Artist In Residence- North Prairie, WI

With a sign that inviting, you can't help but get excited about what new project awaits you when entering the threshold into Mrs. Engelking's elementary art room! Come peek with me into the project we created and the time I spent in south-eastern Wisconsin April 9-10th, 2018.

 I was approached in January about doing a school-wide felting project with her, and right away I began asking questions to start planning a proposal:

• How many students? A: 350 from K-6 grade
• What's your scheduling like/ do you have flexibility A: We're flexible in a day and a half timeframe
• What size/ scale are you thinking? A: Budget dependent, we decided 4' x 8' finished size nuno felt
• What are some themes or ideas you'd like to see incorporated? A: We're in North Prairie, WI so.... prairie? 

Typically when approached by elementary schools, I go straight away to wet felting. She wanted to do some needle felting, as her older kids had gotten lucky and been doing some in their classes already. I told her I would work on a proposal and a sketch. 

When I start brainstorming, all those factors from the questions and their answers will be building blocks in how we put together a fun, successful and inspiring cooperative fiber art project. Each one I've done is different than the other. I LOVE the challenge of that and the more I've done, the more I've learned and been able to apply to the next project. 

I broke down the design into components for each grades with a wet day (did I say wet! I mean WET!) followed by a blissful dry day of needle felting. 

• Kindergarten - Clouds and Sky
• 1st- Blending of colors for grass
• 2nd- Blending of colors for water 
• 3rd - Felted grasses 
• 4th- Rocks and Leaves 
• 5th- Flower petals and assembly (needle felting)
• 6th- Sparkly bugs and assembly (needle felting)

We arranged to have each grade rotate through the art room, divided into three, 12-minute stations. One station the kids got to watch our dvd about the animals, shearing and art made with the fiber. Then, they traveled to the teacher's station where they made an individual component for the art piece. Last, they came to my station, where we put those pieces on, did agitation, and talked about my art. It all ran very smoothly, thanks to engaged teacher support and assistance, and some wonderful volunteers and terrific kids. 

By the end of the wet day, we had used a BUNCH of towels which our awesome, helpful volunteer offered to take home and wash and we were wiped out! Despite it being very cold, I decided to trek around downtown Delafield, WI where I found some treasures...mostly window shopping...which I find equally enjoyable and far less dangerous! I also enjoyed a quiet dinner at The Seven Seas overlooking Lake Nagawicka. 

The second day began with a wonderful breakfast at the lovely B&B I stayed at, Ped'lars Inn in Wales, WI . The owners were very accommodating to my crazy schedule of arriving late and leaving early and it was very charming. I highly recommend it!  

The whole experience was terrific; wonderful people, beautiful creativity and breathtaking results! Here is the finished piece and a fabulous video about the entire project that Mrs. Engelking put together. Thank you Prairie Elementary for having me and for making beautiful art together!  

Northshore Adventures

On the snowiest week of the season, I had the fabulous adventure of teaching and presenting at this lively guild based in the Northbrook, IL area. All the snow from the season decided to fall on those couple of days, or so it seems. My poor husband does snow plowing and it was a pretty long shift, so he didn't have much time to miss me being away. Funny how things work out! Everyday we woke up to more snow, until I felt like I was watching the movie "Groundhog Day" play out before my eyes. 

That didn't stop us from having a great time! I presented a brand new program to the guild, one that I titled "Inside the Mind of the Artist". I was thrilled they enjoyed as much as I do, the stories behind the art pieces and the inspiration that brought them to life. It was like a walk down memory lane for me! Ahhh, the attachment an artist has to their work is a bittersweet one- you love making and basking in your creations but you need to make room for new pieces and new inspiration by letting them go. Though I'm not a mother, there is a bit of that concept I think we experience in every piece of art we make. 

The guild hosted a mask class, which they invited me to join in on. I admit masks are not my thing but I LOVED this! It was so fun to just let go and create and let the materials take me away. I called my mask "Spring in Disguise" which is ironic because here it is, April, and sweet spring is definitely surprising us with snow showers and plummeting temperatures. It's certainly in disguise. 

I took off and explored the downtown Winnetka area, where I discovered some unique artisan galleries and shops. Vivid Gallery had a fabulous fiber art exhibit and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the owner and gallery curator. We talked art, fiber, business, image, marketing and a thousand other threads. It's terrific connecting with other business owners as passionate about their work as I am! The exhibit of Marianne Burr was breathtakingly stunning. Her bold shapes and colors were terrific, and I loved talking with Cynthia about the stories behind each one. 

