HAND/EYE: New Mexico and the Genius of Place

Julia Mandeville shares her thoughts on the otherworldly dimensions of 

Walter De Maria's The Lightening Field (images via Dia Art Foundation)

My artist residency at The LAND/an art site in rural New Mexico 

– an examination of 'genius loci' and the role of natural fiber

Gail Rieke's textured collages and assemblages

pay homage to perfectly calibrated environments

Hand/Eye New Mexico Issue 07

It was such a tremendous joy to receive this latest issue of HAND/EYE magazine at the beginning of 2012. I have had such a love affair with New Mexico's landscape since my first pilgrimage in 1995. This current edition of HAND/EYE genuinely demonstrates why both rural and urban New Mexico are interwoven to create 'the land of enchantment'. 

Dr. Pamela Ravasio reports on Colcha embroidery

– one of the few indigenous textiles of New Mexico

From the Acoma potters of 'Sky City' to the vibrant Santa Fe International Folk Market to 'low rider' culture to traditional 'Colcha' embroidery – this colorful and multi-textured view on the hand/eye connections of the desert Southwest will both transport and ground you via a close examination of regional crafting methodologies. It is an inspiring read and one that will make you experience a bit of wanderlust during the depths of winter.

Learn more about the spirit of HAND/EYE here. 

Off The Grid Runway: The Tree Collection

*image source

As many of you may already know, I keep a visual journal on Tumblr called, Lost In Fiber. I started gathering these images as a record of my research on ideas related to 'fashioning self and the environment'. For a long time, I have been dreaming of highlighting select images from Lost in Fiber in a new series called, Off The Grid Runway – an illustrated sequencing of how contemporary fashion can and should exist in the context of environmental relatedness. For me, this is an important layer in our understanding of why fashioning self is an act of artful resourcefulness and deeper connectivity.


To follow this new series, please visit my art, fashion, textile blog, Ecco*Eco. Next up will be ideas/images related to moss.

Vogue Knitting Live Sampler

Detail of recycled fiber forms by Abigail Doan

Here is a sampling of images from the Vogue Knitting Live 'art gallery' this past weekend. My fiber forms were actually handled and touched a lot more than I was hoping for, but all in all, it was a positive experience. I just do not understand why folks cannot learn by looking rather than by handling. It is a curious thing. I guess that I should take it as a compliment that my pieces looked so tactile that touching seemed appropriate? Something to ponder.

I leave for Sofia today. NYC, I will miss you. Thank you for the injection of love and inspiration. See you when the sweet blossoms emerge and winter hibernation is complete.

(photos by Abigail Doan)

materials: old denim, dried grasses, recycled plastic bag 'plarn' from Eastern Bulgaria, textile scraps, hand-dyed wool, treats from Habu textiles, Japanese paper, seed pods, a lace making needle, beer tab, popsicle stick, silk cocoons, deflated party balloon found on the street, candy wrappers, paper ticket, recycled lace, vintage thread spools, linen cord.

Fiber Forms Incubating for One More Day

Very sorry for the long hiatus in posting. Thing have been busy with the holidays in Eastern Europe, travel to Belgrade and NYC, as well as a lot of small details to complete for my fiber forms that will be exhibited in the gallery at Vogue Knitting Live this weekend.


I will be posting photos of the final installation after tomorrow, but for now, here are two detail shots to give you a sense of the palette, textures, and visual treatment.

(photos: Abigail Doan)

Solstice Snowfall in Sofia

We had such a magical snowfall the first official night of winter here in Sofia. The following morning I took some of my recycled fiber / works in progress and pomegranate seeds from the kitchen out to the park to play in the snow.

I loved the way that this crocheted 'plarn' (recycled plastic yarn from shopping bags) and the pomegranate seeds looked in a field of white together. Soon all of these organic textures will be migrating to NYC for Vogue Knitting Live – less than three weeks away.

(images by Abigail Doan, 2011)

From My Perch in Sofia

Abigail Doan (2011)

Recycled fiber form with 'plarn' and dried vegetation in progress

for VOGUE Knitting Live in NYC (January, 2012)

Fiber Art Today Finally In Hand

I am so excited to finally have my copy of Fiber Art Today by Carol K. Russell in hand. Curator Hildreth York wrote a wonderful introduction on contemporary fiber art expressions which includes my environmental fiber art project, 'Crocheted Snow' pictured here. I am so honored to be included in such a beautiful and timely publication. 

" A thoughtful survey of fiber sculpture and wall art portrayed in 335 vibrant images and insightful text. Explore the work of three generations of fine artists who have opened their minds and spirits to the boundless range of expressive possibilities in textile methods or materials. Even as the art on these pages references weaving, crochet or quilting, traditional textile notions disappear in the hands of serious artists, appropriating essential elements for their contemporary concepts."

Plarn + Recycled Lace Fiber Forms (In Progress)

Here are a few early stage examples of the recycled fiber forms that I am creating (to be exhibited in conjunction with older work) for VOGUE Knitting Live in January 2012. The recycled plastic bag yarn, or 'plarn' has been very colorful and sculptural to work with.

 Plarn and naturally dyed yarn detail

The graffiti-laden streets of Sofia offered a vibrant backdrop when I took several works out for a walk around the neighborhood today. I do this sometimes in order to provide an injection of hue and texture when I am making something over an extended period of time in the studio.

(photos by Abigail Doan)

Jardin de Fortune by Bjios

I love this recent urban renewal project of slow crafting horticultural promise – poetically orchestrated by Montreal-based artist friends, Audrey Lavallée et Chloé B. Fortin of Bjios. 

Read more about Audrey and Chloé's work as interventionists, fiber and textile art farmers, and community activists. This latest project offers a laboratory of specimen examination, poetic fragments, opportunities for connection and cross-pollination, as well as a handmade blanket of love over the surface of an abandoned parking lot in Montreal.

You can read a previous post that I wrote about Bjios and their visit to NYC during the Spring of 2010 here. Above images courtesy of the artists and designated photographers.

Inspirational Moment

I love this textile swatch or open window into the textured fray ... via nativekee on Tumblr. Also posted on Lost in Fiber.