into colloquialism.

Together, they say, "I'm on your side."

Flowering into an abundance of love

2011-12-20T02:24:00.001-08:00

His body says, "Growing into us, into each other, and a love that feels like home forever."

Her body says, "Flowering into an abundance of love."

Now that this piece is finished, it looks to me like a wedding piece. This may be because several close friends and family members are either engaged and planning weddings, or planning engagements. Regardless, I hope it conveys the kind of hopeful affection I'm looking for.

Suture

2011-11-27T13:28:00.001-08:00

Brooklyn Love Exchange a la the BKBuzz

2011-11-22T02:28:00.000-08:00

My many thanks to Shannon Geis of The BK Buzz for creating a podcast about my recent exhibit and Brooklyn Arts Council-funded project, The Brooklyn Love Exchange. Visit this link to look and listen.

Occupy me

2011-11-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

Aerial View, Cloud City: FiberGraf and the Brooklyn Love Exchange at Muriel Guepin Gallery

2011-11-13T08:28:00.001-08:00

Today is the last day to see The Brooklyn Love Exchange and FiberGraf at Muriel Guepin Gallery.

The piece shown here, "Aerial View: Cloud City," involves multiple steps and processes. My FiberGraf collaborator, Jon Baker, and I each worked on it for several months. I started by painting the fabric a medium blue-purple using permanent fabric paint. I deliberately left some of the fabric bare. Jon began drawing on it with fabric markers, and kept going...In between his drawing sessions, I added in French knots, which are denser in some areas than others. I started with embroidery thread that matched the medium dark purple in the background. Later, as I ran out of thread, I started to use my fabric paint to dye grey and light greyish-green thread to match some of the lighter and darker areas of the ground.

We are planning more pieces of this nature, where we mix media and techniques, and work simultaneously and alternately on the same piece.

My final Brooklyn Love Exchange piece

2011-11-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

An homage to some friends in Sunset Park. This is how they met.

Caroline Mak: Scabs, Bandages and Skeletons

2011-10-22T05:32:00.000-07:00

Last night, I visited Newark, NJ for the Newark Out of Doors art walk and festival. I stopped by Gallery Aferro, where I fell in love with the stitched orange peels and distressed and reconstituted paper towel roll in Caroline Mak's installation, "Scabs, Bandages and Skeletons." I recommend a quick trip on the Path train to see this work.

If you live in Brooklyn, check out Caroline's site specific installation at the Brooklyn Arts Council.

Williamsburg hug by way of Greenpoint and Brooklyn Heights

2011-10-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

I call this piece "Williamsburg hug." I know the couple, and they're lovely, and still very happy together. It was a pleasure working on this piece.

Day one at the Dumbo Arts Festival

2011-09-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today was a blast - sharing my work from the Brooklyn Love Exchange with visitors to the Dumbo Arts Festival. I collected a fair number of love stories from current and former Brooklynites. I'm posting some photos from the event.

My heart goes out to one man who told me, "We started in Fort Greene and moved in together in Crown Heights. I wish her visa hadn't expired." I really hope it works out for this couple, now separated geographically. I am adding these sentences to my love map.

Thanks to the sponsors of the Dumbo Arts Festival for including my project, and to the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, the organizations responsible for helping support my Brooklyn Love Exchange project.

Brooklyn Heights love -- the latest from the Brooklyn Love Exchange

2011-09-23T03:47:00.001-07:00

I'm quite fond of my latest piece for The Brooklyn Love Exchange:

"He told me that when he met me for the first time, he thought, "In another life, this is the type of woman I should marry."

This couple IS now happily married.

If you're in the New York area, I'm previewing my work from The Brooklyn Love Exchange at the Dumbo Arts Festival, taking place tonight, Friday 9/23 from 6-9, as well as tomorrow and Sunday. I will be on site Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm at 81 Front Street.

Drop by to see my work and to participate in my improvised embroidery process: I will interview guests and add your stories to my Brooklyn love map, and begin creating new pieces for The Brooklyn Love Exchange. I can't wait to see you there!

Hens Rene, the latest from FiberGraf

2011-09-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Stitch with me this September (and October and November)

2011-09-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow artists, craftspeople, creatives, designers, lovers of fun and Brooklyn.