My vest workshop was off to a great start with that perfect amount of creative fuel, and Tuesday we started on two days of design, felting and construction. I was very excited to bring the concept of making a nuno felted piece of fabric and then using draping techniques to craft it into a low or no-sew vest. The vests require bit of specific shaping, so we work right on student's bodies to custom create a vest as unique as them. No two are the same. 

We started out laying out layers of silk fabric, then two of wool. By the end of Tuesday, everyone had designed and wet down the surface. That was a big job! There was a lot of water but everyone was a good sport and we put those towels to good use. We were creating 2.5 yards of felt fabric, so my students were like felting warriors training for battle... this was boot camp for sure! Watch the surface transform through the day! 

The second day was where we had to use our imaginations and make this fabric into a garment! It was through vision, cutting, hot water, selective agitation and faith that these vests were born. Here are some pictures of the progress: 

I hope this workshop inspired, as did the presentation. I love bringing the concept of wool as wearable art into the world, and sharing my skills and inspiration with others. I find it invigorating! I did end up getting home in between snow storms that Thursday and spent some quality time with hubby... riding in the plow truck and being his little sidewalk shovel-er...Fun times! 

Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures

Women's Journeys in Fiber 2017

Theme: Boxes

What hidden treasures will Peter find today in Mr. McGregor’s garden? Carrots of course! He’s been sniffing around for a treasure since he slipped under the gate and into the carefully tended rows of Mr. McGregor’s vegetable box.

Beatrix Potter’s imagination birthed a classic we know and love, but did you know what a strong and passionate woman she was as an individual? She took earnings from her book and purchased a farm. Her work in cultivating the preservation of the Herdwick sheep led to her purchasing lands surround her farm and creating open space for future generations. Not only did she capture the magic of her surroundings, but she helped us to fall in love with it and the creations of her dreams. She left her mark in the world in the form of something beautiful and lasting.

Her life and story is such inspiration, and she will forever be a role model for ingenuity, artistry, and truly, a hidden treasure. 

Author’s note: I’d like to thank the dozens of bunnies and the countless vegetables on our farm, Big Rock Organics, that provided inspiration and models for this project. Throughout the season, it planted the seeds for the fruit of this projects as I tended and picked our lovely produce for markets and CSA boxes. 

You will find this exhibit at the Fine Art of Fiber Nov. 3-5th at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin Janurary-March and the Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier in March. Check out the website to learn more about the group and their goals at www.womensjourneysinfiber.com

Getting creative...

I had this conversation with a customer and it made me reflect. Yes, it is hard to find the time to create. Especially for me, Spring, Summer and Fall are times of creating life on the farm. It means early mornings, long days and late nights. My hands get rough and my back aches. In-spite of this,  it offers moments of beauty in so many ways. Dewy plants. Mothers nuzzling newborn lambs. Rich colors getting plucked from dark soil. 

These moments feed my soul in a different way. They go in a reservoir where inspiration draws from for the colors that get painted across my art. Moments get tucked away and become stories such as these I tell to you.  

Yet the need to create is always there. So I must find the time. 

Many times, I can only find the time when I instill upon myself a deadline. These make me push aside all other priorities and put my art first. It's really hard to do! Really, really hard to do. So many things vie for attention. However strong the pull, I know that unless I put art first, it will not get done. 

As I started to create, something wonderful happened. I felt a calmness and yet a surge of energy pass through my system. I found myself thinking less about everything else and focusing on how the fibers felt in my hands. How the colors blended. How rhythmic the rolling was. 

Creating

swept

me

away.

It took me out of the moment, out of the stresses and transformed me. 

I was expecting to be stressed by the anticipation of having to create for an upcoming deadline, and instead I found just the opposite effect. We so often cannot find creativity on our own. We need a little nudge. For me it was a deadline. For someone else, it might be coming to a class here at Esther's Place. Others, it might be a knitting group, like our lovely Friday ladies that come to work on projects. In any shape or form, motivation to seek after creativity sometimes comes from outside yourself. 

So in reflection, I am learning more about myself and my art. But one thing I do know and have always known. Creativity was something planted in me by the Creator of every good and perfect thing. It makes me feel like I'm fulfilling a little purpose in my life, which in turns, brightens my corner of world just a little bit more. 

Mississippi Adventures!

