Both - Los dos

Handspun Yarn From Newspaper

I'm two weeks into teaching my Alternative Needlepoint class, and things are going well. I've got a great group of students who are all excited about discovering new approaches to an old craft. We've been covering some basics to start off, but now everybody has their materials and has started their individual projects. Watch here for images of their pieces in the near future.

Browsing around the web, I found an interesting page on creating handspun yarn from newspaper. The designer's name is Greetje van Tiem. I think the yarn has a nice look and feel to it, so I think we will probably add it to the class. So little time...

BLACK OUT

I had the pleasure of having a joint show with my old instructor, Darius Hill, who is the chairman of the Visual Arts department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, AL. The show was a big hit and will be up from October 13th-December 16th so if you're in the area go have a look! The show is titled Black Out: Issues of Race in Aesthetic Choice. My work deals with the celebration of my natural African American hair through screen printed textile work including repeat patterns and collage found objects. Here are a few images of my work from the show. To see more of what I've been up to, check out my blog emitchworks.blogspot.com!

Open Studio is Open

Open Studio is available to all currently enrolled students, and is in addition to your class time. It's a valuable part of your experience at Lillstreet and should not be missed.

Every student has access to 30-40 hours weekly of open work space in the Print and Sewing rooms. There are seven tables in the Print room, and twelve machines in the Sewing room, so there's plenty of space for your projects. This also includes the dark room, and all other facilities available to help you practice your craft. Monitors are in the studio and can give you access to supplies you might need. In other words, it's all there waiting for you.

Don't miss Open Studio. It will turn your three hour class into 35-45 hours of time to practice your new skills. Even if you only use part of that time, it will definitely help you get the most out of your Lillstreet experience.

Dancing On Sticks / Bailando sobre las ramas

During this Fall in OxBow summer school of art and artists' residency I had the space and time to work more with video. Here is one of the video I did.



Song No hago más na' by El grand Combo de Puerto Rico
Canción 'Y no hago mas na' del Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Yuko and me

P.S. Here is a photo of Yuko in the gallery, Tokyo, Japan. She seems doing very well; she prints at her lovely large studio looking down the Pacific Ocean. She is active showing her work various places. Since my son lives near by, I would love to visit her studio next time. (by Akemi)

solo exh. "Cycle of Renewal" 2011

I was invited by the gallery for a solo exhibition in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan (9/27-10/8, 2011). Approx. 250 people came to see. Since I was in the gallery all the time (!!!), I had a chance to talk with them. It was good to hear their comments and to see their reactions. Although I use natural dyes and indigo with rice paper and silk, many people did not pay attention use of natural dyes. They noticed the designs and combination of colors. They liked the content of each stories. It was a challenge how to install pieces to create lovely shadows effectively. (by Akemi Cohn)

-photo by Nori Hamachi-

new look for the studio

you might have noticed we've made a few changes in the studio. we're always looking for ways to make the studio even better. recently, mera took to the ladder and painted up a storm.

she turned the archway between the 2 print rooms into a huge chalkboard. it's an awesome display for the t-shirts, onesies, scarves, totes, etc. we sell. the pole next to the wall also got some chalkboarding and it's there to update you on upcoming classes and events.






lastly, the darkroom go some too......we're hoping to post exposure times and tips.


i'll post pics once i get to the studio tonight.

PS....thanks mera!

ON THE LINES

UPDATED FALL II OPEN STUDIO SCHEDULE

Textiles Open Studio and Class Schedule

Oct 17- Nov 20

Session II: Fall

**Please note:  Open studio is only for currently enrolled Textile students.  Please sign in and sign out with a monitor every time.**

Monday          10-1pm (every other Monday)  Embroidery-Camille              (sewing room)

                        6:30-9:30  Alternative Needlepoint- Young                             (sewing room)

                        6:30-9:30  First Time Screen- Camille                                     (print studio)

                        PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 2-6:30 Kate

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 2-6:30 Kate

Tuesday         2-5 First Time Sewing- Amanda                                                (sewing room)

                        6:30-9:30 First Time Sewing –Johana                                      (sewing room)

                        6:30-9:30 Dye Printing- Nora                                                      (print studio)

                        PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 10-6 Young

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 10-2 Young             

Wednesday   6:30-9:30 Repeats- Elizabeth                                                     (print studio)

                        6:30-9:30 Sew Your Own Hoodie –Nora                                  (sewing room)

                        PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 10:30-6:30 Kathleen

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 10-:30-6:30 Kathleen      

Thursday       6:30-9:30 Garment Construction –Nora                                    (sewing room)

PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 1-9 Frances/Ruby

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 1-6:30 Frances/Ruby

Friday             10-1 Drawing w/ Sewing Machine- Camille                           (sewing room)

                        PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 5-9 James

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 5-9 James

Saturday        10-1 Quilted Projects- Sarah                                                    (sewing room)

PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 10-6 Mera/Ally

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 2-6 Ally

Sunday          2-5 First Time Sewing- Johana                                                (sewing room)

                        2-5 First Time Screenprinting- Allison                                    (print studio)

                        PRINT OPEN STUDIO: 10-2 Erin

                        SEWING OPEN STUDIO: 10-2 Erin                                          

           

(No sewing open studio 10/30 and no print open studio11/20 due to scheduled workshops)

Midterm Madness

Greetings All!