Let's embroider together this fall. Upcoming workshops include:

FOR BEGINNERS ~

1. Embroidery 101 @ 61 Local

61 Bergen Street, Brooklyn (near Smith Street and the F/G trains to Bergen Street)

Wednesday, 9/14, 7-8:30pm with instructor (me) available until 9pm
This is a total intro class where you will learn basic stitches. Within the first half hour, you will be able to stitch your name.

Cost is $35 including supplies. Sign up on skillshare:

http://www.skillshare.com/Embroidery-101/591490391

2. Classes at 3rd Ward in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Sunday, 9/18, 11am-2pm

Saturday, 10/15, 1:30-4:30pm

Saturday, 11/19, 1:30-4:30pm
$60 + $10 materials fee

You can sign up for one session; each session is 3 hours
Info covered: basic stitches + techniques for transferring images onto fabric and drawing and writing with thread.

Link for more info and registration:
http://www.3rdward.com/3rdwardclasses/extraordinary-embroidery.html

FOR BEGINNERS, EXPERTS AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN:
3. Pratt CCPS, 144 West 14th Street, NYC, F/L/1/2/3 to 14th Street
The Embroidered Art Journal, Design and Craft Projects

This class is the most in depth, and allows you to develop a project from conception through technical trouble shooting with instructor and peer feedback and support.

PMDA-106-01
October 16 - November 20
Sunday mornings, 9:30am-12:30pm
$305

PMDA-106-02
September 16 - October 28
Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm
$305

http://my.pratt.edu to register or 212-647-7199

Between earthquakes and hurricanes, love flourishes in Bushwick

2011-08-31T02:21:00.001-07:00

At long last, love in Fulton Park

2011-08-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

The piece pictured is excerpted from a lovely story about finding love while riding the NYC trains. Who hasn't noticed the cute man or woman on the platform or across a crowded train? In this story, a relationship formed from a subway spotting. Here is the original text:

It was an auspicious Saturday. The MTA had passengers transferring between local and express train lines because of repairs. Once in Brooklyn, I was relieved to finally be en route home. Then, the conductor played the last trick. The train was skipping a few stops, including my destination. I had to walk down a few flights of stairs to board another train. As the next train came to a stop, a striking man would notice me wearing a yellow halter dress. “Beautiful,” he thought. I took a seat in a separate car, unaware of his interest. Peering into the window, I saw the same man that had observe me a few minutes prior. At our destination, we exited onto the platform at the same time. Similar to a screenplay and cliché as it may seem, we saw each other at the same time. It’s one of those moments when other people move in a slow blur. “I’m going to love this man,” I thought. We slowly walked up the stairs, but our distance from each other was a few feet. I would frequently turn around to meet his intense stare. He’ll later joke with friends and family about his initial thoughts of me, “Hold on, baby… I’m coming.” Once outside, he gently tapped my shoulder to politely say, “Excuse me…” We walked through a park to talk about life. Then, he placed a right hand to his chest to say, “My heart… you’re different… my heart feels warm.”

One of the first dinners I made for him was Butternut Squash Ravioli with Shrimp and Ginger Sauce. I remembered this dish, because he said shrimp was a favorite. As we continue to date, he occasionally says, “…I’m enjoying the process of us coming together.” It’s been two years since that auspicious Saturday afternoon. He warms my heart, too.

August art openings in New York

2011-08-14T03:56:00.001-07:00

In August, many New York galleries go on vacation. The ones that stay open tend to have large group shows, and to show more experimental work.

At top is a photo of me in front of my Were I So Besotted pieces at "Condition X," an exhibit at the School of Visual Arts curated by Keren Moscovitch in consultation with David Gibson.

The photo below is of Jon Baker, the graffiti half of FiberGraf, in front of our piece, "Henz," at Kunsthalle Galapagos in a huge group show, "Can't Hear the Revolution," curated by Julie McKim, Albert Shelton, Eric Hougen and Gracie Kazer. Both exhibits are on view until August 20th. If you're in the New York area, check them out.

Surface of My Skin

2011-07-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Secrets rise to the surface of my skin."

Skin as a personal map or history, which shares hints about the past.

This is a re-work of an old piece that lost meaning for me. I like the ambiguity in this version, the crossed through, original text alongside the new version.

I recently fell while running (which doesn't happen often) during a heat wave in New York. I've been watching the cuts on both palms heal, and thinking how amazing it is that our bodies know how to heal. Other than bandaids and cleaning the cuts, I've left my skin to repair itself.