I was approached to teach at the Mississippi Art's Commission's Winter Institute  where 160 educators would gather for art enrichment. I was thrilled! Their theme was Elvis Presley, as it was held in Tupelo, MS, his birthplace. 

The experience was incredible, with a stunning nuno felt piece created by the educators themselves, great food and people and sweet Southern hospitality. What a privilege and joy to share my passion for fiber art with the folks down South! 

I've put together memoirs of the trip along with my reflections. It shows the preparation and thought process behind the piece, the place I went and people I met, and stories galore. Check out the photo album and memoirs!

The Creation of.... Autumn Cowl

This cowl is a favorite of mine. Nuno felted and made with habotai silk, it has a touch-me-kind-of texture. I love the way the heavier fabric creates so much more surface dimension. It does take more effort to felt it, but every time I look back, I feel it is worth it. 

This was a seamless piece, meaning I used a resist that the silk was wrapped around. The seams are covered with wool so no sewing is required! You might recall that I originally got into nuno felting because of the no-sew-allure. But alas, it led me to sewing, so the joke's on me I suppose. 

I love trapping sequins in the surface of the nuno felt. Laid on top of the silk and trapped by my top layer of wool, this was a technique I first devised as a method to - gasp! avoid sewing! I first did this on a beautiful holiday poinsettia shawl with tiny red sequins. The sequins are more to decorate the back rather than the front, as they rarely show through the wool. However, with a flip of the scarf, you see the delightful back of it and the surprise of sparkle rewards. I like to have the back look just as appealing, especially on a scarf, because I know that despite all efforts, scarves will flip flop as you wear them, and with a little added effort in the design stage, the back can be beautiful too. You can even wear it reversed for a subtle color with texture and sparkle. It's a nice option to wear it with a print or something busier, when the occasion calls. 

My surface design is full of wonderful autumnal colors, sparkle thread (I love that thread with baby sequins on the thread!), curly Lincoln wool locks, and Angelina sparkles. All those fun additions were trapped by gossamer layers of wool on top, and the result is little bits peeking through. It reminds me of glorious fall days where the sun is warm but bright and makes the morning dew sparkle on every fresh turned leaf. One of my favorite seasons! 

The felting process totally transforms it, breathing life into and merging my fibers together so now these two very different materials are made one. It's truly miraculous, and yet so very simple. Soap. Water. Rhythmic rolling. It's then that I am alone with my thoughts and my art. It's very relaxing and rejuvenating.  When I am done with this process, something beautiful is born, something transformed. 

I will be honest. When I finished this, I did like it but something was not quite right. It didn't lay right on your neck and I didn't want to do what I knew I had to. So like all things, we put it away. For months. All projects do not end in artistic brilliance. I love it when they do! I feel like the heavens open and a host of angels sing the hallelujah chorus and a beam of sunlight shining down. But for the rest of those times that are slightly less glorious, I put on my thinking cap. Truly, not much of my work is done the minute I finish felting. Sometimes there are alterations and more felting to follow. Sometimes there are embellishments, like beads added, or thread painting done to add interest. Sometimes things just sit until I can think up the next path.

So I did what I had to do. I cut it. Nooooooooooo you say, as a scream of anguish is let out. Cut!?! What!?! Isn't there some other way? Some other option?

Sooner or later, we all attack things with scissors. and ack, it wasn't that bad after all. Move slow and deliberate. Remember every flaw and mistake is just a design opportunity! (She says shakily with scissors in hand!) I cut that cowl and added a twist and sewed it back together. An expert surgeon making wrong right again. It worked and that cowl was more beautiful than ever. I added a really fun pin made with... guess it.... leather from Shibori Soiree.  I even used some felt to make a "feather" which I really loved, along of course with real feathers. Some dangling charms and crystals and it was complete. The pin is removable for washing, a feature very important to me. I loved that pin and definitely want to play with more of that style and fabric combination.

This piece was shown at the Fine Art of Fiber Fashion Show at the Chicago Botanic Gardens this fall and is in the boutique at Esther's Place. 

So my lesson to you is to do what is best for your art. You might scream a little inside, or It might scream a little at you, but it's not as scary as it seems. The true test of an artist is their ability to take things to edge even when it pushes them. That's when we grow and expand and our world broadens. 

Autumn Cowl with Feathered Brooch
Nuno Felted Accessory

Habotai silk is used in this richly textured nuno felted cowl that makes a lovely accessory for brisk fall days. Dress it up with a chic leather jacket and boots or wear it with your favorite colorful jacket. It's easy to wear and beautiful with dazzling fall colors and sparkle. The feathered brooch accents delightfully and is removable for easy care. What a great seasonal piece for your accessory wardrobe! 
 

