Monday, September 27, 2010

Powerful Words of Wisdom to Artists

Joyce Owens is a primarily a painter
but she is also a sculptor and mixed/mutimedia artist.
In her blog she shares some extremely perceptive
words of wisdom that are meaningful for artists working in any medium...

"More than Skin Deep" by Joyce Owens
Acrylic on Canvas on Wood

An Artist's Pain: Being Judged and Juried - "...dilemmas artists wrestle with are many...submitting to exhibitions may be at the top of any top 10 list of things we hate to do, but know we must! I will tell you what I know that could save you from too much pain."
http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/joyce_owens_on_art/2010/07/pain-and-power-the-critique.html#tp

To Mentors/Teachers, Say the One Thing an Artist Needs to Hear - "My message is that it is important to validate that strange, different kid who may live inside his or her head and doesn't march in lock-step with the others. There is possibly an artist, musician, actor, scientist, computer programmer or other creative type living there figuring out the world as they see it! Give him or her permission to come out!"
http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/joyce_owens_on_art/2010/09/well-i-will-never-forget-this-scene-when-i-was-still-a-teenaged-girl-i-was-walking-along-chelten-avenue-near-germantown-a.html#tp

Pay Me Like You Pay for New Shoes - "It is not bad to be rewarded for your efforts. You need money to buy new shoes! It is also about respect. Respect for the time and effort it takes to produce art. Respect for the money artists spend to purchase materials. Respect for the thousands of dollars some artists pay to get their training in traditional, and other art programs. Artists travel to learn, go to workshops and art centers that cost money. Why shouldn't we expect a return on our investment to develop our skills as a doctor or a chef would?"
http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/joyce_owens_on_art/2010/07/pay-me-like-you-pay-for-new-shoes.html#tp

We Have a Museum for Women, Why Not a Man Museum? - "Separate is just not equal and it won't ever be!"
http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/joyce_owens_on_art/2010/03/there-is-no-man----museum-priceless-----sure-feel-free-to-use-my-comments----------j---------joanne-mattera.html

Who Do You Exhibit With, Where and Why? - "I have found that sometimes it's better to respectfully decline an exhibition offer and wait for the next opportunity."

http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/joyce_owens_on_art/2009/02/who-do-you-exhi.html

To view more of Joyce Owens' art:, visit her website
and her photo page on Black Art in America

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fractured Atlas

Fractured Atlas is a support organization that artists need to know about. They offer a broad range of services, but the one I'm most excited about are the online courses geared to provide training in those aspects of business most important for practicing artists. Furthermore, you can take them at your own convenience as well as start and stop as often as you need. Additional courses are being added continually.

A free, basic level of membership (Community Membership) is offered. However, you may well qualify for a regular membership through one or more of the arts organizations to which you belong.

Writing an Effective Fundraising Letter - "Learn basic ingredients for writing a strong fundraising letter and start building a community of donors who will support you and your art for the long haul."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/44

Audio Description: The Visual Made Verbal - "This course will introduce you to the principles of producing quality audio description and the importance of close communication with the end users – people who are blind or have low vision and people who seek to provide greater media access."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/46

Getting Your Sh*t Together - "This course will take you through 10 steps to getting your sh*t together. If you complete these 10 steps, you are well on your way to being ready to engage with the art world and having a handle on just what else you need to figure out."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/40

Professional Identity: Demystified - "This course walks you through some basic steps to clarify your professional identity, which will lay the foundation for all of the strategic planning work to come."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/37

Fundraising: Demystified - "Producing art is generally not inexpensive. So, how do we go about paying for the work that we want to produce? We fundraise!"
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/35

 Marketing: Demystified - "As an artist or arts organization, you have to be able to market your creative offering. Learn about marketing basics like market research, segmentation, positioning, distribution, and promotion of your creative offering."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/34

Presentation Venues - "This course on artistic venues is primarily geared towards visual artists and those working in a multidisciplinary nature. However, all artists can find some information to take away. We list the pros, cons, and how to research all kinds of spaces."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/39

Social Media Marketing for Arts Professionals - "This course will introduce social media marketing to those who are relatively unfamiliar with the subject. It’s friendly to those who are new to social media, marketing, or both. (But seasoned marketers who’d like to brush up are also welcome!)"
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/41

All the Accounting You Need to Know - "In this course, you will gain an understanding of basic accounting principles — with minimal jargon — to prepare you to work with an automated accounting system (such as QuickBooks) for your artistic business."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/50

Personal Financial Planning for Artists - Peace, Love, and Financial Planning - "Using the case study method, we’ll go through a process, introduce some techniques and vocabulary, so that you can find the right way to become comfortable with this important topic."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/48

Independent Contractors vs Employees: What's the Difference - "Do you know what makes an employee different than an independent contractor? Did you know you can be charged back taxes if you misclassified the artists you pay? Learn the rules in this 70 minute video workshop!"
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/u/courses/52

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Fabric Collages of Wycliffe Lincoln Bennett

 
Angela by Wycliffe Lincoln Bennett


Wycliffe Lincoln Bennett creates textile collages on a base of either canvas or wood. His work is compelling, evocative and captivating. It immediately draws and holds the viewers eye.