He Cleared a Forest

2011-07-26T16:00:00.001-07:00

Last Friday night, I was out with some girlfriends at a bar in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Of the three of us, two (including me) are single and searching. One of us is dating someone who seems just right for her. In the context of talking about her previous boyfriends, including the one she moved to New York for, I said to her, "He (her current boyfriend) cleared a forest to get to you."

The text in this piece reads: "My man cleared a forest to get to me."

Back stitch for the text, French knots for the leaves, watercolor wax pastels for the trees.

Part of the Brooklyn Love Exchange, this couple met in Cobble Hill.

2011-07-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest piece for the Brooklyn Love Exchange, "The 12th Annual Love Hangover."

A friend from my neighborhood, Boerum Hill, has been producing the Love Hangover in Brooklyn for quite some time. This paean to love is an annual musical event co-occuring in several cities. The Brooklyn installment has been in Gowanus for the past couple of years.

The text for this piece is taken from last year's (2010's) invitation:
The 12th annual Love Hangover
is only a week away
You still have time to fall in love
and break up
just in time to be soothed, vindicated or mocked
by your favorite musicians
singing duets of love
the happy kind, the sad kind, the mean, weird or mad kind
It's one more round around the heart
February 15th, what the day after brings.

To create the patterning in the background, I laid a doily down on top of the fabric and sprayed fabric paint on top. Trying to give voice to other people's tales of love has helped me expand my vocabulary and working methods. I'm enjoying incorporating new techniques into my work.

I had hoped to give the text in this piece a somewhat old-fashioned visual feel. I liked the idea of lace, but didn't want the piece to be too feminine, or the lace too literal.

Sheepshead Bay subway "stalker"

2011-07-09T12:15:00.001-07:00

This is my latest piece for the Brooklyn Love Exchange, which I summarized from her unfortunate tale of a subway flirtation gone awry. The man/boy didn't truly stalk her; he simply showed poor taste in his communication and body language.

Bustin' out...

2011-07-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

In this piece, I decided to embellish the model by adding a French knot necklace. I also cut out the inside of the letters in "Hens," Jon's tag.

Victoria's Secret, tagged and draped

2011-07-07T11:47:00.001-07:00

In December of last year, Jon, the other half of FiberGraf, gave me a Victoria's Secret catalog filled with tags on and around the models. I have been sitting with this catalog open on my main desk for the past few weeks, getting to know the images.

Initially, I was uncomfortable working with this imagery. I am a woman who is not fond of most magazines geared towards women. Personally, I don't like Victoria's Secret, mostly because I feel it offers a stereotypical or typical version of femininity, one that doesn't fit me (literally and figuratively). The more time I spent looking at the catalog, however, the more I began to see humor in the images. Jon explained that graffiti artists often tag magazines and printed advertisements. I now see the addition of his tags as somewhat parodic.

I have added my own kind of tag to the models by draping fabric over them in the shape of skimpy dresses or lingerie. In one case, the bottom image with red marker, I used fabric with a conventional men's woven pattern.

Like all of our collaborative work for FiberGraf, we have found here a way to combine our artistic languages on new substrates. I plan to create more of these pieces and to continue to explore the way in which the content and meaning of the images change as we add and delete information.

Coney Island, where dreams come true

2011-07-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

I love the mix of textures in this piece, which recounts the story of two psychotherapists falling in love. It says:

"From the first, I was inspired by who he was.

We spoke about everything and it was amazing how much we had in common.

He picked me up in Coney Island for our first date. We walked down the boardwalk, road the Cyclone together, and played arcade games.

Today, we're married with two kids and we still love Coney Island, the place where dreams come true."

So Good

2011-06-28T18:18:00.001-07:00

Intro to Embroidery at Muriel Guepin Gallery

2011-06-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

If you are in the NY area, why not spend Wednesdays in July with me at Muriel Guepin Gallery?

Starting July 6th, I'm teaching an Intro to Embroidery class where you will learn basic stitches, and methods for using embroidery as a drawing tool.

The class is four weeks - July 6, 13, 20 and 27, and is from 7-9pm on each of those evenings.

The gallery is located at 47 Bergen Street near Smith Street, convenient to the F/G train to Bergen Street.

Basic supplies included. $200 for the class.

To register, call or email the gallery:

718-858-4535 or contact@murielguepingallery.com.

