AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY PAIRS OF SHOES: A WOMAN'S JOURNEY

Artists in Durango, CO are making art out of all kinds of shoes and recycled materials for a benefit fashion show and auction this coming weekend, November 21st and 22nd at the Strater Hotel. I have created a kimono-style garment from handmade paper from Thailand. Sumi ink-dipped tea bags hang on the back. Collage elements which include Japanese antique schoolbook fragments and gold Joss paper decorate the inside. Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) is featured on the front of the kimono and symbolizes "peace". The event supports the Alternative Horizons, a local non-profit that provides resources, services, and alternatives to victims/survivors of domestic violence.

Kimono


Kimono collage interior

FOAL OPENING AT DAC

My Japan Journal Journey Box is shown in a hands-on installation in the Friends of the Art Library (FOAL) Group exhibit at the Durango Arts Center. The opening reception is this coming Friday, November 20, 5-7 PM. The exhibit runs through December. The Box contains small books of photographs taken from my journey through rural Japan one year ago. Japanese-style bindings are used and memorabilia is included. In an interesting serendipity, I photographed a red box in an antique shop in Kurashiki and realized I had an almost identical box at home which was a perfect containment for my accordian-style journal and accompanying books.

Japan Journal Journey Box Installation

DURANGO COLLECTION

This month nine pieces of my work and the art of other Durango artists was purchased by Terry Bacon, SMI Real Estate Ventures. The art has been installed in a recently remodeled historic building in Durango, Colorado that houses the international company Korn-Ferry (formerly Lore International Institute, founded by Mr. Bacon). "Spirit of Place" is one of a series of three in the collection. The text in this aerial photograph of mountainous terrain adjacent to Durango, uses words from "Practice of the Wild" by writer-poet Gary Snyder. A drawing, "Primal" is part of the purchase and "Winter Pressing, 2008-09" (see blog entry June 10, 2009), is a five piece work that is also included.

Spirit of Place

NEW WORK

Here are a few images of new work that was exhibited at my Open Studio event last weekend. I am still open by appointment till year's end for Durango folks.
Indigo Root

Japan Package

AFRICA ART MARKET

Language: Africa

My mixed media piece is being auctioned off at the Africa Art Market at the Durango Arts Center this week. The reception last Friday night was exciting with drums, color, and costume. A rich market filled with a myriad of beads, baskets, woven fabrics, jewelry, sculpture, and much more continues this week.

OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND

Peace Leaf. 2009

Lots of preparations are happening for my annual Open Studio event this weekend. New work will be exhibited as well as art over many years.