Linc by Wycliffe Lincoln Bennett [self-portrait]

"To me an artist is someone who is gifted in being able
to express the feelings we all share.
If my art evokes a memory, changes a mood, captures an image
to which you can relate then I've done my job."
Wycliffe Lincoln Bennett

The Art of Linc Bennett - 5-minute video of the artist speaking about his work.

Linc's Art

Wycliffe "Linc" Bennett's Photo Page on Black Art In America - More examples of Linc's artwork.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Extreme Textile - Porcelain Clothing

Li Xiaofeng (who originally was trained as a muralist) sews porcelain ceramic shards from the Song, Ming, Yuan and Qing dynasties onto a leather base to create clothing which is actually wearable. Each shard is hand shaped and polished. Holes are then drilled into each corner and linked together using silver wire.

 Suit Jacket / Front View - Li Xiaofeng

Li Xiaofeng
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/4585/li-xiaofeng.html


Porcelain Dress - Li Xiaofeng

Li Xiaofeng Porcelain Clothing
http://yagosweb.blogspot.com/2008/11/li-xiaofeng-porcelain-clothing-robes-et.html

Li Xiaofeng
http://www.hongart.net/?option=art&collectionid=6&single=true

Artist Li Xiaofeng Does Porcelain & Cotton Polos For Lacoste Holiday Collector's Series
http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2010/06/artist-li-xiaofeng-does-porcelain.html

Porcelain POLO shirt by Li Xiaofeng - Interview and closeups of artist at work
http://www.yatzer.com/2254_porcelain_polo_shirt_by_li_xiaofeng

Q&A with Ceramic Artist Li Xiaofeng - This interview provides additional insight into his thought and work processes
http://www.azuremagazine.com/newsviews/blog_content.php?id=1588

Li Xiaofeng
http://www.virginiamiller.com/artists/LiXiaofeng/LiXiaofeng.html#

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Silk Thangkas of Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo

Manjushri - Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo

Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is a contemporary American textile artist working in a Tibetan tradition. In her fabric thangkas, sacred Buddhist images commonly portrayed in Tibetan thangka paintings are rendered in vivid mosaics of silk.

"Leslie is one of few non-Tibetans and probably the only Westerner
to be formally trained in this traditional art form."


Green Tara - Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo

How Silk Thangkas are Made - Leslie states that the Thangkas are "...a mosaic or patchwork of silk pieces outlined, cut, and arranged like a jigsaw puzzle to form a precise and intricate image."
http://www.silkthangka.com/the-tradition/technique

Creating Buddhas: The Making and Meaning of Fabric Thangkas - 3:07 YouTube video - this is the trailer for a documentary about Leslie's work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlAk10Y72qw  
 
Leslie's Blog
http://silkthangka.com/blog/?p=927  

Friday, September 10, 2010

Textile Related Tutorials - Part 9

More tutorials to titillate and inspire those creative impulses...

Part 8       Part 7        Part 6       Part 5
Part 4       Part 3       Part 2        Part 1

Don't Have Photoshop? Use MS Publisher for Graphic Design - KweliArt
http://africanamericanfabrics.blogspot.com/2010/07/dont-have-photoshop-use-ms-publisher.html

Uploading Your Custom Background Image in Blogger - Loreen Leedy
http://studioloreen.blogspot.com/2010/08/uploading-your-custom-background-image.html

Innovative Use of Lutrador - Lesley Riley - vidcast with Bonnie McCaffery
http://bonniemccaffery.com/vidcasts/048.html

Lutrador Tips and Tricks: Transparency Transfer - Lesley Riley
http://www.lesleyriley.com/weblog/?p=27

TAP Transfers + Lutrador - Lesley Riley
http://www.lesleyriley.com/weblog/?p=26

DIY Bobbin Organizer - The Sassy Crafter - uses tubing from the hardware store
http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com/2010/07/diy-bobbin-organizer.html

Discharge Printing with Bubble Wrap - Lyric Montgomery Kinard - 3:50 minute vidcast
http://lyrickinard.blogspot.com/2010/07/tutorial-discharge-printing-with-bubble.html

Pojagi Machine Stitch Tutorial - Victoria Gertenbach
http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/2010/07/pojagi-machine-stitch-seam-tutorial.html

Needle-Felting Tutorial - Jane LaFrazio
http://janeville.blogspot.com/2010/06/1.html

