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. 

HAND/EYE Magazine: World Textiles Issue 05

Rowland Ricketts takes us into the 'Deep Blue' of indigo dye craft

It is a beautiful thing when hands, hearts, and minds join forces to celebrate textile diversity and global artisans working to preserve the traditions of handwork and sustainable crafting. The summer 2011 edition of HAND/EYE magazine has done just this in its latest issue devoted to World Textiles. 

The seventy-two page volume serves as a feast for the eyes, as well as an inspirational guide to socially and environmentally-responsible textile projects and designer initiatives that span countries such as Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and The Netherlands, to name a few.

'Handloom Heritage' of Rehwa Society by Julie Hall

HAND/EYE is devoted to creating bridges between art, design, textiles, and philanthropic outreach through thoughtfully written articles and interviews by invited contributors and guest editors. This latest edition has assembled an impressive line up of individuals who are united by their passion for curation, sustainable textile production, craft-based knowledge, and artisanal methods. India Flint, Christina Kim of Dosa, Birgitta de Vos, Marcella Echavarria, Rowland Ricketts, Kathrin von Rechenberg, Rebecca Schiller, and Keith Recker, are just a few of the contributors and interviewees who have made this issue so complex and rich.

Luxurious hand-woven 'Monsoon stole' by Soie de Lune

WUBET handwoven scarves by designer Arnold Haas

Ethereal and earth-friendly designs by Cristina Kim of DOSA Collection

My contribution to this colorful and exquisitely designed issue is an article on Raw Mango and designer, Sanjay Garg. "Sanjay Garg's creative brand, Raw Mango, goes to the source of Indian textile production to create a collection steeped in artisan tradition and hand-woven luxury ... and at the same time rich with temptation for younger customers."

As HAND/EYE's Editor-in-Chief, Keith Recker, states in his introduction to the publication, "It is vital that we keep the conversation rolling with stories of creative people from every continent whose textile work contains the seeds for a vibrant future." This is essential for the preservation of ancient crafting techniques and materials, as well as building a bridge to a more sustainable future.

You can subscribe to HAND/EYE magazine here.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the creation of this gorgeous publication. Blog updates and news announcement can also be found on HAND/EYE's Facebook page.