John Grade

John Grade via Mackenzie Frere at Art Cloth Text

Atelier Hapax: Resourceful Paper Artistry

Exquisitely crafted recycled paper cuff by Atelier Hapax

Not all 'upcycling' transcends the original materials, in my opinion ... 

but this hand-crafted cuff design definitely takes on new life and energy.

Thanks to Camille Marchand for this great tip.

Handwork as a Means of Creating a Sense Of Self

'White Sands Desert Stitching' (Abigail Doan, 2004)

The second installment of Amy DuFault's 'Using Your Hands To Soothe The Brain' is now online at EcoSalon, featuring an in-depth interview with the Textile Arts Center's, Owyn Ruck. A great read with fodder for musing.

Using Your Hands as a Way of Creating Connection

'Seasonal Shades' exhibited at The LAND gallery NM / Abigail Doan (2009)

I was recently interviewed by writer Amy DuFault, Fashion Editor for EcoSalon, regarding the mental and creative benefits of using one's hands in crafting, fiber work, fashion projects, and even domestic tasks. You should definitely read Amy's 'Using Your Hands To Soothe The Brain'/part 1 if you in are need of a 'mental vitamin' and inspiration in the depths of winter.

It is quite flattering to be featured alongside Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin and Jill Danyelle of Danyelle.org. Stay tuned for part 2 of Amy's installment early next week on EcoSalon.

Farzaneh Najafi's Poignant Environmental Message

"I'd like you to know that snow does not fall in my country anymore"

Just this past week, I received these images with a message from the Iranian environmental artist and PhD design student, Farzaneh Najafi. She had created these poetic photos as part of a performance piece on environmental awareness and global warming, particularly in relation to the severe drought that has impacted her homeland of Iran. Farzenah is currently studying in Malaysia, hence the lush greenery that you can see in the background of these photos.

Artist Farzaneh Najafi sits in pantomined silence to draw attention to desertification in Iran and the threats of global warming

I applaud Farzaneh for her initiative to stage a non-violent act of protest and contemplation in reaction to the severity of climatic environmental crisis. This is yet another example of how we should be working collaboratively with our Iranian (artist) friends to build secure bridges for peace and long-term solutions that are essential for preserving the planet that we all share.

* all images courtesy of Farzaneh Najafi

Cocoon Series in Progress

crocheted organic wool, naturally dyed fiber, silk, and some raw LOVE

(photos by abigail doan)

Horse Hair Weaving Projects by Marianne Kemp

Handmade 'horse hair' brooches by Marianne Kemp

'Morro' wallpiece by Marianne Kemp

I recently received a lovely 2010 update from Dutch textile artist and designer, Marianne Kemp, and I wanted to share a few images from her latest designs and installation projects. I featured Marianne's work in June of 2009, and since then she has completed some amazing exhibitions and commissioned projects, all while also finding the time to travel to Mongolia to research her materials and unique craft.

Marianne weaves with small quantities of horse hair that comes from the tails of the weaker horses who are raised by local herders in Eastern Mongolia. They select only those horses who are not expected to make it through winter as sustenance for their families. The hair is typically used for utilitarian things such as rope, although Marianne has now introduced more contemporary decorative uses in her projects. The Mongolian women have really taking a liking to her work and who knows what shared sustainability initiatives are possible.

'Redhead' installation by Marianne Kemp

'Golden Ringlets' by Marianne Kemp

*visit Marianne Kemp's website to learn more