|
Thanks for the Feedback!
Based on the comments I received, it seems you enjoyed my first newsletter. I will do my best to provide interesting news and information about my work and the world of textile art.
Please feel free to let me know what you would like to see. If you ever have a question or suggestion, do not hesitate to contact me.
Happy Spring!
Liz
|
| Featured Work |
| "Burning Bush" Hand dyed wool on linen. Hand hooked. 27" by 40" mounted |
|
Custom commissions are always welcome! |
| Work Included in Fiberart International Exhibition |
Food for Thought
|
 Fiberart International chose one of my pieces from 1,600 works entered by 703 artists from 30 countries for their 2010 exhibition of contemporary fiber art. This was reportedly the largest and most diverse group of entries ever!
87 pieces will be shown in the Exhibition of Contemporary Fiber Art, presented by the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh, Inc. An opening reception will be held on Friday evening, April 16 and the exhibit will run until August 22.
This juried exhibition of contemporary works of fiber art is recognized among fiber artists around the world as a benchmark exhibition that documents trends and innovations in the field. The goal of the exhibition is to include innovative work rooted in traditional fiber materials, structure, processes and history, as well as art that explores unexpected relationships between fiber and other creative disciplines. |
| Check this out! |
| International Media Takes Note |
The current issue of Anna, one of Europe's top needlearts and crafts magazines, includes an in-depth interview with me about how I create my work.
Freelance writer, Kitty Cox, did an excellent job with the article which also included several photos.
If you'd like to take a close look, click here.
You can purchase Anna at most Barnes and Noble bookstores. |
| Quilt Featured in New Book |
| 500 Quilts from Lark Publishing |
My quilt "I Spy With My Little Eye, All of Us At Home Inside" is included "500 Quilts, An  Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work" by Ray Hemachandra and Karey Bresenhan from Lark Publishing.
This book features 500 magnificent contemporary art quilts showcasing diverse designs, materials, and techniques. From their very inception, these quilts were destined for display rather than practical use, with an extraordinary quality of image, form, line, and composition. A vibrant and growing community of artists has embraced quilting, and this outstanding international collection will inspire and captivate them.
The whole cloth quilt of cotton, gold lamé and wool features reverse appliqué, beading, couching, embroidery, traditional rug hooking, hand painting, tieing and hand quilting. It measures 76" x 87.5" and is available for purchase. View the quilt on my website here. |
| I'm Glad you Asked! |
| How do you make your rugs? |
 I am often asked how I make my rugs. I use a traditional rug hooking technique in my hand hooked rugs and most of my wall hung art. Here is how it's done:
New and used wool fabric is cut into strips resembling spaghetti with a little machine that resembles an old fashioned pasta machine. I feed the wool with one hand, turn the crank with the other, and out comes the cut wool.
The hooking is done through a special backing material made just for rug hooking. I prefer to use linen although it is an expensive choice because it is the most durable. The material is stretched over a frame that sits in my lap. In my left hand I hold a strand of wool, in my right a hook that resembles a crochet hook stuck into a wooden handle. I pull each strand of wool through a hole in the backing material to form a loop. To create the rich texture of a hand hooked rug nearly every hole in the backing is filled with a loop.
I hook while sitting in an Adirondack rocker given to me by my mother-in-law when I was pregnant with my first child. I went into labor with my second child sitting in this chair and spent many nights rocking them both in it.
The technique is simple - it's what you do with it that makes a finished piece special. Loops pulled to an even height are desirable. The direction in which the loops are hooked gives movement to the surface of the rug. Use of colors, patterns and texture also add interest.
Like quilting, fabrics from personal clothing or household goods can be used to create a family heirloom. I made a rug for each of my twin nephews when they were born. Clothing from 3 generations of family members was included.
If you have questions, feel free to email them to me at liz@lizalpertfay.com.
| |