Shibori with Fabric Paint - Gloria Hansen
http://www.gloriahansen.com/weblog/?p=3887

Printing on Teabags - Judy Coates Perez
http://judyperez.blogspot.com/2010/06/tutorial-tsunami-day-4-wave-hits-shore.html

Sumi Smoosh with Vellum - Diana Trout
http://dianatrout.blogspot.com/2010/06/sumi-smoosh-tutorial.html

Screen Printing Registration without a Press - Amy
http://craftchi.com/blog/?p=1304

Rolling Pin Prints
http://craftchi.com/blog/?p=886

Machine Quilting Loopy Flowers - Elizabeth Hartman
http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2010/06/machine-quilting-loopy-flowers.html

Choosing Photos for Citrasolv Transfer - Lyric Kinard
http://lyrickinard.blogspot.com/2010/06/tutorial-choosing-photos-for-citra-solv.html

Citrasolv Photo Transfer Tutorial - Lyric Kinard
http://lyrickinard.blogspot.com/2010/02/citrasolv-photo-transfer-tutorial.html

One Bead at a Time: Exploring Creativity with Bead Embroidery - Robin Atkins - 59 page free e-book
http://www.robinatkins.com/OneBeadAtATime_RAtkins.pdf

NOW-I-Get-It Stitching Diagrams - Jenny - detailed pictures and instructions for 7 basic stitches as well as diagrams for lefties
http://www.sublimestitching.com/stitches

Needle Weaving - Laura Wasilowski - "...the idea is to create a thread structure that screens or creates a mesh across the background fabric and sits on the surface as a bold texture. It acts as a grid pattern to emulated window panes or tile or even cobble stones on a small quilt..."
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/06/thread-u-cation-thursdays-needle.html

Thread-U-Cation - Laura Wasilowski is providing excellent and detailed instructions with pictures for a series of embroidery stictches.
Ermine Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/06/thread-u-cation-thursday-ermine-stitch.html
ZigZag Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/05/thread-u-cation-thursday-zigzag-stitch.html
Herringbone Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/05/thread-u-cation-thursday-herringbone.html
Wheat Ear Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/04/thread-u-cation-thursday-wheat-ear.html
Couching
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/04/thread-u-cation-thursday-couching-lets.html
Fern Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/04/thread-u-cation-thursday-fern-stitch.html
Lazy Daisy
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/03/thread-u-cation-thursday-lazy-daisy.html
Arrow Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/07/thread-u-cation-thursday-arrow-stitch.html
Chain Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/06/thread-u-cation-thursdays-chain-stitch.html
Sheaf Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/03/thread-u-cation-thursday-sheaf-stitch.html
Cross Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/03/thread-u-cation-thursday-cross-stitch.html
Blanket Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/03/thread-u-cation-thursday-blanket-stitch.html
Stem or Outline Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/02/thread-u-cation-thursday-stem-or.html
Fly Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/02/thread-u-cation-thursday-fly-stitch-fly.html
Scattered Seed Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/02/thread-u-cation-thursdays-scattered.html
Straight Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/02/thread-u-cation-thursdays-straight.html
French Knots
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/01/thread-u-cation-thursday-french-knots.html
T-Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/08/thread-u-cation-thursdays-t-stitch.html
Crown Stitch
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/08/thread-u-cation-thursdays-crown-stitch.html

Ten Commandments of Stitching A Fused Art Quilt - Laura Wasilowski
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/2010/07/thread-u-cation-thursday-ten.html

Sinking Thread Ends - Kathleen Loomis
http://artwithaneedle.blogspot.com/2010/06/sinking-thread-ends.html

Decorative Needlework Dictionary - Jenny - detailed explanations with colored pictures
http://www.sublimestitching.com/glossary

How to Make a Melon Baller Eyeball - At first I saw no relevance, but upon thinking about it more, decided that this technique could be easily altered to add some interesting 3-D aspects to textile art.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Melon-Baller-Eyeball/

How to Make Your Own Stamps - Judi Hurwitt
http://approachable-art.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-making-your-own-stamps.html
PDF Version
http://www.hummingford.net/StampMakingForTheTextileArtist.pdf
Advanced Crochet Chart
http://www.crochetmemories.com/crochet4.php

Gallery Hanging Tutorial - Judith Ferguson - Using foam core board
http://judysfiberart.blogspot.com/p/gallery-hanging-tutorial.html

Easy Rules for Hanging an Art Quilt Show - Leni Wiener
http://blog.leniwiener.com/?p=956

How to Make Lovely Fabric Flowers
http://www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/2010/05/29/tutorial-how-to-make-lovely-fabric-flowers

