August 10-11, 2012

Here's the next in an ongoing series of Penland Benefit Auction newsletters, featuring artists whose work will be a part of this year's auction. We have invited trustees, staff members, collectors and friends to write about pieces that will be included in the summer 2012 benefit event and to comment on living with the works they have purchased in past auctions.

A few words from Kathryn Gremley, director of the Penland Gallery, about the 2012 Penland School of Crafts Oustanding Artist Educator, Jason Pollen...

  

  
"Two expansive words succinctly describe Jason Pollen: passionate and visionary. His work, his life, and his influence on the world of textiles are rich with a compelling ardor.
 

Jason Pollen's piece for the benefit auction: Emptiness Dancing, disperse dye on polyamide, 16-1/2 x 16-1/2 in.

His lifelong contributions to textile arts are remarkable. He was the president of the highly regarded national Surface Design Association for 16 years and chair of the fiber department of the Kansas City Art Institute from 1995 until his recent retirement, having taught there since 1983.

That Jason also chose to share his knowledge at schools such as Penland is a gift. He first taught at Penland in 1984, and most recently in 2011. He brings new materials and techniques to the students, sharing the information he has gathered in his world travels and intersections with international textile technicians and designers. In 1994, Jason introduced his colleague Joy Boutrup to the US, after working with her in the Netherlands using dye materials and techniques unknown in the states. He gathered a mad-scientist collection of chemicals together and arrived at Penland with Joy, having proposed that this class should spread this wealth of information by teaching other educators. It was a momentous class of far-reaching influence still felt today in the studio textile field.

Jason Pollen, Fabric Construction, 8 x 8 in.

 
Jason's vision for new material usage has led him in many directions, and in the school of "why not?" and "of course!" his generous spirit has inspired his countless students over many years of teaching. He has designed textiles for Chanel, Dior, Donna Karan, and Missoni; he produced a line of floor mats after recognizing the artistic potential in an industrial manufacturing process; he collaborates as scenic designer for the Kansas City Ballet, and he is an outstanding tango dancer (lessons are included in Jason's Penland sessions).

Jason Pollen, Fabric Construction, 8 x 8 in.

Jason's artwork is as complex and thoughtful as the person. The work ranges from the most chemically challenging dye work to expressive drawings and multi-material collage work, embracing technology and hand-work fully in each piece. His recent solo exhibitions Wounded/Healing and Sentinels consider his journey through life-altering health issues towards healing and physical and emotional recovery.  These works are deeply personal and intimate, but he is articulating universal emotions of strength, vulnerability, and possibility.

For his many contributions of spirit and technique, we will honor Jason during the auction weekend as the 2012 Penland School of Crafts Oustanding Artist Educator."

                                                                           - Kathryn Gremley  

Jason Pollen, Fabric Construction, 8 x 8 in.

 

Jason Pollen received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in painting at The City College of New York. He was on the faculty of the Royal College of Art in London, Parsons School of Design, and Pratt Institute before serving as chair of the fiber department at Kansas City Art Institute. 

Pollen exhibits his fabric constructions internationally. He has designed textiles for dozens of fashion and home furnishings firms and regularly collaborates as scenic designer for the Kansas City Ballet. He was named Fellow by the American Crafts Council in 2006 and is President Emeritus of the Surface Design Association. 

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Reservations are required. The event often sells out quickly; early reservations are recommended. Reservations will be accepted until available spaces are filled. All ticket purchasers and absentee bidders receive an illustrated catalog in July.

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