The creation of.... Shibori Soiree

Many times, I get inspired from a single piece of fabric. In this case, that piece took me down a long path but the destination was worth it! (And the journey was not too bad either!) 

July. I was up in Milwaukee for the Handweaver's Guild of America Convergence event. I had one day to enjoy seeing the vendors and to see my fashion show garments on display. My husband came with, and we made a nice few days vacation at Kohler Andrea State Park. It was the perfect time to renew the creativity that was in summer slump. 

I walked past a vendor with tupperwares of fabric. Why are we drawn to tupperwares of fabric? It beckons to us... whispering "dig thru for treasure" and we are lured in. What tempted me was the fact they were Italian lambskin remnants that had been shibori dyed. And they were big enough to make a back panel for a vest. And they were reasonable. Very reasonable. In fact, reasonable enough to make me wish I hadn't gotten just one. Dang! 

October. Fashion show is nearing. I must get working. In a nuno felted yardage class I was teaching for the Haute Couture Club of Chicago, I thought I could "wing it". I created a beautiful piece of gray and chartreuse nuno felt. 

It's beautiful isn't it? It's a shame I didn't bring the leather piece with me. It is chartreuse. And that leather is definitely more in the mint range. Not chartreuse in the slightest way. Call me anal or perfectionist, but I am very particular when it comes to color matching. I don't like matchy-matchy... which is a good thing because you can rarely hit it perfectly, but I am a stickler for having value and saturation work together.   

Since I did want to bring the shibori component into the nuno felt, I knew I was going to do some dyeing. I figured a little of this and a little of that and my color would come out perfectly. Well, in the end I did get a color but the journey there was not direct. We all have those times of problem solving, don't we? Road blocks in our creativity that can either spur us to brilliance or send yet another project to the closet of UFO's (un-finished-objects) 

Late October. Time to get busy. Looking at the fabric, it starts to take on a life of its' own. I start early one morning (I love creating in the quiet morning hours) with a Chobani Tropical Escapes yogurt and a cup of Earl Gray tea by my side. Breakfast of... champions? Starving artists? The crazy? 

With a vintage mannequin and a mouthful of pins, I start to pin the fabric together. A tuck, a pleat, a few pins here begins the process. I don't work with patterns so my style is a unique blend of working with the fabric I have created and finding the best way to wear it. After an hour, I have a sample to carefully try on. (Carefully as the pins are very pointy!!!) Following the first trial, I begin the cutting and re-pinning. Then comes a second trial. Succeeding this is finally the sewing machine for my side and shoulder seams.

One of the beauties of nuno felt is the fact it doesn't fray. And even though my two fabrics were very different, they contained similar properties. This makes assembly easier in part. Once it was together can the final touches of adding closure snaps. The vest can be worn several ways, either with a shawl collar with a pop of color or a more demure closed style featuring the shibori patterning. I love giving versatility to a garment.

This piece was featured in the Fine Art of Fiber Fashion Show at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in early November.  It is also featured in my holiday wearable art boutique at Esther's Place

What a journey! Every piece I create has a story and a journey. As an artist, each piece of art has a little piece of us. When these garments find their new home, they also have a unique history of how they were born. I feel it makes something just even that much more special!

Shibori Soiree
Shibori Dyed Nuno Felt and Lambskin Vest
Size Small
A meeting of two entirely different fabrics comes together harmoniously in this vest for a piece perfect for every outing. Soft and supple shibori dyed lambskin makes a stunning back of the garment. The theme is carried into the front with shibori dyed, nuno felted fabric. A truly unique piece inspired by a singular piece of fabric. 
 

The Creation of... Midnight Echoes

Sometimes I need to change it up. I get stuck in creating old classics- styles that are loved and adored and sell well. But there are new classics to be found and discovered! And that was my ambition with this piece. 

I needed something new and interesting. Trendy and chic. Where do you go for inspiration? PINTEREST!!!! Yeahhhhh.... five hours later and a few dozen pins for things like chocolate caramel brownies, felted flower brooches, diy kitchen hacks, and more, I came up with the "it" item of the season. The sleeveless blazer or long vest. Bridging two seasons and many decades of fashion style, it's cute! 

My goal was to make a more artistic version of this style. A lot of nuno felted vests seem to be one size fits all and have a flow and swing to them. I wanted something more tailored and heavier, like a wool fabric rather than a gossamer nuno felt. 