Fabric Peony Template
http://www.scribd.com/doc/30871747/Hof3-RF-FabricPeonyTemplate
Thread Delivery System - Dr. Bob of Superior Threads - 5-minute video - Your machine's Thread Delivery System and the important role it plays in having your machine operate correctly.
http://www.superiorthreads.com/videos/8-thread-delivery-system/

Texture Magic Videos - Superior Threads - videos - This is a series of 10 (or more) videos on how to work with Texture Magic
http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/texture-magic-1/videos/

Painterly Terms and More - Wen Redmond - "...help for confusing or unknown terms."
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6509748266256496369&postID=1781943331438520162

Knowing Your Bobbin Mechanism - Ellen Anne Eddy
http://practicalthreadmagic.blogspot.com/2010/09/but-how-does-my-machine-work-knowing.html

Color Theory for Thread: Basic Shading for Embroidered Applique - Ellen Anne Eddy
http://practicalthreadmagic.blogspot.com/2010/07/color-theory-for-thread-basic-s

Make Fabric Prints with Tape - Jessica Jones
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/08/make-fabric-prints-with-tape.html

Instant Rust!!! - Lois Jarvis
http://rust-tex.blogspot.com/2010/07/instant-rust.html

Discharge Printing with Bubble Wrap - Lyric Kinard
http://lyrickinard.blogspot.com/2010/07/tutorial-discharge-printing-with-bubble.html

Machine Quilting Loopy Flowers - Elizabeth Hartman
http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2010/06/machine-quilting-loopy-flowers.html

Using Your Own Drawings in  Collage or Quilts - Jane LaFazio
http://janeville.blogspot.com/2010/04/tiny-tutorial-reusing-your-own-drawings.html

ArtFelt Instructions
http://www.itsartfelt.com/artfeltinstruction.pdf
Pictures - http://www.itsartfelt.com/index.html
Thread Reference Guide for Home Machines - Superior Threads
http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/docs/quickReferenceHome.pdf

Thread Reference Guide for Longarm Machines - Superior Threads
http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/docs/quickReferenceLongArm.pdf

Monday, September 6, 2010

The Jury Process - An Inside View

"What do people really think when they get your grant application?" - Artist at Large

This article is by a juror/panelist for the visual art grant applications of a regional Arts Council:
http://vercauteren.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/the-jury-process-an-inside-view/

Friday, September 3, 2010

Felt Alive: Sculptural Needle Felting by Kay Petal

"Li'l Mr. T - I Pity the Wool!" - Kay Petal


"Li'l Jay Leno" - Kay Petal

These are absolutely fascinating - and Kay has only been needle felting since 2007.

See more of her work (including some videos) at:
http://www.feltalive.com/

Monday, August 30, 2010

It's Not About You...It's About Them: What Motivates Bay Area Donors to Give to the Arts and Artists

Although this study focused on the San Francisco Bay Region,
its findings are probably applicable nationwide.

KEY POINTS:
  1. Values shape people's charitable giving - Connecting to the values and interests of potential donors is essential to success in any fundraising effort and raising money for artists’ projects is no different.
  2. Donors to artists and small arts organizations differ from donors to larger arts institutions - in values as well as in their profiles
  3. Donors to artists’ projects are moved to give by four connection points - a personal relationship with the artist; a passion for the artform; an emotional or intellectual interest in the subject
    matter of the artwork; and an involvement with the culture or community touched by the project.

    Connecting with the donor on more than one of these points increases the likelihood of giving.
To read the full report:
http://www.heliconcollab.net/files/It%27s%20Not%20About%20You...%20It%27s%20About%20Them.pdf

Friday, August 27, 2010

The Sistine Chapel in Cross-Stitch

Joanna Lopianowski-Roberts' Cross-Stitch Rendering of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Joanna Lopianowski-Roberts undertook the monumental task of recreating the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in cross-stitch. Her design contains more 628,296 stitches, measures 40"x80", and uses 1,206 distinct color combinations. 


Close-up - Joanna Lopianowski-Roberts

It took Joanna nine years and three months (2,872 hours of stitching) to complete (including 718 hours to design it, and an additional 68 hours to choose the colors).


Charting Sample - Joanna Lopianowski-Roberts

Check out the project website for full details.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Conceptual Textiles - Shrimp Lace

Shrimplace - Tara Bursey

Tara Bursey used dehydrated shrimp to create patterns resembling doilies and other textiles. Onions and garlic skins were used to simulate women's gloves.
http://tarabursey.com/artwork/1162942_Shrimplace_I.html

Friday, August 20, 2010

Potpourri of Info About: Selling/Talking About Your Art

"Your art isn’t for everyone.
Once you understand this, you’ll have an easier time
finding the people who appreciate your work."
Alyson Stanfield

The following articles provide valuable information and tips
about factors that can make a big difference in
how successful you are in marketing your art...