It's been a fun filled several weeks since the term began and rather than keep the creativity all to ourselves, I thought I'd share it with you. Take a peek at what we've been playing with in the Repeats and Patterns class.

From an exercise to create simply

repeated and sometimes surprise

patterns as seen in these first five images,

to tighter straight and drop repeats

from regal crowns to soft, willowy mums.

I think one of the most exciting things about the print classes here at Lill is the incredible diversity of style and creativity among the students that makes the environment much more inspiring, which brings new elements to our own work, so that we all are teachers.

We've got five more weeks to go and I know you'll want to see what we've been up to, so stay tuned!

eak

DIGITAL IMAGERY FOR PRINT ON FABRIC

I've been teaching a great class designed for screenprinters who want to utilize the computer as a tool for repeating patterns and screening out images. This class was first offered in the 2011 winter term and will be repeating again in the winter term in 2012. I also taught this class through the summer but have been taking a break for the fall to get back to teaching in the studio. Keep a look-out for this class for winter! All levels are welcome.

Here's the class description:

Digital Imagery for Print on Fabric

(10 weeks)

Work in Lillstreet’s digital lab to create dynamic imagery, patterns and graphic images in preparation for screenprinting on fabric. Learn how to digitally generate imagery and manipulate photographs using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will have access to both the digital lab and Textile studios. Open to all levels. Prerequisite: First-Time or Beginning Screenprint on Fabric and basic computer knowledge.

Sunday 2-5pm

Starts January 15 $340, Members $330

Last Days in OxBow

This fall I was fortunate enough to work at the Ox‐Bow School of Art & Artist Residency. I had a great experience. Here are some pictures of the lagoon at OxBow and Saugutck.

Opening Reception- Lillstreet Student Member Show & Sale

Lillstreet's gallery is showcasing work this week  from the student members from all of the art departments: Textiles, Printmaking, Glass, Metals, Painting and Drawing, Digital Arts, Ceramics.  

The opening reception will be this Friday, October 14, from 6-10pm.  

Our very own Frances Krueger-Jackson, a long time student and now monitor, has work on display.  (I love her felted wall hanging!)

Wondering how you can show your work in Lillstreet's Gallery?  Become a MEMBER!  Members receive discounts on classes throughout the year, as well as receive discounts at a variety of local merchants, including Dick Blick.  You also receive a free t-shirt or tote bag.  Once a year, student members get a chance to display and sell their work in the gallery.  I would love to see the Textiles Department have a greater presence next year!  Click here for more info: http://lillstreet.com/membership

Alternative Needlepoint starts next week!

And there is still time for you to get registered!

Last week, I held a demonstration of the class as part of the Ravenswood Art Walk.  One of the students who attended expressed to me her desire to learn more about color, and was enjoying the use of freehand in making samples.  The demonstration was a lot of fun and I think the people who attended had a great time.  Here is an image of one of the samples I made during the demonstration:

During the actual session, we will spend a lot of time exploring color theory, and I will be encouraging everyone to experiment with any materials that can be used in a needlepoint context.  We will be making tote bags as an optional final project, but anybody who just wants to explore techniques, color, and materials will have my full support. 

The class is scheduled for Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30, beginning October 17th and running through November 14th.

2nd Tuesday Lecture Series!

This coming Tuesday (October 11 from 7-8pm) you are invited to listen to 3 of Lillstreet's talented artists-in-residence discuss their work and philosophies. Maybe see you there!

Jodie Mack, GLI.TC/H and Craft

Earlier last month I mentioned my interest in new media glitch techniques and how that relates fiber and craft. Today during a class critique, one of my peers mentioned that I look at the artist, Jodie Mack a woman who participated in the 2010 GLI.TC/H festival and explores these ideas through short video animations. Her piece, "Glitch Envy" demonstrates similar formal concepts that I'd like to translate into my quilts. Jodie's use of sound, collage, and distorted imagery are key elements that I found very successful to that particular work. Below, is some footage of "Glitch Envy"from the film festival, as well as a few screen shots of my own source work that I am using for my quilts.


"Glitch Envy"

Jodie Mack 2010
Be sure to check out her website and vimeo account too.
http://vimeo.com/jodiemack


Source images from my quilts:

From Nicki Minaj's, "Super Bass"

also from "Super Bass"

from Rihanna's, "Only Girl"

Works in progress
Alexandria Eregbu 2011

Yuko's Flags @ Ravenswood Art Walk this past weekend

 

October is going to bright and colorful with Yuko Uemura's newest flags for Lillstreet.  Installed this week, Yuko's flags are quilted fabrics from Japan that are over 40 years old.  They are so lovely and unique, a sure treat for the eyes during the onset of the Fall season.

Yuko was a monitor in the Textile Department for several years, and we are thrilled to have her work on display.  This weekend Lillstreet participated in the Ravenswood Art Walk, where we chose to display some of her flags in the gallery to generate excitement for the upcoming installation.  Make sure to look up next time you are at Lill, and check out Yuko's flags!