Pieced Together

2011-06-26T16:16:00.001-07:00

Appliqued and hand-stitched. The places I've been in my own mind lately have been vast and rich and I feel change coming in the form of new professional opportunities, and new love.

Spray Kings from FiberGraf

2011-06-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is the latest piece from FiberGraf, my collaboration with graffiti artist, Jon Baker. I started working with this image in 2009. I've worked on it on and off for the past 2 1/2 years, and finally feel as though it's finished. As you can see, I selected certain areas to cover with stitches, leaving others "flat" and sans embroidery.

It wasn't love at first sight in Prospect Heights

2011-06-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Prospect Heights love story as told by a friend now living with her husband and two kids in Flatbush, Brooklyn. When she and her husband met, she lived in Prospect Heights with a roommate (who is a good friend of mine).

"I remember the first time he cooked for me. It was maybe our third date, and I felt taken care of, like I was home.

He cooked spaghetti with an instant Japanese sauce pack, which was funny for two reasons:

1) the flavor was gorgonzola, which I don't like, and

2) I didn't know it at the time, but he's a great cook without having to lean on mixes, so I'm not sure why he used one then.

Maybe he wasn't trying hard to impress. He's cooked me countless meals since then, but that was the first time I thought he might be a keeper.

Slow Falls

2011-06-05T17:48:00.001-07:00

As I work on multiple embroidered pieces, I thought I would share something beautiful I watched today: a series of dance performances as public installations along an industrial stretch of 3rd Avenue from 1st - 8th Streets in Gowanus, Brooklyn.

The dance performance, called "Slow Falls," consisted of a series of stop-watch timed "descents" marked by tape along scaffolding, brick and other structures. The dancers, four in each piece, were barefoot. The dancers started each piece 6 minutes apart. After finishing a dance in one location, the dancer would move to another location as viewers either stayed behind to watch the remaining dancers, or followed.

Created by Abigail Levine, "Slow Falls" is one of numerous performances in the Movement Research Festival 2011 in New York City. I am so glad I found out about it and caught a little of it. (My secret dream is to be a dancer. )

HenZ

2011-06-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

This is the latest from FiberGraf, my collaboration with graffiti artist, Jon Baker.

We are dreaming up ways to translate the complexity and detail of pieces like the one at left to something replicable on clothing and bags...Can you picture it? More to come very soon on this idea.

"He had my heart in his mouth..."

2011-05-27T02:38:00.001-07:00

"The whole relationship, he had my heart in his mouth. I handed myself over completely."

My friend in south Park Slope recollected her first love while we sat at a Bergen Street bar a few months ago. I've had this image in my head for months, and finally had an opportunity to realize it in embroidery.

Thank you, Mr. X Stitch

2011-05-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Embroidery and needle craft blogger, Mr. X Stitch very generously and unexpectedly reviewed my art this past week. Thank you, Mr. X Stitch, for a write-up, which you can find here.

Brooklyn is "that" girl...

2011-05-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

"Brooklyn is that girl you can't decide if you should propose to or never speak to again."

Ahhh, the Brooklyn Love Exchange. A clever friend of mine posted this on Facebook, and I gained permission to add it to my portrait of Brooklyn Love.

New Zealand love story - So happy so happy so.

2011-04-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Find a man who knows how to love...

2011-04-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

The only way I'll date you...

2011-04-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

More than eye candy, he's the kind of guy I always feel good around. So important to hug him and keep him in my life.

The only way I'll date you is if I like myself even more when we're together than when I'm solo. If I ever have a daughter, I will paint this on her walls or tape it to her mirror.

I wish my dates came with instructions

2011-04-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

The myth versus the man

2011-04-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Affordable Art Fair is this May 5-8 at 7 West 34th Street in Manhattan. I'm stitching like crazy to prepare. Thanks to Muriel Guepin of Muriel Guepin Gallery for representing my work there. I can't wait for this annual show.

Preparing for Affordable Art Fair, NYC, May 5-8

2011-04-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

Erasing my boundaries

2011-04-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

Dear my deer

2011-03-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

"Dear, my deer, I found you in the forest, a ghost carrying other ghosts, a shadow of who I wanted you to be. My vision for you was clear, yet you were soft, unclear.

My ghosts held hands with your ghosts. Your touch was warm, sweet, questioning.

I tried to lead us out. I was ready to run. You stalled, clung to an old injury. I've left you behind.

