Next spring will be an exciting time. I've joined forces with two amazing local artists to work toward a group exhibition titled Alternative Storytellers. It's exciting to be working with Olga Yukhno, a very talented ceramist from Russia, and Flavia Lovatelli, an Italian-born artist whose paper-centered artwork focuses on reclaimed materials. We have a brand new blog to document the work being created for our group show. CLICK HERE to access that new blog!
As an introduction, the blog states:
Many a good story starts with the familiar few words: Once Upon a Time. Today is that time! (Written on April 16th). Each artist agreed to create individual works in their own media based on the concepts of alternative endings to familiar and not-so-familiar stories. Unexpected twists, newly empowered female characters, and novel outcomes will result in the year-long process. The three artists agreed to share openly in a collaborative sculpture to be called The Storyteller.
Personally, I intend to explore alternative, feminist inspired new endings to common fairy tales. During recent travels, Steve and I stumbled into an estate sale. We weren't blown away. The house was much more interesting than any of its contents ... except for this very well used fireplace hearth broom. I wasn't sure why I wanted it. I couldn't quite put my finger on a story ripe for alteration. In the back of my mind, I only knew that the broom and Cinderella had possibilities. It took a day of researching before I figured it out.
The collaged words to the left of the broom read: Cinderella became a billionaire.
The collaged words to the right of the broom read: Sure! I could have married the Prince but I didn't need the hassle of royal domesticity. Instead, I invested in solid waste, hazardous and medical waste management, and environmental consulting, pollution control, and other disposal services. I cleaned up! Cinderella
The collage words running around on the inside lip of the frame read: Cinderella was a feminist.
I'm really pleased with this first piece for the upcoming exhibit. I've already got four, unused 1950s or 60s cheesy Valentines to alter. They are the sort that were purchased in packages for school distribution. Although only four were left in the package, the plastic wrap reads: 30 cards for 29-cents. I've also got the makings for an amazing art quilt that will depict Snow White in a very different light. She will no longer be the typical princess characterized by idealized beauty, passivity, and innocence, playing the helpless role of a victim waiting for a man to save the day. I think I'm going to have lots of fun working in this direction!
I also had to make another piece for my upcoming Anonymous Ancestors solo show. Next Wednesday Steve and I will be installing at Theatre Art Galleries in High Point, North Carolina. The show will run through Friday, August 3rd. There will be an opening reception on May 31st from 5:30 - 7:30 but I won't be there. I'll be in Columbus, Ohio happily teaching for QSDS (Quilt and Surface Design Symposium).
I am linking this post (despite the lack of "fiber") to Nina-Marie's "Off the Wall Fridays", a site for sharing fiber arts.
2 comments:
Your "Cinderella Was a Feminist" is an amazing and thought provoking piece. I think that broom was a great find! The project sounds like a terrific collaboration and I look forward to following the year long blog posts.
I love 'Cinderella Was a Feminist'!
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