Archive

Fiber and Thread at Women & Their Work

Artists' expressions in fiber and thread are woven together in A Stitch in Time, currently on view at Women & Their Work Gallery. Curator, Joan Davidow of The Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, notes that historically, it wasn't until the women's movement that "Women became more comfortable with expressing themselves in female art." While this show highlights materials associated with gender, it also has broad appeal and resonance resulting from individual artistic approaches that are thought provoking, playful and inventive.

Utopia #3 by Leigh Anne Lester is a series of perforated holes in the drywall that create the shape of wide-leaf weeds. The poked hole design is oddly familiar since it echoes running holes of a seam that would be made with a sewing machine. Lester leaves us with an interesting, although strangely inverted (line receded into the wall) visual take on the textures and patterns in nature.

Ethel Shipton employs a sewing machine to explore sculpture in and we all fall down. A richly colored red vinyl is used to upholster triangular and rectangular blocks. Brass tacks adorn the blocks that are arranged into an alluring pile in a corner of the gallery. Simple shapes become sumptuous sculpture as the artist transforms the blocks with thread and fabric a la the machine age.

In this exhibition that hearkens back to the proverb, a stitch in time saves nine, a surprising variety of work emerges from what seems to be basic media. In addition to offerings by Lester and Shipton, artwork by Ann Glazer, Jennifer Gooch, Heather Johnson, Annie Murdock, Laura Neaderhouser, Sally Packard, and Ann Wood is included.

A Stitch in Time is on view through December 23, 2005. Contact (512) 477-1064 for more information.

ART-full Shopping

With Christmas right around the corner, we are all looking for that "perfect" gift. Avoid the stress of the mall and take the anxiety out of holiday shopping! Step into the tranquil, creative world of two great ART gift shops - the Austin Museum of Art and at Women and Their Works Gallery.

At the AMOA gift shop [823 Congress], holiday shoppers will find everything from children's toys to elegant jewelry. In the book section, you will find The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss right next to a riveting copy of The History of Rock and Roll. Across the room, alligator print coin purses come in every color of the rainbow and make great stocking stuffers. To celebrate the season, the gift shop has beautiful October Hill Christmas ornaments on display. Amidst all these tempting treasures is the true prize of AMOA's gift shop - the jewelry selection. The extensive collection of hand crafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings fill the center of the store. Designer Lauren De Albert's hand-painted pendants would delight a stylish friend, sister or daughter, and the chic necklaces designed by local artisan Catherine Keeney are perfect for that very special someone.

A few blocks north of the state capitol at 1710 Lavaca, Women and Their Works has expanded their gift shop for the season. Their jewelry selection is not without merit either. Designs by Leslie Bonnell are particularly eye-catching and Claudia Kussano's necklaces are certain to bring any bland outfit to life. From beautifully knit scarves and rose pins to elegant tea towels with creative sayings, you will find something unusual for that one person who has everything. Claudia Reese's ceramic work fills the inviting open space making it difficult to resist buying several pieces. For the "doers" on your list, consider the shop's selection of "how-to" books ranging from quilting with Denyse Schmidt's book Quilts to how to bake the perfect dessert with The Pastry Queen by Rebecca Rather.

Shopping does not have to be dreaded. Treat yourself! Enjoy ART this season and do your holiday shopping at these two exceptional ART-full gift shops or consider an original work of art from a favorite local gallery. - Carrie Ford

Be Blown Away at Artworks

Artworks Gallery is featuring one-of-a-kind glass sculptures by world-renowned Italian glass artist, Afro Celotto. Celotto draws on centuries of traditional glass blowing to create elegant, vibrant and contemporary glass vases.

Each vase is hand-blown in Murano, Italy using up to four separate fusions of multicolored glass canes. Celotto uses a complex and difficult technique called "tociar piera" or "filigree." He also cuts his vases with a diamond wheel to create exquisite textured surfaces.

Celotto's vases resemble organic shapes that dramatically swoop upwards into points, like over-sized tears. Shapes are highlighted through lyrical lines that mirror the vases' curves. Visually satisfying, these vases remind us that form does not always have to follow function. They technically impress and undoubtedly enliven any environment.

Afro Celotto's glass artworks will be on view through January 31. For more information contact (512) 472-1550.