Brag Better About Your Art, About You - Alyson Stanfield
http://www.artbizblog.com/2010/08/bragbetter.html

Putting Your Art on Sale - Alyson Stanfield
http://www.artbizblog.com/2010/06/artonsale.html

5 Things to do After Selling an Artwork - Eric Smith
http://artexpola.com/2010/07/5-things-to-do-after-selling-an-artwork/

Should You License or Assign Your Art - Richard Sim
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-30267.html

How Not to Sell Your Art
http://www.artbusiness.com/hownot.html

The Art of Self-Promotion for Visual Artists - Barney Davey
http://www.artprintissues.com/2010/07/the-art-of-self-promotion-for-visual-artists.html

Marketing Art on Commission: Tips for Artists
http://www.artbusiness.com/privcom.html

The Art of the Home Show: Six Ways to Close More Home Sales - Eric Smith
http://artexponewyork.com/2009/09/the-art-of-the-home-show-six-ways-to-close-way-more-sales/

Pricing 101: Best Practices for Independent Artists - Eric Smith
http://artexponewyork.com/2009/10/pricing-101-best-practices-for-independent-artists/

Hanging Art: Tips and Tricks - Eric Smith
http://artexponewyork.com/2009/11/hanging-art-tips-and-tricks/

What to do Before, During and After an Art Trade Show - Eric Smith
http://artexponewyork.com/2009/11/what-to-do-before-during-after-an-art-trade-show/

People Need Help Buying Art, So Help Them
http://www.artbusiness.com/orvvt.html

You Can't Sell Your Art Until You Learn How to Sell It
http://www.artbusiness.com/consultpurp.html

Why do People Buy Art - Kathy Gulrich
http://www.smartbusinesscoaching.com/article_whybuyart.html

Monday, August 16, 2010

Matisse's Obsession with Textiles

And we thought Matisse was "just a painter"...
However, his textile related background exerted a profound influence
on his art. This passion for textiles not only stimulated his creativity
but allowed him to "find his true artistic voice".

Mimosa Tapestry - Matisse Textile

Matisse, His Art and His Textiles. The Fabric of Dreams - "The premise of 'Matisse, His Art and His Textiles' [the exhibition] is that textiles were 'the key to (Matisse's) visual imagination'."
http://www.studio-international.co.uk/painting/matisse_textiles.asp

Schmattes of Matisse: Painter Was Obsessed With Textile Design - Hilton Kramer - "...textiles have all along been the key to a full understanding of Matisse’s art..."
http://www.observer.com/node/37415

How a Renown Painter Found Inspiration in Cloth - Roberta Smith - "Matisse...first encountered some of the salient characteristics of his own art in textile form."
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0CE7D81F3BF937A15755C0A9639C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2

Not just a man of the cloth - Laura Cumming - "Matisse was the son of textile workers...he was at home with the fabrics, surrounded by swatches, understanding their fluidity, weight and drape. He began collecting the stuff in his youth and by the end of his life had an archive so vast - 'my working library' he called it - and so ceaselessly replenished by trips to flea markets and tailors, bazaars in Morocco and Algeria, to the end-of-season sales at French couturiers, that a whole room of his flat in Nice was given over to fabrics."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2005/mar/06/art

Matisse's debt to textiles revealed - Maev Kennedy  - "Rainbow-coloured textiles were what rescued Henri Matisse from the flat, muddy sugar beet fields of northern France and made him one of the best loved artists of the 20th century."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2005/mar/02/arts.artsnews

Friday, August 13, 2010

Just for Fun: Textile Related Oddities & Absurdities - Part 4

More to tickle your funny bone, engage your sense of humor,
admire the creativity and/or to just leave you shaking your head...

If you missed earlier posts:

ANIMATIONS / VIDEOS - most of these are just too cute or funny for words...


Send Doozer Knitting Song Ringtone to Your Cell - For us "oldies" who remember and loved the Jim Henson PBS Fraggle Rock series - You can also read the lyrics.
http://www.metrolyrics.com/doozer-knitting-song-lyrics-muppets.html

Fraggle Rock Doozers Knitting Song - This is a 1:43 minute YouTube video clip of the Doozers singing about their favorite pasttime... It is just so-o-o cute!
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/05/fraggle_rock_dozers_knitting_s.html

Don’t Let It All Unravel – This is a short (1:44 minute) animated film – it’s wonderful!
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/11/knitted_world.html

Shreddies, Knitted by Nanas – This is a funny group of videos “explaining” how Shreddies (a British cereal) are made. Be sure to watch all 4 episodes. The top “TV” control lets you select the episode; the bottom control is for the volume.
http://www.knittedbynanas.com/

