Category Archives: Fiber Art

Art using fiber abd fabric making as its basis.

Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club – Marion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Kim Martin Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club - Marion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic ClubMarion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Kim Martin, Painting #2, oil.

Karl Olsen Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club - Marion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Karl Olsen , Quilt, oil , Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic ClubMarion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie.

Marion Loippo Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club - Marion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Marion Loippo, Swim in the Lake, silk & velvet, Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic ClubMarion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie.

Jane J. Wilkie Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club - Marion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Jane J. Wilkie , Velvet Quilt, fabric & grapevines, Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic ClubMarion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Jane J. Wilkie Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club - Marion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie

Marion Loippo, Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic ClubMarion Loippo, Kim Martin, Karl Olsen & Jane J. Wilkie.

The Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club exhibits members work chosen @ random from a sign up sheet, the synchronicity of the current show with Karl & Kim, Marion & JJ is fortuitous.  Painting and fabric art meld with Karl Olsen‘s expressionist paintings, Kim Martin‘s strident drawings, Marion Loippo‘s abstractions on silk and JJ Wilkie‘s bold quilts as if a gallery curator selected the art for the show.  Check out all the artist links in this blog post, they all have portfolio websites but Marion Loippo has a cool YouTube video!

 

Photos by DoN.

 

VIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Rebekah Wilhelm VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Rebekah Wilhelm, VIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center.

Rebekah Wilhelm VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Rebekah Wilhelm, Untitled, detail

Rebekah Wilhelm VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Rebekah Wilhelm, Untitled, VIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center in Fishtown.

Rebekah Wilhelm‘s most excellent print display @ UD Crane is filled with information, tightly packed into clever, spare prints like an art lesson on less is more.  The prints of swirling words explains how viewers interact with vision, her chain link fence prints are confounding and restrictive and the reams of paper spread in a long swipe across the floor is provocative yet simple and easy. Wilhelm already has plans to go to work teaching at the University of Delaware and is considering studio space in Philly.  DoN chatted with UD Crane curator Anthony Vega, he highlighted how there was more focus on craft and skill in traditional media and no video this year.  C. Grant Cox, III includes multimedia and mechanics in his sculpture but there was a noticeable absence of flat screens and projections in the gallery.

Tara Russell VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Tara RussellVIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center.

Jacob Smiley VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Jacob Smiley, VIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center.

Tia Santana VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Tia Santana, VIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center.  Tia Santana’s performance/installation anchored the lower gallery by the stairs with the artist studiously braiding what looked a lot like hair into long dreads.  Dressed in white, Santana focused on expanding the mound of braids, weaving memes like “roots”, “identity” and “work” into a fascinating presentation of a simulacra-like archetype that a week later is still vibrant in DoN‘s mind.

Daniel Jackson VIII - 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center

Daniel Jackson, VIII – 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Delaware Department of Art @ Crane Arts Center.  Check out Jackson’s web site for a good look at his work, his paintings exhibit not just vibrancy and virtuosity but thoughtful content, decorative panache and strong painting science.  The glossy panels thick with layers of saturated color and ancient technique are mashed up with a contemporary sense of irony; Jackson’s paintings illustrate Vega’s observation of skill being penultimate.

Congratulations to Matt Giel for his desirable photographs, Leontien Rotteveel’s beatific objet trouve-like sculpture/installation and the entire class of UD 2011 for a refreshing look at the endurance of art.  The gallery is University of Delaware‘s outpost away from school, offering students a really cool space to show their work, creating an aspirational vibe and a real clarity of vision of who artists can be after college.

 

Photos by DoN.

Elaine M. Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” and Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Elaine Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Elaine M. Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Mr. Bunny Gets Screwed, graphite on paper, 90 x 60″.  Elaine Erne lost her toy bunnies with return instructions throughout Philly and May 12th many people returned what they found to the Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art, the Crane Arts Center in Fishtown.  If you returned a bunny you could exchange it for a numbered print and the bunny is hung on the wall, if you want to keep the bunny you found it cost you five bucks.  Elaine told DoN Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends causes the finder to decide whether to return the lost toy and participate in an interactive experience or just keep it and live with your conscience.  Many participants exchanged their finds for a signed, numbered print and took pictures of themselves with the installation and the artist.  Erne’s installation is anchored by two of her heroically scaled drawings facing each other across the room allowing the viewer to take in the scope of the drawing then move in close and feel the energy it took to complete the masterful drawings.