Dear, my deer.

I've left you behind to water your ghosts.

Dear, my deer."

Rebooting your.my harddrive

2011-03-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

"Beschert Taxi," the latest from the Brooklyn Love Exchange

2011-03-14T02:30:00.001-07:00

As told by a friend in Carroll Gardens:

"We dropped him off on Court Street, and as the taxi continued south to Carroll Gardens, the driver asked me why the two separate stops when he was so clearly my fellow.

'That's something he's decided he doesn't want to be,' I said. She responded with disbelief.

'You two have a deeply spiritual connection, one of the deepest I've ever sensed. You're tangled in a complex karma and will push and pull against each other until you figure it out. You two are destined to be together.'"

Employees must wash hands before returning to work

2011-02-27T00:17:00.000-08:00

Last spring (April 2010), I began a commission, embroidering neighborhood scenes on pieces of linen 11" X 11". These panels sit in front of light boxes, and are one of the more decorative aspects of the decor at 61 Local, a new public house or "pub" at 61 Bergen Street in Cobble Hill. The bar features food and craft beers that are locally produced. The decor is spare and minimal, and the atmosphere is friendly and low key.

Here are links to some articles about the opening:

Metromix

Brooklyn Based.

Stop by if you're in the area!

Sunset Park - Greenpoint, So Sleepy!

2011-02-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Here is an image from my Brooklyn Love Exchange project, where I share love stories from besotted (or not quite so besotted) Brooklynites.

The exchange described took place between a Sunset Park and a Fort Greene resident.

Love between friends is no small love.

The Brooklyn Love Exchange

2011-01-22T02:39:00.001-08:00

I am super excited to announce that I have been awarded a grant from the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). Technically, this support comes from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and is administered by BAC. In any event, I am grateful to both organizations for choosing to honor my artistic vision.

And I am asking for your participation in my project.

Through The Brooklyn Love Exchange, I plan to map love in the borough of Brooklyn. I am collecting stories from current and even former Brooklynites about your romantic encounters and relationships in the borough. Come one, come all! Pick up that iphone or ipad or sit down at your laptop and shoot me an email with your fondest Brooklyn love memories. If your story resonates with me, I will turn it into an embroidery like the piece above, and in the style of the work you have come to know.

Want your love story immortalized? You can post comments to this post, or email me at brooklynlovexchange@gmail.com. To track the progress of this project, you can visit my new blog dedicated to The Brooklyn Love Exchange.

As relationships shift and grow...

2011-01-12T02:58:00.001-08:00

I'm starting something that will grow and deepen over time.

FiberGraf Henster edited

2010-12-31T05:40:00.001-08:00

I wasn't satisfied with the original version of this piece - I felt as though the composition was awkward and incoherent. I have added many more French knots, and bring you this final version of "FiberGraf Henster."

FiberGraf update

2010-12-27T09:15:00.001-08:00

My FiberGraf partner, Jon Baker and I recently visited a beautiful book arts gallery in Dumbo, Central Booking. We met with artist/curator Maddy Rosenberg, who will be showing some of our work in 2011. Thanks, Maddy. We're excited about this new development.

At left is a new FiberGraf piece composed of Jon's marker on recycled envelopes, collaged together with my French knots.

You're an elixir

2010-12-18T03:45:00.001-08:00

Boyfriend sweater

2010-12-03T18:29:00.001-08:00

These are the wise and witty words of my friend, Julie McKim, a Brooklyn based curator.

All I want...

2010-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, dear blog readers. Thank you for sharing my search for fulfillment.

Man in a Crowd moves forward (towards me)

2010-11-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

I visited my gallerist today, and she selected some new work, including this piece, "The Man in the Crowd." She and I agreed I needed to visually distinguish one man. I love his tie. I love him (even though he is not the tallest man pictured, and I almost always pick the tallest man in the room).

The crowd grows

2010-11-09T02:58:00.000-08:00

Still looking for that one special man in the crowd.

Standing Out in a Crowd

2010-10-24T10:59:00.001-07:00

This is the start of a piece that will include a crowd, or at least a row, of men. The figures are actually quite small - around 4.25" tall and 1.25" wide.

"I am looking for the man who will stand out from the crowd."