I did calculations for drawing out a resist- a piece of plastic that goes inside the piece so I can create a seamless garment. When calculating, it has to be a third larger to allow for shrinkage. Basically, my resist looked like an extra large hospital gown. But I've done this enough times to not lose faith.

Starting with a ginormous piece of bubble wrap and two large tables set up in my studio, I set out for this adventure with gusto. First layer: charcoal silk gauze. Second layer: turquoise merino wool laid in thin wisps in one direction. Third layer: blend on the drum carder shades of turquoise into navy into dark green into charcoal into black with bamboo and firestar intermingling. Fourth layer: embellishments of yarn, silk pieces, bamboo and more on the bottom of the front panels. 

I was very fortunate to have some help from my friend Jodi on the wetting and rolling process. This is quite the process, and many towels get used. It's a real exercise rolling as many as 1200 times or more to fuse the fibers to the silk fabric. This agitation forms a new fabric and causes the overall shape to shrink. 

At the very end, I cut the front down the center to make the vest. This is such a nerve-wracking moment. You know you have to do it, but cutting an intact piece still causes beads of sweat to form on my brow. But it's always best to cut at the end so you form strong felt, so it must be done. A little more rolling, slamming and kneading and it's transformed into a sleek, styled garment! 

Now for the finishing touches- the collar, beading, shaping and more. These little details can really make the garment. Sometimes these details are the last to go on, or even get foregone for lack of time or patience, but you know the true artistry when you observe them. 

This piece has been in the Uncommon Threads Fashion Show in St. Charles, IL and Fine Art of Fiber Fashion Show and is available in the boutique at Esther's Place.  

Midnight Echoes
Nuno Felted Sleeveless Blazer Vest
Size Small/ Medium
A fushion of hand dyed silk fabric and layers of wool blended with bamboo and firestar, this elegant piece is perfect for every occasion. Wear it with skinny jeans and a tee for an afternoon of shopping or with black leggings and accent jewelry for a night out. The contrasting shawl collar and pockets add to the fine detailing. Light yet warm, it changes with the seasons. 
 

Skylines and Smiles

Having a shop and being an artist can be challenging at times. But there are other moments that just blow your mind at the impact you have in the world and the lives you touch. I had a moment like this just recently that was amazing! 

Chris is a very talented artist who does needle and wet felting, making all kinds of things with a focus on felted mittens.  She came in a few months ago and told me about a project she was going to do with her staff. I suggested she nuno felt the project, a larger landscape wall hanging. She picked out a navy/gray prefelt and some pretty, vibrantly dyed merino top and she was on her way. 

Well she came in with show and tell and let me tell you, I was blown away! Her team of about 6 or 7 was skeptical at first at her creative team building activity. Several people confessed a lack of skill and creativity. She made it very approachable for them, laying out the background for them. They then designed the colors and created the sky and the river. The prefelt was cut into the buildings of the skyline and laid on top. This was then wet felted and everyone got involved in the rolling process. Laughs and smiles were shared as they bonded in this creative process. When it was unrolled for the last time and unveiled, the feeling of pride and amazement was shared by all. Chris added the stitching and dozens and dozens of hot-fix crystals to the piece. It really makes the little details pop and gives those Chicago architectural highlights definition. 

What makes this piece even more intricately involved is the fact that Chris works for a department of the USDA, in Chicago, and Esther's Place was born out of a USDA Rural Development grant back in 2016. Ten years ago we dreamed of merging the worlds of art, agriculture and education. Ten years later, fiber art has found its way into the lives and hearts of so many, and now, the staff of the USDA itself! Local wool will be decorating the walls of the USDA office in Chicago, and they are even talking about doing another project. This next project would have a more agricultural bend to it. 

How inspirational is that? There is nothing that drives a point home like being able to actually experience something for yourself. Here I got to observe it in action, and see a full circle come around. It's been ten years of hard work and dedication to the cause, but I am so thrilled be a part in change. It all begins with a sheep, some skylines and ends with smiles. 

Prize Winners!

I wanted to give you an update.... my dress and vest both took ribbons at the MidAtlantic Quilt Festival Wearable Art Competition! The dress, Silver Lining, took first place in the ensemble category, and the vest took an honorable mention in the vest, coat or jacket category. 

Very exciting! And for more news, be watching at the Handweaver's Guild of America Convergence 2016  coming to Milwaukee, WI July 30th-August 6th. These two pieces will be in the fashion show there as well! 

