Back in Verona

It feels good being back in Verona.

In the evenings, I am home and can do some quiet stitching.

I prepared the cloth and printed it before I left Canada and am now making marks on those fabric pieces with embroidery thread.

I noticed that because I travel often my art production has dropped off significantly. I definitely don't want to stop travelling so the only solution is to find a way to 'work' while I am away from my studio.

I do use this time to journal and collect ideas and I am still going to do that.

I love the way my life is going and don't want to change anything about it right now.

You yourself might like to consider travelling to Verona with me for my ten-day Italy Textile Trip. Next one is in Spring 2019. Click here for more details.

(the photos are old ones taken over past trips during the last 11 years)

Stitching?

Last Saturday, while the family went to the market for Mother's Day dinner ingredients, I was dropped off on Queen Street and had a lovely hour walk stopping in at the amazing art galleries all along that trendy street.

David Kaye Gallery was one of my stops.

Coming from a textile background himself (weaving) he selects interesting textile artwork for his space. He does feature other art mediums. I stop in there regularly.

This piece caught my eye.

detail, Icarus No.11
2012
mixed media on aluminum
by Donald Andrus

It reminded me of stitching, of making marks with thread and a needle. I liked the juxtaposition of the hard material imitating a soft technique. The artist used cold aluminum while the activity of stitching into textile is soft and comfortable. That's my opinion. That's what I got out of the artist's work. It is valid. I am the viewer. It is, however, nothing like what the artist wrote about his own work. To read that click here.

Icarus No. 11
 by Donald Andrus
mixed media on aluminum
(not a great photo, sorry!The art work looks better LIVE))

I was told that artist Donald Andrus does not stitch as part of his practice.

Italian Textile Artists

My observation is that textile art is more prevalent in Italy than in France. Gallery owner, David Gerges, who exhibits textile agrees with me.

Riscatto, detail, 2013
by italian artist Tiziana Abretti
paper, oil, stitches

I discovered Tiziana Abretti's textile art at Art Paris Art Fair. Seven of her works were displayed at the booth for the art school IESA.

Riscatto
means Redemption in Italian

The Parma born artist references the "Arte Povera" movement by using non-noble materials. She ruins and repairs her creations. She is on her way to great things I am told. She is completely immersed and focused in her work.

The work is like an empty carcass

Some of her pieces were under glass and framed. Ah yes..that whole debate about framing...