Here I am talking about my art again

2010-10-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I talked about my one-night stand, or one-night exhibit with Salon Ciel. I was paired with photographer, Robert Gerhardt this past September. As part of the event, Robert and I gave an artist talk. I think you'll get a kick out of it. Click here to watch an edited version of our talk.

Hold Onto Me

2010-10-03T06:02:00.001-07:00

Your Hand

2010-09-30T18:30:00.001-07:00

I know that the person for whom this is written will find me.

"Before you left, you held my hand

gently, briefly, and I could feel

everything I love about you

in your hand. I could feel all of you."

Salon Ciel, Wednesday, 9/22

2010-09-25T04:05:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday night, I participated in a two-person, one-night exhibit through an organization called Salon Ciel. The show was held in the private home of the event coordinator. It was a stormy night, and my friends enjoyed watching lightning from the balcony, which has amazing views of New York City, while I hugged people I hadn't seen in months and maybe even years.

Thanks to Rob Gerhardt, the photographer who shared the exhibit with me; Lyndsey Beutin, the Salon Ciel curator who organized the event; and David Rheingold, the host.

Thanks also to all of my dear friends who shared the evening with me and made it truly successful. I love you all.

Thanks, Andrew Thornton and Lark Crafts

2010-09-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

I was very happy to learn this morning that I am mentioned in a blog post/interview about Andrew Thornton conducted by Lark Crafts. Thanks to the publisher, Ray Hemachandra, Team Lead, Lark Jewelry & Beading, Lark Crafts / Sterling Publishing Inc., for letting me know.

And many thanks to Andrew for including my name amongst those who have inspired him.

To read the post, click here.

To find out more about Andrew, visit his blog.

Our Treehouse

2010-09-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

"Since we've started hanging out, it feels like we've built our own treehouse. I can't wait for the branches to lengthen and intertwine. Our treehouse will grow bigger, more loving."

OMG I love him!

2010-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

In this piece, I play myself at 15 talking to myself at 15. The conversation is not entirely different from ones I have with myself now. The irony of being 35 is that at heart I'm still 15 and the beginning stages of love feel the same in some ways although also radically different.

Embroidery workshops at Pratt - sign up now for September!

2010-08-21T05:02:00.000-07:00

You know you want to embroider with me...

Want to learn how to embroider? Know how to embroider and want to take it to the next level?

1. The Embroidered Art Journal

5 weeks, 15 total hours - $ 195

****Section one (PMDA-104-01): Thursdays, September 16th - October 14th, 6:30-9:30 OR

Section two (PMDA-104-02): Fridays, November 5 - December 10, 6:30-9:30

After mastering a glossary of 12-15 stitches, I will work with each student to create a project that fuses book arts and embroidery. Mixed media, inter-disciplinary projects are encouraged. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, I will show images of artwork by contemporary book artists and fiber artists.

For more info: http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=iolenick

To register: http://my.pratt.edu OR 212-647-7199

2. Crafting Stories Through FIber, PMDA-107-01

8 weeks - Sundays, 1-4pm, September 26th - November 14th; $305

Everyone has a story to tell, a favorite anecdote they like repeating, or a message they have always wanted to share with a loved one. This class will give you tools for expressing these sentiments through embroidery, fabric, and fiber arts, and is perfect for beginners, as well as more experienced embroiderers, artists, and craftspeople. The class will begin by making a stitch sampler of 12_15 stitches, exploring conventional and unconventional materials for embroidery, and experimenting with fabric collage and appliqué. The instructor will work with you to develop an idea for a narrative art piece incorporating embroidery and/or fabric collage. The piece should include text and/or images, and will likely be illustrative in nature. Ideas for projects can be: interviewing a family member or friend about a specific event in his/her life and using this as the basis for an illustration or a text-based piece; illustrating a series of emails or letters; developing a narrative from a collection of text messages; writing a piece of poetry or fiction; illustrating song lyrics.

For more info: http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=iolenick

To register: http://my.pratt.edu OR 212-647-7199

Love Buzz

2010-08-21T04:25:00.000-07:00

Ahh, Facebook. A great place to muse about love in a public sphere. An amendment or addition to blogging. Facebook and blogging are venues where the very private and the public collide. In my recent post, above, I was seeking clarity about a new friendship. I am still seeking clarity, and getting closer.

Ready to leap back in...

2010-08-10T02:41:00.001-07:00

"Ah, love. I'm ready to leap back into the fire."