I have had work in their Yardage Exhibit, All Media Exhibit, and Fashion Show, in the past years in Albuquerque, NM, Long Beach, CA and Providence, RI. Their event is every two years. It features a vendor hall, a myriad of classes, lectures and workshops, and great connections to the fiber art pulse in the region. 

We're going to make a weekend of it and go, my husband and I. We're thinking of camping at the breathtaking Kohler-Andrae State Park. It's right on Lake Michigan, with sand dunes, forests and quiet peacefulness. Then we can drive down to Milwaukee to enjoy some night life, food and of course, the show! It's a great get-a-way that's not too far away. And since the last Convergence I attended was Long Beach, I am already anticipating gathering lots of new supplies, ideas and inspiration. Stay tuned! I'll definitely  be sharing that experience with all of you. 

Giving Back

I taught a brand new class this last fall at the Illinois Art Educator's Conference titled "Think Big- Fiber Art Installations". Turns out it was a big hit! We had about 20 teachers in the class and what a team-building experience it was! 

I divided the group into three. Each group had a station. They were given about 10 minutes at each station, then rotated. One station was creating the background, laying wisps of merino wool on the silk gauze background. Another station made prefelts- merino wool that is wet felted only enough to hold up as a fabric, but still fuzzy enough to attach to the base. These were to be made into circles. The last station created a large sphere of colors with fun bits of sparkles, bamboo and yarn incorporated in. 

When we got all the components made, we arranged it together on the background. The entire design, along with colors and shapes, was decided by the group on the spot. I provided expertise and supplies, the rest was them! 

Then it got messy. In a fun kind of way. Water. Soap. Bubble wrap. You can guess what happened next. Laughter ensued. Sleeves got rolled up. We rubba-dubbed and splish-splashed our way through the wet felting process of fusing the fibers to the silk fabric base. Nuno felting as it is called, it makes a splendid fabric that is lightweight yet solid. It is the technique I use for all my art wearables. This time, we were using it to make a large 4' x 7' wall hanging. 

We were so giddy from the fun and creativity, that the rolling process went by quickly. Before long, the fibers were fused and we has a wonderful piece of art. Oooos and ahhhhs were exchanged among the group. We decided such a fabulous piece could only have one purpose: to become a donation back to the organization. 

Well, as happenstance would have it, I saw the President and Vice President of IAEA a few weeks before the National Conference, and I casually mentioned that we wanted to give the piece to them. They were ecstatic, as they were looking for something really eye catching for their display and raffle at the National Art Educator's Conference. 

So how about that for the right time and place? Our art got to not only touch the 20 teachers who created it, but thousands of teachers who saw it at the NAEA conference.  A noble cause I'd say! Giving back always results in something more in return. Generosity has a way of sowing sparingly the seeds to reap a bountiful harvest! 

The Umbrella

This is my 2015 project for the Women's Journeys in Fiber, and our exhibit just finished up at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, where this photo was taken. What a fitting theme umbrellas were for 2015, with all the rain we had! Here is my story behind it, and a palette of inspiration.... 

What is Your Umbrella?

Natasha Lewis

Wet is my adjective for the summer of 2015. This season we have encountered a lot of rain! Small drops, big drops, it is all the same. Morning sprinkles or midnight thunderstorms, we have seen all that this wet precipitation has to offer.  Squalls that come out of nowhere or storms that build on the horizon that we watch rolling in, they pour down the rain never the less.

 Interrupting our progress, interrupting our plans; it comes and we can do nothing about it. As the wet drops come plummeting down from heaven, one tiny bead at a time, they nourish the parched. But too much, too quickly and it causes difficulties; makes simple things challenging and shapes our world with its force and power.

 What can we do but run for cover in a rainstorm? When we have not a shield, we become drenched and are left gasping for breath as we feel the rain soak us through and through. Yet under protection, we can be sheltered from what goes on around us. The rain can pour and yet our shelter, though small, can provide a sanctuary from the storm as it passes.

 How many times have we stood beneath an umbrella hearing the plunking of rain drops, watching them roll down and drip off its’ edge? In that moment, we feel uttermost gratitude for that refuge, the only thing that stands between our own comfort and the world’s harshness.  

