This morning as I was getting ready for work, a segment on Good Morning America caught my attention. Apparently a Wall Street Journal article had sparked a nationwide debate after a Midwestern company garnered unwanted attention for its dress code: Pantyhose were required dress of all women at all times (even under pants!), but ties were not required of the men. The article speculates, “As for fairness, it's hard to say whether ties or panty hose are more uncomfortable. One male reader of this newspaper, after making a bet with a female co-worker, attempted to discover the answer by secretly wearing pantyhose under his business suit for several weeks. He claims ties are worse.”
Personally, I disagree--and I'm speaking as both a former ballet dancer (tights are to pantyhose as a noose is to a scarf) AND a former waitress who had to wear a uniform of a starched white buttondown and, yes, a tie. But, after a wave of relief that my company’s dress code is relaxed (and a wave of cheers for Diane Sawyer admitting that she, like many of us, hasn’t worn hose in years) it did get me thinking that I’ve seen wonderful crafts made with both. And if we’ll all be wearing them less as Business Casual becomes more the norm, then it stands to reason we’ll all have fodder to craft with them more. So I ask you, which makes the better mixed-media projects: Ties Vs. Pantyhose?
Exhibit A: The ever-popular fan favorite Tie Skirt from Alexandra Underhill, as seen in AlterNation:
Exhibit B: Amazingly realistic figurative sculpture from talented artist Lisa Lichtenfels (soon to be featured in another North Light Book by Ricë Freeman-Zachery), made from, yes, pantyhose:
This last weekend I had my creative-energy stores refueled by attending a great annual event we have here in the Cincinnati area called Summerfair. Of course I saw many of the artists who seem to appear each year, including a few that I always look forward to, but it seemed that this year's group of artists was the best yet.
I was amused and inspired by the woodcut prints of Derrick Riley. I don't know that he'd appreciate me calling his robots cute, so don't tell him I used that word, but they were adorable cool.
I also was happy to stumble upon the work of Michael Babyak. His passion is clearly guitars and other musical instruments as a subject matter, but it was his abstracts that really entranced me. I wish he had his "slide" series on his website for you to see. It's similar to the White Series, but a bit edgier.
And then of course, I couldn't leave the fair without purchasing some jewelry, and my favorite booth was that of Greg & BJ Jordan. I had the most difficult time making up my mind! But I think I made a great choice and I hope to see these artists again at other events.
I hope your weekend was inspiring too. Anything you'd like to share?
With more than 150 exhibiting artists, the Woolworth Walk gallery and bazaar in Asheville was one of my favorite stops, particularly for the
quantity and variety of work on display and for sale in one vast place.
It was here that I saw the work of Sarah Faulkner and Dawn Dalto, as well as the work of the third and final Asheville Artist I’d like to spotlight here: Yvonne Hegney.
This former Hollywood set designer has turned her talents to crafting
mixed-media sculpture and pottery. I suspect the results are much more
at home in the mountains of Asheville than they would be in Los
Angeles. But don’t take my word for it: Visit the Woolworth Walk online for your own virtual taste of Asheville: You may just find a few favorites to watch.
What artists have you discovered in your own travels?
I have long wanted to visit Asheville, North Carolina, nestled snugly in the Blue Ridge Mountains and reputed home to a truly eclectic and thriving artisan community—and over the holiday weekend, I finally got the chance. When it comes to arts and crafts, Asheville does not disappoint. Galleries line the streets, ranging from more traditional single-artist exhibits with storefronts to more open indoor spaces structured a bit like semi-permanent craft shows. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and appropriately, there’s a little something for everyone: from cigar-box fiddles to charming clay pottery, from hand-blown art glass to hand-crafted metal jewelry, from pensive photography to mixed-media works of all kinds, all spanning a wide variety of styles and budgets.
I didn’t have nearly enough time to peruse them all, but as I daydream of my next visit, I’d love to briefly spotlight a few of my favorite exhibited mixed-media artists right here to share a little taste of Asheville vicariously with you.
Today’s featured Asheville artist is Sarah Faulkner. Her “collage paintings” immediately caught my eye, both for her use of encaustic techniques and for her whimsical interpretations of nature. A visit to her Web site revealed she also works in sculpture, wood and metal—though I have to say her paintings are still my favorite of her works. But don’t take my word for it; pay her a visit and judge for yourself. Shown here are Teach Peace (above) and Winter Garden (below).
What are your favorite crafty cities to visit? Leave a comment and let us know!