Maggie and Mildred - Holly Klein - "Maggie and Mildred is the hand-stitched [cross stitch]animated story of the friendship between two girls. These girls aren't your usual friends, however!" - This is truly adorable!
http://vimeo.com/6687510

The Last Knit – This is an animation about when knitting becomes an obsession – Absolutely hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ZjMWLqJvM&feature=PlayList&p=DA49F5C29470A8F3&index=3

The Thread That Holds Us Together - ...and pulls us apart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhdKCQfYptg&feature=email

My Body - It's amazing how much you can pack into 12 seconds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8G5AkXdNi4&feature=related

All Knitted Animated Music Video – Everything in it is knitted and over 700 frames were needed to create it
http://geckogrrl.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/cool-all-knitted-video/

Knit Stop-Motion Commercial
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/03/knit_stop-motion_commercial.html

Yarn City Stop Motion Video
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/10/yarn_city_stop-motion_animatio.html

Yarn Performance Video
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/11/yarn_performance_video_by_jean.html


CLOTHING and ACCESSORIES

Panties from Knit Shirts – complete with instructions - It took her 5 hours just to make 2 pair (and this doesn't even include the time it took her to take apart the old underwear = presumably to use as a pattern).
http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/underwear-from-knit-shirts

Sewn and Embroidered Sanitary Pads - Warning: This may offend some viewers - The title of the work is Seven Women's Days
http://www.serbiancontemporaryart.info/radovi.php?lang=2&id=1046

How to Make a Wedding Dress Out of T-Shirts - complete with instructions
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/06/how-to_t-shirt_wedding_dress.html

Design Your Own Keds
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/04/geek_chic_design-it-yourself_shoes.html

Appliquéd Anatomy T-Shirt
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/01/appliqud_anatomy_shirt.html

Ribcage Purse
http://streetanatomy.com/2009/06/12/ribcage-bag/

Knitted Full Head Monster Masks – these are really cute and would make great Halloween Costumes – instructions provided
http://thingsandideas.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/monster-monster/

Crocheted and Knitted Houses Worn as Sweaters
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/03/wool_houses.html

Wearable String - Male and Female versions
http://www.rose-kim.com/2010/04/thursdays-are-for-what-hell-is-this_15.html

Knitted Skeleton Body Suit
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/skeleton_bodysuit.html

Cards and Crochet - Life-sized dress created by combining greeting cards with crochet
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/01/cards_and_crochet.html

Knitted Licorice Thong [the real licorice you eat] – And only 302 calories - For those who always wanted some of those edible panties but were just too embarrassed to buy a pair, knit your own – instructions provided.
http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer04/PATT302calories.html  

When Life Hands You Expired Condoms, Make a Dress! - "When New York University student Emma Kaywin realized that a pile of expired condoms from her HIV Hotline internship were going to the landfill, she asked if she could use them for an art project, instead."
http://www.ecouterre.com/11875/when-life-hands-you-expired-condoms-make-a-dress/
Making the Condom Dress - video of the process
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/making-the-condom-dress/a4605a7f23c0b15f883ca4605a7f23c0b15f883c-29518725512
 
ANATOMY / BODY PARTS

Knitted Intestines
http://bencuevas.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/works-in-progress-part-i-intestines/

Knitted Throat
http://bencuevas.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/works-in-progress-part-v-thyroid-etc/

Knitted Heart
http://bencuevas.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/works-in-progress-part-iii-the-heart/

Knitted Heart with Pattern
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTheart.php

Knitted Brain
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/04/knitted_brain.html

Bi-Sected Human Head - brains were knitted, other parts needle-felted
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/aknitomy.html

Felt Body Parts – Your choice of everything from the liver to an ear to a knee joint to lungs to…And you can have them in a jar or as earrings or as a brooch or as a necklace or as… And there are four pages of them to choose from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/yourorgangrinder

Anatomical Embroideries
http://www.mrxstitch.com/2009/07/30/the-cutting-stitching-edge-ben-conrad/

Skull Yarn Painting
http://skulladay.blogspot.com/2008/02/246-yarn-painting-skull.html

Jumbo Lace Skull
http://skulladay.blogspot.com/2007/09/109-jumbo-lace-skull.html

Thread(ed) Skull
http://skulladay.blogspot.com/2008/02/260-threaded-skull.html

Filet Crochet Brain Shawl
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2007/11/if-i-only-had-brain.html

Knitted Female Body Suit (including the head) - click on the NEXT buttons to see the work in progress and a detail image

http://www.fijnevleeswaren.nl/sexpop1.htm

Knitted Skeleton – very realistic from yarn and copper wire – click on the NEXT buttons to see the work in progress, a detail image, and exhibition photos

http://www.fijnevleeswaren.nl/skeleton1.htm

 
ANIMALS (OR PARTS THEREOF)
 