Moving back home

2010-08-09T16:20:00.001-07:00

Unlimited

2010-08-07T04:01:00.001-07:00

"Love me" mandala

2010-08-07T03:58:00.001-07:00

The process of stitching on this once round piece of fabric created distortion. Now, it looks a bit like a mis-shapen pancake.

"Love me...."

Flood

2010-08-05T02:37:00.001-07:00

Show me how...

2010-08-05T02:35:00.000-07:00

Sketchy

2010-08-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Making a place for you

2010-07-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to meet you...

2010-07-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

"I can't wait to meet you, my new, great love."

Hell Yeah, We do!

2010-07-10T16:08:00.001-07:00

Since attending the 5-day artist's dream workshop on Governor's Island, I have been working on long-term planning, which feels like writing down every wish I've had since I was five. In addition to fleshing out my career goals as an artist, I have spent significant time writing about the type of life-partnership I'm looking for. I am trying to visualize what I want as a way of encouraging it to happen.

The piece pictured here uses some of the fabric my dear friend, Andrew Thornton sent me. It also is a somewhat wry take on the act of getting married. FYI - I am far more interested in the long-term health of a life partnership than I am in the wedding itself. Nevertheless, using the iconic imagery of a wedding ceremony seemed like an easy way to enter into a discussion about marriage.

Brooklyn Bikes

2010-07-05T04:49:00.001-07:00

This is the final image of a woman on her bike, casually riding down an idyllic, Brooklyn street. I very deliberately did not give her a helmet. I am always troubled to see people on bikes without them - it seems like an unnecessary health risk. Nonetheless, an attractive woman on a bike in an attention-getting outfit without a helmet is a relatively common scene in hip Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Bergen Street bikes

2010-07-01T02:48:00.001-07:00

I love where this image is right now...Partially rendered, it fully suggests the experience of being on a bike. And I know how for bike lovers, the bike becomes an extension of their bodies.

This is the start of my 7th piece for the new hip hang-out spot that will be opening on Bergen Street very soon.

Stay tuned for more details - you are all invited to the grand opening!

Inspiring Gifts

2010-06-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

For the past five days, I've had the privilege of attending Artist Summer Institute, a business/career boot camp for professional artists. LMCC and Creative Capital co-sponsored this event.

I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all of the information, perspective, advice, warmth, and sense of community we shared over five days. LMCC and Creative Capital assembled an incredible group of visual artists, dancers, choreographers, writers, musicians, performers, multidisciplinary artists. I learned so much!

Did I mention ASI took place on Governor's Island? If you haven't been there, the Island is an idyllic hamlet, and a 7-minute ferry ride away from Manhattan.

To add to my excitement, I returned home last night to find a package from my dear friend, Andrew Thornton. When I opened the box, I found a pile of beautiful, antique linens.

Wow! The possibilities for this stash of fabric are endless!

Andrew, you are so thoughtful and caring and I appreciate the support for my work.

Let's Spend it Together

2010-06-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

I want to spend my time with you.

first kiss...

2010-06-20T02:53:00.000-07:00

"I want us to be permanent"

2010-06-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

I realize this is a bit hard to read. It says, "I want us to be permanent."

I started by crocheting some chains, and then using them as a loose canvas to stitch my message.

I am interested in creating something filmy and ethereal. I think I will keep experimenting until the "right method" comes to me.

Summer fun with new exhibits!

2010-06-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce my participation in "from the tongue," an exhibit about text-based work curated by the lovely Brooklyn embroiderer (and new mom), Joetta Maue.

I will be exhibiting "Rose Hens," which is part of FiberGraf, my collaboration with graffiti artist, Jon Baker. For this piece, I scanned one of Jon's old drawings, printed it on fabric, and carefully covered his tag with French knots...This piece took months to make, and I am grateful it will soon be seen by many New Yorkers.

Details for the show:

Opening - June 24, 8-10pm

@ Lotus Gallery Space/34 North Moore Street

The exhibit will remain on view until August 6th.

There are 30 participating artists. I can't wait to be surrounded by "my people" at the opening - fellow embroiderers!

Check out the other artists here.

And if this isn't enough excitement, I am participating in the Center for Book Arts Summer Bene Fête on Wednesday, June 16th. The event takes place from 5-9pm and it's free -- a party with food, music, and the opportunity to see and purchase the work of some cutting-edge book artists.

