Craft Spoken Here

The past few days and weeks have been a whirlwind personally and professionally. I have literally had some mini-romantic breakups, some emotional ups and downs, and some excitement. 


Yesterday, I traveled to Philadelphia just for the evening to attend a special curator walk through of "Craft Spoken Here" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I think I mentioned previously that some of my post-its (or embroidered tweets) are in the gift shop associated with this exhibit.


Elisabeth Agro, the Nancy M. McNell Associate Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Craft and Decorative Arts, officially introduced the show and talked a bit about her curatorial process. I had caught a glimpse of the exhibit when it was still being installed in April. It was a thrill to see it in its entirety yesterday evening after hours. The Museum is nestled in a very lush, green part of the city, and the trip itself was delightful. 


I was very taken with Rebecca Medel's piece, "The One," pictured here. During my visit to the Museum several months ago, it was disassembled and being installed. I am glad I was able to see it in its final incarnation. For a large-scale piece, it has quite a bit of delicacy and grace. The piece consists of single strands of thread tied into repetitive sheet bends, knots used by sailors. I am amazed that the sum of so many small parts creates so powerful a statement.  

Studio visit with Katya Usvitsky

I visited a friend in Sunset Park, Brooklyn yesterday who's working on some new sculptural pieces. Here is a photo of me wearing her knitted glasses in front of one of the "sculptural paintings," as we decided to call them. The hanging piece is made with brightly colored nylons stuffed with balled up roving. It's an arduous, slow process!

Here is a photo of my friend, Katya, in front of her well-organized spools and skeins of thread. My studio is far less organized! But my system works for me.

Thanks, Katya, for inviting me into your studio. I love seeing an artist's thought process, and this was a great way to get to know the new direction for your work.

Submerged

Had an amazing weekend getaway in Vermont with some friends. Hiking, swimming, running on country roads, and of course, embroidery!

On my 37th birthday...

This past Saturday, I turned 37. Do you know, dear blog readers, that I am a fraternal twin? I celebrated with my twin brother, Simon, our parents, and lots of friends. It was a great day.


Here are some pieces I made a few days beforehand. They don't specifically relate to my feelings about gaining another year. They simply reference some of my most recent dates and interactions. This is one of the best birthdays yet. I can feel 40 coming up, and I am excited for that, and for the intervening road and years.

My new and improved www.IvivaOlenick.com

Over the past few months, I hired someone to fix my web site: me. I had interviewed a number of competent designers, and despite falling in love with the idea of having one less job to do as an artist, I decided I wanted control over when and how to update my site. I also didn't feel comfortable with the price tag attached to hiring someone...


I have added some fun, new categories, like "Where to Find Me," which lists current exhibits, and "What People Say About Me," with links to reviews.


I'm about to add a section of custom work. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak of a recent piece commissioned by my mom for my cousins' 15th wedding anniversary. To be added to www.IvivaOlenick.com very soon...

So many people in NY

Anne's open studio in the Berkshires

Thanks to fellow artist and friend, Anne Mourier, in collaboration with Muriel Guepin, for hosting Anne’s Open Studio in the Berkshires,

Featuring the artwork of:

Anne Mourier, photographer and mixed media artist

Painters John Prizeman and Megan Berk

Sculptor Claudia Paneca

Embroiderer Iviva Olenick

9 Yale Hill Road

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Open Wednesday-Sunday, 2-7pm; July 4th – Labor Day

Here is a sneak peak at some of the work that will be included:

 "Flowering Into Abundance." 2012. Embroidery and appliqué of cut, hand screen printed flowers. $950 framed. 13x19".

Creative Chameleon. 2008. Embroidery and appliqué on handkerchief. $500.6x9".