Dyed fabrics for sale

Every time I start out with a fresh slate and nothing really pressing planned it seems I go from zero to 60 pretty fast. I started out the new year with an empty plate, no shows scheduled, nothing planned except some group shows with work that’s already made. Now, it’s not that the phone has been ringing off the hook with new solo shows (I wish!) but I have managed to fill my time, and more so, through the end of February.

The fact is I finally sat down and spent some time on my computer doing research on calls for entry. I’m now looking toward the future and writing proposals, making plans and drawings, having meetings, and yes, even getting my head around making some small pieces. I submitted an entry for Fantastic Fibers in Kentucky yesterday and am planning on entering a few more local shows in February.

The biggest thing I’m working on is a proposal to create an installation at this year’s Burning Man. A lot of planning is required to build in the harsh environment of the Playa where strong winds, blazing sun, and dust storms can test any structure to its limits. Luckily for me, I have a terrific team including my main collaborator, Peter, who is a general contractor and all around good guy, Ed, an architect who is helping with the plan drawings, and Charlie, an electrician, who is doing research on solar power to light the installation up at night.

The other thing occupying my time is my new venture dyeing fabric for sale. When I started doing dye tests for my dye book I didn’t realize that it would turn into a small business idea. The tests were something I’ve always wanted to do, but really it was a project for the interns while I figured out what to do next. Now, I’ve had this really great opportunity arise to be a vendor at Lorraine Torrance’s Wearable Art Intensive. My start up costs are really low and she’s been very welcoming. It’s a perfect situation to try out something I’ve thought about doing for years. If it goes well, it could be a low-key way to bring in a little cash. I just want to make sure it’s not something that will take away from art making.

And then, a few things are coming to an end. I found out that I’ll need to deinstall my Bellevue Storefronts piece earlier than planned because the building management leased the space. Oh well, it was always a possibility and good for them, still it’s disappointing. I’ll also be deinstalling my piece at the Bellevue Arts Museum in early February. I’m a little sad about it but it’s been an amazing opportunity. I’m very appreciative that Stefano Catalani, head curator there, invited me to create the piece. Now I’ve got to figure out what to do with it next!

So, the cycle continues: concept, planning, making, showing, sales (?), and taking it all down again, and on to the next project.