Elaine Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Elaine M. Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art.

Elaine Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Elaine M. Erne finding one of her numbered prints to match the returned lost bunny at “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art.  Erne’s interactive idea showcases her image making skill and innovative public interaction and social networking, adding a layer of sophistication, thoughtfulness, liven-ess and fun to Elaine’s art.

Elaine M. Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” and Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Elaine M. Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” and Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art.

The two artists share the space with Leah Reynolds Bee Hive themed installation cross pollinating Elaine Erne’s toys in peril with exquisite corpse-like dynamism.  Leah Reynolds told DoN she based her show on the lives of bee’s and the symbolism surrounding them from hives to queens to hair-dos – Super-Kawaii!  Reynolds’ photography is off the chain with dynamic hair portraits interspersed with interstitial abstracts, the environment enlivened by the whimsical paper sculptures and swathes of lace like being in a magical dream.

Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art.  Queen for A Day, the hanging fabric forms the shape of a cartoon-ish crown, an homage to the creepy early TV show which made home-making the pinnacle of being an American woman.

Elaine Erne, “Mr. Bunny Misses His Friends” and Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art

Leah Reynolds, “Bee Life” @ Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art.

 

Photos by DoN.

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011.

Paige Ozaroski, Closer Look, photograph, Gaby Heit, Morning, Sugar, watercolor.  246 works are included in the blockbuster event, the Plastic Club continues to draw out the best of artists as they each join the competition for the prestigious awards – imagine what went through the mind of juror Murray Desener when he learned the task ahead of him, he did a fantastic job.

Nick Brown Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Arts

Nick Brown @ Plastic Club‘s small Worlds 2011.  Nick sketches from life on ceramic then scratches out relief for the glaze.  Caroline Maw-Dies, Woven Stoneware Basket, woven stoneware.

Mervyn Kline Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Arts

Mervyn Kline @ The Wanderer, print @ Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011Mervyn & DoN are included in the show in the Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club; Merv’s stylish renderings are retro futuristic with an ancient lost civilization vibe.  DoN will write a separate post about the show including Burton Greenspan, Diane Podolsky & Cara KendricDoN feels blessed to be included with such a fabulous group of fine artists, DoN has seven photos on display at the Plastic Club, a true honor.

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Arts

Plastic Club‘s small Worlds 2011, 246 artworks are on display at the Plastic Club, each small world unique yet when grouped cohesive in a simplistic, natural way – the above tableau of monochromatic works with touches of color is curatorial excellence considering the blockbuster size of the exhibit.

Sylvia Schreiber Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artistss

Sylvia Schreiber @ Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011.  The actual drippy painting isn’t much bigger than the image on this page but packs a bold punch of color in person.

Don McPartland Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Arts

Don McPartland, Kicker Conspiracy, mixed media @Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011; Don McPartland made a splash when he became a new member of the Plastic Club this year, 46 new artists, now capturing first prize with his soothingly complex confection, comfortably nestled in a niche in the dining room.

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, click the thumbnail.

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Sung Ham, Joo Hooy, oil, Mervyn Kline, Picasso Blues, digital print, Jen Tsui, Post Card, mixed media @ small Worlds 2011, The Plastic Club’s annual small art extravaganza.

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, each nook and cranny holds a universe of small Worlds – Patricia Wilson-Schmid, Vortex, acrylic, Gail Zelikovsky, Landscape of Mars, silk painting, David DiDonato, Recycled Garden, acrylic, Lois Schlachter, Anxiety Dream, acrylic, Veronica Meekins, Nude Figure, pencil.

Phil Juska Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Phil Juska, Meatloaf at Gilleys, 2AM, construction @ Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011

Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011, Huge Art Show of Little Works of Art on the Avenue of the Artists

Caroline Maw-Deis, Put de Lime in de Coconut, fiber, Dorothy Roschen, Smoke-Made Landscape, smoke fired clay @ Plastic Club’s small Worlds 2011,  a huge art show of little works of art.

DoN is sad for Japan.  “Smile, even though your heart is breaking.”  With new eyes, look at the wonderful culture, community, vibrancy and beauty we are surrounded with every day and cherish each moment as if it could all be swept away in an instant.  “Life is still worth while, if you just smile.”

Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Barbara Keough Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Barbara Keough, Three Out of Four Ain’t Bad, mixed media @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.   The Plastic Club has 36 new members and a low attrition rate due to the warm, welcoming laid back vibe of one of the longest running art clubs in America.  The New Members show is exceptional in the wide variety of media from fiber arts to painting, drawing and photograph; you would think there would be a tipping point but the leadership of The Plastic Club is sensitive to the needs of artists and makes every effort to help them develop through leading workshops, critiques, Salons, and monthly exhibitions including the Downstairs Gallery (the subject of DoN‘s next post on DoNArTNeWs).

Barbara Keough‘s painting embodies the spirit of the new group joining the club, her painting is witty, fun, cheerful and beautiful – a small painting which lights up on it’s own especially in the newly refurbished Plastic Club Gallery.  And the number 42, of course, is the answer to the ultimate question posed in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.  The Plastic Club uses a unique numbering system which requires visitors to refer to a printed guide but also allows seeing the work for itself without being influenced by the cult of personality or reputation of the artist.

Chick Kelly Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Chick Kelly @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art ExhibitionChick Kelly‘s wonderfully ebullient and erudite character shines through his paintings combining contemplative color palette with stinging symbolism and strong story telling.

Maria Viataki, Alexandra Pinero, Burton Greenspan @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Maria Viataki, Dreams of Havertown, acrylic, Alexandra Pinero, Amaris Is Hazel, oil, & Burton Greenspan, Sun Lee, oil @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.  Doesn’t this look fabulous?

S.F. Pfaffenbichler Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

S.F. Pfaffenbichler, Rock I & Rock II, oil @  Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.

S.F. Pfaffenbichler Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

S.F. Pfaffenbichler @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.

Bob Jackson & Alan Klawans un-scrolled Sylia Pfaffenbichler‘s action drawing from the Plastic Club‘s on-going series of workshops called the Moving Model, the model slowly changes poses over a period of twenty minutes forcing the artist to quickly see and commit the image to paper, the results are evident in Pfaffenbichler‘s great, joyful paintings of jazzy dancers.

Michael B. Tantaros & Yeoun Lee Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Michael B. Tantaros, What, graphite & Yeoun Lee, Over the Rainbow, mixed media – DoN loves seeing these works together, the fine drawing is of Bill Myers, fellow photographer and Yeoun Lee who are both in the group multi-media art show Diverse Perspectives @ Da Vinci Art Alliance, reception February 25th, 2011, 5 – 9:00 PM, featuring the work of eight Da Vinci Art Alliance member artists.  DoN will be presenting Search Engine Optimization for Artists , Saturday, March 5th @ 2:00 PM, as part of the Diverse Perspectives exhibition running throughout March in the historic gallery in South Philly.

Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Past president Michael Guinn and current president Bob Jackson address the new members who have joined the Plastic Club, their leadership has improved participation exponentially and upgrades to the historic building are continuous – the back yard parties are infamous, too.

Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Jane J. Wilkie, Blue Sky, acrylic, Reta Sweeney, Snow on Stewart Lake, oil, Cara Kendric, Song of the Dawn, mixed media and Denise Romano Bright, Wisteria in Bloom, hand colored photo @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition through February 25th, 2011.  Welcome to the New Members and thank you to The Plastic Club team for providing a venue for artists to grow and develop without feeling intimidated.

By the by, DoN has been updating the Album pages on the Plastic Club website, it’s a work in progress but the pictures will bring back many memories.

Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Michael B. Tantaros, Who, graphite @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition; DoN is particularly drawn (no pun intended) to Tantaros‘ descriptive drawing and atmospheric naturalism.  The Plastic Club is famous for it’s inspiring workshops where artists can work with a live model for 3 hours really cheaply, an important factor in creating great art.

Don McPartland Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Don McPartland, Secession man, Weather Report & Free Range, mixed media @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.

Bill Myers Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

Bill Myers, Dead Squirrel on My Bed, photograph & Robert Heiler, Winter’s Evening, watercolor @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.  Bill Myers surrealistic photographs will be on view at Da Vinci Art Alliance February 25th – March 26th, 2011.

Photos by DoN.