Knitted Lobster Sweater – No, I don’t mean a sweater that looks like a lobster, I mean a sweater for a lobster
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26847189@N08/2510290258/

Knitted Severed Horse’s Head – Includes instructions – very realistic
http://www.theanticraft.com/archive/imbolc08/mredless.htm

Needle-felted Fisher Price Little People Dog
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/03/made_by_moxies_little_big_dog.html

Needle Felted Animals
http://www.chushka.com/gallery/toys/

Needle Felted Sheep Tutorial
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/07/needlefelted_sheep_tutorial.html

Needle Felted Dragon
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/10/stunning_needle_felted_dragon.html

Giant Felt Whale
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/08/giant_felt_whale.html

Needle Felted Jabba the Hut
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearandbird/3707464834/in/set-72157621227964172/


TRANSPORTATION

Knitted Life-Size Ferrari - YouTube video - For those who can't afford to buy one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX1E8nSD_YI&feature=related

Wicker Motorcycle – Full Sized
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/01/wicker_motorcycle.html

Cross-Stitch on Cars - How does she do that?
http://embroideryasart.blogspot.com/2009/05/cross-stitched-cars.html

Crochet Covered Bicycle - Spotted in NYC -- of course, where else would it be...
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2010/05/25/spotted-a-crochet-bike-on-the-les-in-nyc/

Crochet Space Shuttle
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/02/crochet_space_shuttle.html

Crochet Saturn V Rocket
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/02/crochet_saturn_v_rocket.html


AROUND THE HOUSE AND NEIGHBORHOOD

Needle Felted Horny Toad Roomba Cozy
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/03/horny_toad_roomba_cozy.html

Needle Felted Prescription Bottle
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/09/needlefelted_prescription_bott.html

Knitted Street Signs
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/09/laura_marsdens_knitted_street.html

Crocheted Full Size and Useable Furniture
http://www.kwangholee.com/main.html

Knitted Electromagnetic Shields for Kitchen Appliances – Possibly safe, certainly ugly
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/02/knitted_electromagnetic_shield.html

Crocheted Skeleton Antimacassar
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-charts-available-from-head-to-toe.html

Crocheted Toaster and Waffles - and fire...
http://woowork.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-fire-started-toasting-waffles.html

Art Knitted Live Tree - Someone had Way Too Much Time on Their Hands
http://www.myunusual.com/Pix/Art/ArtKnittedTree.jpg


X-RATED

Knitted Jock Strap – The knitter is shown as he is sitting nude in a men’s locker room while knitting himself a jock strap
http://bencuevas.wordpress.com/2010/01/03/jock-strap-a-work-in-progress/

The Genitosexual
http://bencuevas.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/works-in-progress-part-iii-the-genitosexual/

Naughty Quilts Seen in British Shop Windows:
Woman in Repose
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC93JpBF8kNbnTbGHOkZ4j_Cxqoe1RgQqoLyHZKDLUy9gkWiE7NGa8b_MNfYHkln4llR0ka9fAJP0uZlsrBuI3ynv2p2ox4Z3Ub7E1sh4bTkLMm38jPJaoPjXkU_RZk9uSwc1Kz9ku3ds/s1600/fifi(500x375).jpg
Sex Scene - You'll have to look hard to make out what they are doing
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC93JpBF8kNbnTbGHOkZ4j_Cxqoe1RgQqoLyHZKDLUy9gkWiE7NGa8b_MNfYHkln4llR0ka9fAJP0uZlsrBuI3ynv2p2ox4Z3Ub7E1sh4bTkLMm38jPJaoPjXkU_RZk9uSwc1Kz9ku3ds/s1600/fifi(500x375).jpg
Subversive Cross-Stitch - Not the type of sentiments you expect to see on cross-stitch work - be sure to also check out the blog
http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/

Childbirth Education Doll - Woman in the process of giving birth
http://www.etsy.com/listing/46814890/childbirth-education-doll-pattern


EQUIPMENT

Sewn and Stuffed Digital Camera
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/02/stuffed_digital_camera.html

Crocheted Hand Saw
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/amigurumi_hand_saw.html

Crocheted Sewing Machine and Thread
http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.24646693.jpg

Crochet Bicycle Basket
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/03/crochet_bicycle_basket.html

Crochet Television and Atari Set
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/02/crochet_tv_and_atari.html

Crochet Telescope
http://woowork.blogspot.com/2009/08/stargazer.html


MISCELLANEOUS

Motorized Quilt
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/01/motorized_quilt.html

Need Privacy When Using Your Laptop in Public Places?
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/04/knitted_interfaces_for_technol.html

Music Waveform Needlework Sampler
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/10/breakbeats_sampler.html

Knitted Guitar
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/05/knitted_guitar_pattern.html

