PIttsburgh - Beautiful

Potty talk isn't really proper, is it? Especially not in public...which a blog certainly is. However, I find myself compelled to discuss the facilities (downstairs) at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Those with delicate constitutions should probably stroll along to another blog. Those with curious (or potty humor loving) constitutions should stay put.

Upon arriving at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts on Tuesday, Pam and I decided a visit to the lady's room was in order. Down we descended into the catacombs of the building, only to be greeted by a somewhat odd vision on the stall doors.

  

Well, you know me...I viewed this oddity and immediately brought the camera out to record it. After all, how often does one see writing - and in such a lovely font at that - on the outside of the stall door?

We stood laughing - mostly at me taking photos in the bathroom. Then we turned to the mirrors.

With camera still in hand...and still taking photos, we laughed even harder.

And then Pam leaned down so that beautiful text could be seen. And we are, aren't we? Beautiful, that is. Our cheeks all rosy from enjoying lunch outside at Daphne's Cafe...well...and laughing so hard.

Safe travels to us both today as we wend our way home. And the countdown is on until the 4th Annual Artist Retreat in Oz. Yep, I fly out on May 25. Wonder what we'll find ourselves working on this time around?

Fiberart International at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts - Part 1

Having left the Society for Contemporary Craft Monday afternoon feeling under-whelmed, Pam and I entered the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Tuesday morning feeling a bit trepidatious. Would the second half of Fiberart International leave us feeling even more under-whelmed or would our faith be restored? Thankfully,  the latter was the case.

I photographed nearly every piece this time...with the exception of those under glass/plexi and possibly one or two that I simply missed. As with the former Fiberart International post, each piece is represented by a full and at least one detail shot. Given the number of photos involved, I thought it best to divide the work into 3 posts for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

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  Joanna Donchatz, US

Miner, 2012

wool, cotton, various fibers, jacquard hand-woven

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 Tod Hensley, US

Untitled, 2011

embroidery floss, fabric, velvet, wooden frame

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 Rachel Brumer, US

Partial Floor Plan of a World II, 2012

fiber on board with van dyke printing, stiffened fabric

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 Elizabeth Brandt, US

Instructions for Living, 2012

cotton fabric, cotton, bamboo batting

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 Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, US

Crimson Prelude I, 2011

fiber, beads

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 front

 

back

 Linda Rettich, US

Kente Reversible Collar, 2012

bead weaving

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 Jane Kenyon, Canada

Viewpoint, 2011

free-motion machine embroidery

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 Roz Ritter, US

Love Letters, 2011

embroidery

I embroidered my father's love letters onto my mother's wedding dress. My parents met in the summer of 1935 at Shandalee Camp in the Catskill Mountains. They were married one year later and remained together until his passing in 1990. I draw inspiration from my maternal grandmother, Julie, who was a seamstress in the summer palace of Franz Joseph during the Ottoman Empire; my father, Lew, who was a haberdasher to the stars; and the Bayeaux Tapestry, as well as historical American samplers. My purpose is to pay homage to families and the powerful influence they have on our lives.*

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In case you're wondering, Roz Ritter's Love Letters is on my list of favorite pieces too. 

*artist statement from the Fiberart International 2013 catalog

Fiberart International - My Favorite Piece

Yes. I do have a favorite piece in Fiberart International 2013. There are more works to share, and I will. However, editing nearly 300 photos takes a bit of time. So, I thought to share my favorite until the others are ready.

This piece caught my eye as Pam and I entered the second gallery of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The sculptural quality reached out and teased, entreating me to move closer, to see if it really was woven with what I thought it was. Instead...wanting to save the best for last...I viewed every other piece in the room first, before, at last, moving to stand before

Sandra Jane Heard, US

Vestiges of Emancipation, 2011

mixed media, vintage woven steel tape measures

The sculpture takes the form of four female torsos, hand woven from vintage steel tape measures. They are presented in a frozen metamorphosis between the opposing forces of restraint and freedom. The materials were chosen to exploit their weathered quality and to add a sense of conformism. My intent is to express the struggle and resilience of the suffragettes. I hope that the work serves as a testament to the unity and steadfastness of the suffragette movement, while also expressing the continuing struggle for equality and freedom still being sought by women around the world today.*

I was enthralled. And still am. Obviously the directors of the Fiberart International were too as Vestiges of Emancipation was awarded the Fiberart International 2013 Director's Award.

I feel a connection to this work on a number of levels...too many to list. Vestiges of Emancipation and Sandra's immense creativity, artistry and vision will stay with me for quite a while. I hope it is so with you as well.


*artist statement from FI 2013 exhibition catalog

Pittsburgh - Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery

On Tuesday, before venturing over to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts to view part 2 of Fiberart International 2013, Pam and I visited the Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery on Ellsworth Avenue. If you like glass and ever find yourself in Pittsburgh, this gallery is a must see. 

 A flock of free flying birds 

 greeted us upon entering.

 A bit of red caught my eye

 and another bit begged to be tried on.

(and bought...just couldn't resist the circles)

 Felted necklaces and bracelets by Maria Eife,

part of her Binary Collection.

Then a bit of orange caught my eye.

 Jan Kransberger

Touched

kiln cast glass, pate de verre

I turned and realized that we'd arrived in time to view the Morgan's annual teapot exhibition. While plenty of photos were taken, I'm only going to share my favorites. A complete catalog can be downloaded here (it's located mid-page) which has individual, professional photos of each work in the exhibit. It's well worth a browse.

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 Kelly O'Dell

Saddle Up

blown, sculpted, glass, 14k gold fill wire,

green garnet, semi-precious stones

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 Jennifer Umphress

Uni

flameworked, cast glass

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 JoAnne Russo

Bumblebee Teapot

black ash, beads, waxed linen thread,

paper cord, wire, tubing

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 Cory McCrory

House on Tufted Hill

stoneware, paperclay, underglaze, glaze,

high temp wire

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 Kirsten Stingle

Procession of the Muse

handbuilt porcelain stoneware,

underglazes, metal wire

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 Angus Powers

High Tea

blown glass

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 Mark Leputa

Mind-Boggling Bulbous Blend

blown, overlaid, cut, polished,

lathe-worked, epoxied glass

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 Michelle Knox

Water, Tea, Then Reverence

blown glass

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Minds swirling and creative energies renewed,

 

Pam and I strolled down the street to Daphne Cafe & Grill for lunch where we soaked up the sun while feasting like queens. Pam spied an art object that brought Ronnie and her wonderful weekly art objects to mind. Ronnie, this one is for you...courtesy of Mother Nature and Pam.

Stay tuned for part 2 of Fiberart International...that's where we went after lunch.