The rain in our lives can come at any time- it can soak us, chill us, flood us out, unless we have our shelter.  What is that shelter for us? Does it look radiant, filled with a wellspring of joy, hope and faith? Or is it a community that embraces and upholds us until the rain passes? Do talents deep within us blossom and flourish with the rain and build for us a refuge we run to? We can find so many places to seek quiet while the storm rolls on.  We don’t have to stay alone in the rain, getting drenched. 

 Today, whether you are experiencing sunshine or in the middle of severe storms, we know rain is to come. When you start to feel those first few drops fall, what is the umbrella you want to be holding? 

Sophie's Mask

My mask was created from hand dyed silks, as well as lace, cheesecloth, muslin, tatted lace, and all kinds of fabrics, along with beading. Here is the artist statement.

Sophie’s Mask

      Natasha Lehrer Lewis

From a young age and all through to the end of our lives, we wear a mask of a certain sort. When we are children, we learn that sometimes being something different than who we really are can earn us friends, acceptance and a sense of belonging. We start putting on our mask then. It’s a transparent mask at this point, a lot of our personality still shows through.

 However, as we grow older a few more layers are added. A few of life’s hurts and scars build upon our transparency and we discover that it is easier to show people the mask rather than our real feelings. People ask how we are and we answer with half- truths because it is just easier than revealing what is deep inside of us. People ask us for opinions and we answer with half-truths because it is the socially-correct way to interact. Our masks begin to become more layered with the importance of our appearance, status and accomplishments and the real us begins to grow dim.

As we reach the end of our lives, our masks are built up of so many experiences and memories. Each adds a layer to the mask and sometimes when we are by ourselves, we take off that mask and reminisce fondly, or perhaps bitterly, or quietly and reflectively. Those layers have made us, they write our story. Who are we really? What shines forth from our inner soul- our true spirit- over the years of life that we have passed through?

This mask tells that story. Inside, the colors were selected to represent light, faith, serenity, and passion. These emotions shape our thoughts, our perspective and our drive for life. These shades also reflect some of the harshness in our character that shape us as well, things like greed, jealousy, anger and indifference that can affect every aspect of our interactions. It is hidden on the inside. If one puts on this mask, this is not what people around them will see. But we know it is there. We can reveal it if we so choose.

On the outside we do see that inner soul shining out, beaming like a ray of light. Where else could it shine forth but in the eyes? We see in one eye that it is stronger, more brilliant. The other eye is clouded by the mask. The layers are more transparent around the eyes as our light melts away the mask’s layers. Wrinkles and creases form in the fabric around the eyes and forehead, years of worry writing their story upon our mask. There are tear stains on the cheeks from hurts that we feel, symbolized by cheesecloth. The lace represents an outward grace that we put on, it is knowing how to look and feel so we can appear full of poise and dignity. Even the mouth is covered in light layers of lace and silk, as we realize how essential it is to let our words mask our inner light.

As you work towards the edge of the mask, the fabrics become heavier and more layered. They are bits of memory fabrics, each one signifying a layer of life. These small bits are added with time, experiences,  and lessons that shape who we are.  Their varying textures and shades of white add dimension and interest to the mask. Each moment, day and year that goes by in our lives, we add pieces to this mask, in essence, it is never finished but an evolving piece of who we are.

Let us not focus on the mask, but instead on the light that is melting through our layers. Beads highlight and draw your attention back to the inner soul that is permeating the layers we’ve built. Gleaming, shimmering and reflective beads, they are like sunbeams dancing, raindrops lingering, and glory radiating.

Like the way that heaven meant for a bit of the Creator to shine forth in creation, let us turn our sights to allowing the inner soul to shine forth. Life may suggest otherwise, but we cannot accomplish anything more successful, attain anything more glorious, or offer anything more inspirational than this: being who we were created to be to the world around us. 

The Mask Project

For nearly three years, I have been a member of a group of a very creative ladies called "Women's Journeys in Fiber" . Started by Jan Gerber in 1998, it has met for the purpose of challenging it's members to explore a subject and create a specific piece in fiber from that process. Over the years, they have had the themes Mantles, Circle, Botanicals, Purses, Robes, Hats, Aprons, Footwear, Shifts, Masks and Umbrellas. 

I like to describe it this way: we take a iconic women's item and art-ify it. We construct these entirely from the ground up. There are meetings held routinely, and we are given a year to each theme; usually about six months to create and six months to exhibit. 

Our pieces are exhibited at three locations; the Chicago Botanic Garden in November, the Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, WI in January and the Chicago Flower and Garden Show in March. Along with the piece, we also submit an artist statement for the piece. This allows you to see more in depth to the heart of the artist and is a crucial aspect to the viewer. 