Knitted Olives – complete with the pimentos and instructions
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/knitted_olive_2

Crocheted Explosives - You shouldn't play with dynamite! - pictures and video
http://woowork.blogspot.com/2009/04/dynamite-danger.html

Lunar Embroidery
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/07/lunar_embroidery.html

Knotless Knitted Iceberg
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/05/knotless_netted_iceberg.html

Cross-Stitch Obama Pattern
http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/obama.html

Yarn Tattoo
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/01/the_lone_knittas_yarn_tattoo.html

Yarn from Old Newspapers
http://www.dezeen.com/2007/10/21/yarn-from-old-newspapers-by-greetje-van-tiem/#more-6075

Crochet Chess Set
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/07/crochet_chess_set.html

Spaghetti Crochet - Ever tried to crochet using spaghetti as your yarn?
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/07/spaghetti_crochet.html


DOWNRIGHT DISTURBING

Knit Your Own Hitler – Rachael Matthews (UK) has published a book with instructions for knitting replicas of 12 of the most evil tyrants in recent history including Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin, and Pol Pot. The cover features the Hitler one doing the Nazi salute. Why in hell would anyone want to make one or more of these for themselves? I guess I really don't want an answer to that...
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1448685.ece

Unfortunately, she is not the only one...
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/10_04/hitlerChurchDM3010_600x550.jpg

NOT FIBER/TEXTILE RELATED (but worth a look anyway)

Bill Cosby Portrait – Okay, this isn’t fiber or textile related, but its so unique I had to include it
http://andrewsalomone.com/blog/2009/07/13/jell-o-head/

Anatomical Vegetables - Not fiber/textile related either, but very creative
http://www.likecool.com/International_Vegetarian_Union--AD--Gear.html

Printable Paper Dolls - Remember Betsy McCall??? - You can download the first 10 years of Betsy and her wardrobe. I remember not being able to wait until McCall's Magazine was delivered each month. She never had any ethnic friends though (sigh).
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/01/printable-paper-dolls.html

 
QUESTION: Why is it that knitters and crocheters seem to have most of the fun???

Monday, August 9, 2010

Professional Identity

These articles should be required reading for all artists!

Professional Identity: Who Are You? and What Do You Do? - Kamal Sinclair - "...knowing who you are in simple terms is the key to obtaining meaningful success."
http://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/blog/2008/10/08/professional-identity-who-are-you-and-what-do-you-do/

The Art of Going Pro: An Identity Crisis - Bill Weaver - "The lan­guage we use to describe our­selves, what we do, how we do it and how we frame our responses to deci­sions, is directly related to how we are in the world and how oth­ers expe­ri­ence us…it seals our iden­tity and in turn describes our vocation."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/the-art-of-going-pro-an-identity-crisis/2010/03/

Professionalism in Practice…Setting the Stage - Bill Weaver -"...being a pro is a mindset, a way of seeing life and the world."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/professionalism-in-practice-setting-the-stage/2010/05/

Four Elements that Define a Pro - Bill Weaver -"The real secret the professional holds is the knowledge that a personal best is just a point on a long continuum of growth and insight and not a destination."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/four-key-elements-that-define-a-pro/2010/04/

Getting Started on the Right Foot: Part I - "An important point here is to understand the connection between how you see your business and how it actually is."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/how-to-get-started-on-the-right-foot-part-1/2010/02/

Getting Started on the Right Foot: Part II - Bill Weaver -"...focus on the business end of making a living from your art by taking a look at some best practices."

http://www.theartistscenter.com/getting-started-on-the-right-foot-part-ii/2010/02/

Getting Started on the Right Foot: Part III - Bill Weaver -"Start investing in yourself because you are your business."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/getting-started-on-the-right-foot-part-iii/2010/02/

Getting Started on the Right Foot: Part IV - Bill Weaver -"These next steps rely heavily on your having some idea of where you want to be and the strategies that will get your there."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/getting-started-on-the-right-foot-part-iv/2010/02/

The Art of Going Pro: Living Professionally I - Bill Weaver -"The pro knows that change is constant and that attaching himself to a particular outcome is a distraction because the future cannot be controlled. So instead of worrying about whether something will or will not happen he does he focuses his efforts on the present because he can control the present."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/the-art-of-going-pro-living-professionally/2010/04/

The Art of Going Pro: Living Professionally II - Bill Weaver -"...the point of this exercise is to give us as artists, especially visual artists, a code made up of behavioral and visual elements to build our own artistic identity on."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/the-art-of-going-pro-living-professionally-ii/2010/04/

The Art of Going Pro: The Missing Piece - Bill Weaver -"Clarity is important to identity and identity helps others when they are sorting out where you belong in their minds."
http://www.theartistscenter.com/the-art-of-going-pro-the-missing-piece/2010/04/