Here they are on my studio wall. They will hang with more space around them, of course and will fill the small gallery/project room walls. 5 on each of the 2 long walls and three on the other wall, with "bad girl" in the middle. No special reason for 13 dresses, other than this piece was created for this space specifically.
Initially I had asked for exhibition fees and was told there were none left in the gallery budget (a university/public gallery situation). I then had to make a decision. Do I exhibit work for
free (not to mention being out of pocket for materials and time) for the sake of bringing the piece I had long thought of making to exhibit? As a university gallery that exhibits professional artists work on a limited basis, is it fair for them to expect one to exhibit for free? I could say "no" and they would promptly fill the space without a second thought, which cheesed me off, so declining would not really send any message. So...as I have wanted to make this piece, I said yes. When I went in to sign the contract, I was told money was found elsewhere and, voila, I would receive artist fees. Not sure what the lesson is. Maybe there is not a lesson and it was just dumb luck. I think that can happen, ya' know. I am not one of those people who is always seeking signs from above. Yes, I believe it does happen, as it has happened to me, but I prefer to keep my feet firmly on the ground. Unless I am creating, of course. It's just the pragmatist in me.
I am in Montreal on Friday to take work to the Canadian Guild of Craft, argueably the finest craft gallery in the country. I will pack up some sculptures (some of which I will be making this week) and meet with the director and curator. really looking forward to having a venue for these pieces. I have long thought that I needed just the right audience for these pieces, and I think this is it. Now, to print labels, get out the straight pins and pack up 13 little dresses.
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Labels for the dresses:
Here they are on my studio wall. They will hang with more space around them, of course and will fill the small gallery/project room walls. 5 on each of the 2 long walls and three on the other wall, with "bad girl" in the middle. No special reason for 13 dresses, other than this piece was created for this space specifically.
some of the dresses ready. I hung them on hangers to dry, but they will be attached directly to the wall at the gallery. I decided I prefered them to look like a child could be wearing them rather than hanging as if in a closet.
the last seven all laid out. I will roll them just a bit (10 min. total) and the rest of the time they will be worked on individually. I assembled them in assembly line fashion really only to keep them consistant. When they are all done, I will attach the labels, place a little tissue inside for transport and put them aside ready for install. Then...I get to make some bags!
Below are 6 of the 13 dresses laid out, but not yet felted...
Layout in progress (very fiddly-making me crazy and will glad to be past that point on the next 7)
It is interesting to challenge myself to make them very alike. Even as I felt and full, they each take a turn so I am doing each the same. This being said, I found myself reflecting on the concept of the piece as I worked on each one wondering if the one in my hands would be "smart girl" or "stupid girl". I'll update you as I move along and once it is in the gallery in less than 2 weeks.
(Cindy Obuck- above)
Marilyn and her awesome osprey nest in progress
A lovely landscape! The moody sky is great (and the tree...and the barn!)
Tracy Kuffner working away
Rhonda's landscape
Judy adapted her image and added some great colour!
Our vessels! (missing a couple who had to leave early!)
HERE is where I am headed...the beautiful Qu'appelle Valley in the Canadian prairie province of Saskatchewan. I am so happy I found this image. I thought I was in for a ground hog invasion and lots of wheat fields, but this, well, this I like! (no offence to prairie rodents and farmers)
Argh, the drive home from Toronto. Miserable.
The opening reception at the Ontario Crafts Council Gallery
Jim Lorriman, Shannon Kennedy and Drowned Rat (I ran 5 blocks in pouring rain!)
Shannon and Lily Yung, who was presented with the Mather award for lifetime acheivement.