It's a wonderful way to submerse yourself in creativity while working as a group with our different backgrounds, beliefs, ideas and inspiration. A challenge, but a joy and always a stretch of one's artistic intellect. 

Hit the Road!

I had an exciting discovery in the mailbox today! Flipping through the usual stack of bills, junk and business paperwork, I saw two envelopes from  Mancuso Quilt Festival  ! I had applied to the Wearable Art Competition, entering my dress, Silver Lining, and vest, Twilight Haze. 

With bated breath, I ripped open the first envelope. Dear Ms. Lehrer Lewis.... your piece has been accepted! Breathlessly, I opened the second one. 

Both were accepted and will be heading to Hampton, Virginia within the week. This will be my fourth year entering this show. My dress L' Amore di Vini and vest November Skies last year swept the show! I am even more excited about this year, as I feel my two pieces feature a lot more detail and technique from last year. 

Wish I could be going with them to see the show! It runs Feb. 25-28th, 2016. I'll keep you posted on how they do! 

Corn, Corn Everywhere

When I create a garment, I also have a specific idea of how I'd like to photograph it. As any artist will know, as frustrating as it can be, your art is only as good as your photography. When I jury my pieces for shows, the only thing that juror will see is a digital image. My art doesn't mean anything if that image doesn't accurately represent it. This was a really hard thing to learn early on in my days creating art, but I am so thankful for a couple of really helpful people who have made all the difference in the world. 

One of these people is my mother-in-law. She's been absolutely fabulous to be a fashion photographer with a very crazy artist here at the helm. My crazy ideas could get the best of me one of these days.....

I had only a few days to get this piece photographed before it left for a show. And I wanted to photograph it while standing in a field of golden corn with a stretching panorama of endless sky in the background, maybe even a sunrise. Sounds simple and straightforward, right? 

Did I mention this was in October? That time of the year where I'm from, there's combines running 24/7 to get those fields of golden corn harvested. So the corn field I was thinking of using actually got combined a few days before our photo shoot. Since plan A was foiled, we went for plan B- and ran from field to field looking for brighter colored corn, corn that didn't look weather-beaten and corn that was facing an eastern sky. 

It was a blustery fall day, as well, so the brisk wind made the dress dance and move.... sometimes not necessarily in the right ways! I had to hold the edge down with my toes on a few of the shots! It was a challenge, but you know me.... when I get an idea in my head, there's no turning back! 

My mother-in-law was gracious and captured some lovely images of the piece. I do love the idea of shooting in our beautiful rural surroundings. It brings to life the panorama that oftentimes inspired the piece in the first place. I hope to try more farmland-backdrops in the future. There is nothing quite like beautiful art in a beautiful place! 

Blue Skies and Silver Linings

Pictured above is one of my newest runway pieces, a gown titled "Silver Lining" . I completed the dress in October of 2015. My inspiration came from the fabric of the skirt. My mom actually dyed this beautiful shade of blue-gray that reminded me of dull skies. Skies that you don't whether they plan to dump big plitter-platters of rain on you, or plan to break open with a glorious sun beaming through their  thick cover. 

She offered me the fabric, which at one point was being considered for her mother-of-the-bride dress. Since it didn't get used for that, it was now free to be invented into something else! I had yards and yards of this mystery fabric, that shifted and changed colors with every rustle of it's wonderful crinkly drape. 

The top I created the fabric for, using my hand dyed habotai silk and then nuno felting a blend of merino wools into it. Like a lot of my recent pieces, I have been exploring using the silk side of my nuno felt as my featured side. The nuno process of fusing wool into the silk fabric creates this amazing texture. I added some pleating before felting to accentuate the texture. 

I really wanted to create strong diagonal lines on the corset-style bodice with my silk and feel I was able to accomplish that. I emphasized it  with the beading, a feature I love the look of, but always regret about 5 hours into the beadwork, when squinty eyes, a headache and at least 100 seed beads decorating my floor remind me not to put beads on my next piece! Yet I always do....

I love the asymmetry of the design. Creating designs has always been a favorite part of the process for me. I am excited to be working with Marilyn Donoho, an amazing seamstress who really understands me and works with me to take my sketches, fabrics and vision to completion. 

This dress fits a size 8 beautifully, comfortably and elegantly. Perhaps the greatest joy for me was to be able to try it on and wear my dream and feel it come to life! That is truly the impetus for creativity!