Artists + Inspirations + Processes

Ana Teresa Barboza,

Stitches, weaves, and sews her aesthetics in oscillating are a mixture of representation and reduction to the most important compositional elements: form, color, and texture. As a result, the art she creates is subtle, refined, and beautiful on the surface but very complex in the content layer. Learn more about her work here.

Victoria Villiasana, Mexico

A textile, installation and street artist, works with the themes of the visionaries creating positive change throughout history, pop culture, social causes, and our reconnection with nature. Learn more about Victoria's work Here.

Stitching on Paper

This is a pretty straight forward tutorial for stitching with threads on paper. User friendly for all students!

For the PD of embroidery stitches we gave our in our December session click here!

Valerie Kaur, Filemaker/Activist

Find our more about Valerie's work and her campiang for Revolutionary Love here. Learn more about her collaboration legendary artist Shepard Fairey, and Amplifier Art –Here.

Turkish Folds

This is a great video that will walk you through step by step creating a Turkish fold.

This is the PDF handout that e bond gave us as well. Try it out!

The Talisman According to 46 Contemporary Designers

"Talisman – Contemporary Symbolic Objects’ an exhibition curated by Barbara Brondi & Marco Rainò where 46 international designers have been invited to give their own interpretation of the talisman. Whether it’s rubber glasses offering a look on the future or a magnetic brass stem hanging trinkets, everything is a matter of perception."

Yinka Shonibare CBE RA

Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, is a British-Nigerian artist living in the United Kingdom. His work explores cultural identity, colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalization. A hallmark of his art is the brightly colored Ankara fabric he uses which he describes as a kind of talesman that holds the magic, memory and stories of African Culture. Watch his video on Art 21, see more of this work on here on his website, and read more about the show he curated of artists who work with the ideas of Talismans as a vehicle for change here.

Julie W. Chang

Julie W. Chang is interested the wide variety of  cultural icons that serve as talismans, investigating and celebrating the power of cultural symbols to shape and transform our lives.

"In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, Chang began reconsidering how traditional amulets operate as protective energies as well as binding or guiding forces. Her deftly intricate paintings weave together fetishes from a wide range of cultures and eras, in a series of layers that form a three-dimensional matrix. Layered and interwoven in this way, these symbols of healing, wisdom, redemption, joy, enlightenment, interdependence, and peace combine to form a powerful global emblem of hope and renewal." From her exhibition at the Hosflet Gallery, San Francisco

UNFOLDING PRACTICE

We looked at various artists books created at the Vermont Women's Studio Workshop. Among them is Arzu Mistry who is a bookmaker artist and educator. He project Unfolding Practice: Reflections on Teaching and Learning inspired us to bring the practice of accordion books to our process in Create!

You can see Arzu's videos here about how to create different structures with accordion books and find out more about Unfolding Practice at the Accordion Book Project.

You can also see more artists books and accrodion approaches she showed at the Women's Studio Workshop Gallery.

Neruographic Art Process

Neurographic art is a simple way to work with the subconscious mind through drawing. Simply stated, connected neurons process information received and allow you to process, meditate or think more deeply about a questions or concern that is on your mind. This process also supports you nervous systems and can bring a sense of calm and resolution to their mind. Learn more about it here.