The Center is located at 28 West 27th Street, 3rd Floor.

Accessible via the N/R/W to 28th Street; the F/V to 23rd Street, or the 1 to 28th Street.

Hope to see you at one of these events!!

How do (did) you know?

2010-05-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

I don't think anyone knows how it's supposed to happen, but somehow it does. Somehow, people "find" each other. As one of my friends says, you find someone who finds you.

And that's what I'm looking for.

Love birds

2010-05-29T01:42:00.001-07:00

A piece about love fairies has to have some love birds!

Finally, I have some time during this lovely, 3-day weekend to attend to "my work" - pieces in progress I have put on hold to work on special requests from my gallerist, and a commission I hope to be sharing more about soon. This piece has been lingering for a few months, and it is slowly coming into focus. I can't wait to see where it leads me.

Aglow with hope

2010-05-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

Buttressed by experience, and aglow with hope...

Changes happen when we make room for them.

punch drunk frenzy...

2010-05-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

a punch-drunk, crush-driven frenzy

Can't Wait!

2010-05-14T03:08:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about my upcoming classes at Pratt. I especially love my Embroidered Art Journal class, a practical and creative intro to embroidery that fuses fiber arts with book making, and even talks about blogs as an art form and an extension of artists' contemporary practices. I have taught this class 3 times already, and I swear it improves each time. I have had such wonderful students, who have helped me hone the syllabus.

Are you in the NY area? Then sign up and join me for a class!!

http://my.pratt.edu

Do you have friends who are curious about embroidery? Get them involved, too.

For all course listings, visit my bio on Pratt's web site.

Hurry up! Classes start soon and I would love to meet and work with you!

Affordable Art Fair report

2010-05-07T03:01:00.000-07:00

This week is the Affordable Art Fair in New York City. The madness has once again begun!!

My gallerist, Muriel Guepin, is representing my work. She has many of my post-its, like this piece here, and some Brooklyn-specific pieces. In fact, I jammed out this piece just yesterday morning, responding to Muriel's request for more pieces of this kind.

I am off from work, but feel as though I am working just as hard, if not harder...As I think I shared last year at this time, standing around while others discuss your work can be funny, uncomfortable, etc. No one who saw my work yesterday realized I was the artist. The responses were quite emotional. I am glad to see my pieces finding an audience.

Thanks again to Muriel for supporting my work wholeheartedly.

Teaching here, there, and everywhere

2010-05-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

This spring/summer, I am teaching here, there, and everywhere.

If you'd like to join me, here's how:

1. Extraordinary Embroidery

1-day, 3-hour workshop at 3rd Ward, 573 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg, btwn Lorimer and Union

Saturday, May 15, 2:30-5:30pm

For more info - http://www.3rdward.com/3rdwardclasses/extraordinary-embroidery.html -

2. The Embroidered Art Journal, PMDA 104-01 - 5 weeks

Wednesday evenings, 6:30-9:30, June 2-June 30

@ Pratt Manhattan

No previous experience with embroidery, sewing, or book arts needed.

For more info: http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=iolenick

To register, you can go online: http://my.pratt.edu, or call 212-647-7199.

3. SECTION II: The Embroidered Art Journal, PMDA 104-02 - 5 weeks

Friday evenings, 6:30-9:30, July 9 - August 6

@ Pratt Manhattan

For more info: http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=iolenick

To register, you can go online: http://my.pratt.edu, or call 212-647-7199.

4. Incorporating Embroidery into Art, Design, and Craft Projects, PMDA

106 - 8 weeks

Sundays, 9:30am - 12:30pm, May 23- July 18th

This class is ideal for those who are new to embroidery and are already comfortable working in another artistic/creative medium.

For more info: http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=iolenick

To register, you can go online: http://my.pratt.edu, or call 212-647-7199.

5. Crafting Stories through Fiber - PMDA 107 - 8 weeks

Sundays 1pm - 4pm, May 23 - July 18

This class will give you tools for expressing your story through embroidery, fabric, and fiber arts, and is perfect for beginners, as well as more experienced embroiderers, artists, and craftspeople.

For more info: http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=iolenick

To register, you can go online: http://my.pratt.edu, or call 212-647-7199.

Great things to come

2010-05-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

I was asked to design some pieces for a new space opening in Brooklyn this spring. In response, I am creating an homage to the neighborhood. This is a cropped image of one of my designs... More to come.