Lamp work beads made with plastic instead of glass. Hummmm, this seems like an experiment to undertake in the new studio
Artist Talk Tonight: Last Chance to Register
Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.
Join me on Zoom or in-person for a powerful and engaging artist talk about this project. This event is a unique opportunity to hear about the Free Your Mind art installation project at Touchstone. I will share the creative journey and insights related to the project.
Please Register in Advance for tonight’s 6:00pm ET Zoom Talk:
Please call Touchstone’s office at 724-329-1370 if you would like to attend the Artist Talk in person.
I Was Todays Year Old
When I learned denim is a weaving pattern not a textile. How did I not know this before?
Spinning and Weaving Week
The crafts of spinning, weaving, dyeing, and basket weaving are as ancient as our history; they are the threads that bind us to our ancestors and to each other. Our crafts know no national boundary. They are a part of the heritage of the world. The Spinning and Weaving Week celebration reflects the truly international membership of the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., and the international traditions of our crafts. Fiber artists from around the world are invited to join together in celebration of our common heritage.
Spinning and Weaving Week is celebrated every October during the first full week of the month (Monday-Sunday)
Identifying Our Biases
Identifying microaggressions and implicit biases can be challenging but asking oneself reflective questions can help uncover them.
Here are five questions people can ask themselves:
- What assumptions do I make about people based on their appearance (e.g., race, gender, clothing)?
- How do I react when I encounter someone who is different from me in terms of culture, language, or lifestyle?
- Are there certain groups of people I tend to avoid or feel uncomfortable around? Why might that be?
- How do I respond to media portrayals of different social, ethnic, and cultural groups? Do I notice patterns in these responses?
- When I make decisions about hiring, mentoring, or collaborating, am I consistently favoring certain groups over others? What reasons do I give for these preferences?
Reflecting on these questions can help individuals become more aware of their implicit biases and take steps toward addressing them.
Bling Bling
I wish the buses on St Croix where. like this
In the Rain’s Embrace
Rain falls on high, where the hawk flies, Bathing its feathers under wide, open skies. In droplets pure, its wings find grace, Nature’s gentle touch in a quiet embrace.
The storm above, fierce and wild, Meets the hawk’s strength, unbeguiled. With every drop, a song of the free, A cleansing hymn for you and me.
For in the rain, the hawk stands tall, Finding solace in the sky’s gentle call. Through clouds and storms, it soars unchained, In the rain’s caress, its spirit sustained.
Poem by Theda Sandiford
Unveil the Power of Stories with Theda Sandiford at Touchstone Center for Crafts
An Invitation to Reflect and Engage
Touchstone Center for Crafts invites you to the Free Your Mind Artist Talk with me, Theda Sandiford. Join us on d Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. for an enlightening experience, available both in-person and on Zoom.
Exploring Free Your Mind
Free Your Mind project is a public textile art installation that collects, showcases, and liberates personal narratives about microaggressions. This project not only highlights these experiences but also provides a platform for healing and awareness through art.
Event Features
- Direct from the Artist: Hear Theda Sandiford discuss the creative journey and the impactful stories behind Free Your Mind.
- Engage in Dialogue: Participate in a thought-provoking conversation about the role of art in addressing social issues.
- Flexibility in Attendance: Join the talk from anywhere by registering in advance for the Zoom session on September 24.
Be Part of the Experience
Join us for this meaningful event that blends art with powerful storytelling. Register for the Zoom talk on September 24 and prepare to be inspired.
Sam Gilliam Said…
Abstract art messes with you and I wholeheartedly agree.
Beyond: Tapestry Expanded Now Open at DePauw University – A Must-See Exhibition!
“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” is now open at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN! This exhibition, running until December 8, 2024, is an exploration of contemporary tapestry and textile art, pushing the boundaries of this age-old medium into new realms of creativity and expression. My work Blackity Black Blanket Ladders has been included in the exhibition.
What to Expect at the Exhibition
“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” features a diverse range of artists who are reimagining tapestry through innovative materials, techniques, and concepts. From large-scale woven installations to mixed-media pieces that blend textiles with unexpected elements, the works in this exhibition challenge traditional notions of what tapestry can be. The show is not just about weaving threads; it’s about weaving ideas, histories, and contemporary issues into the fabric of art.
Visitors can expect to see works that explore themes such as identity, memory, social justice, and the environment. Each piece tells a unique story, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper conversation about the role of textile art in today’s world.
A Curatorial Vision Realized
“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of Erica Warren, the exhibition’s curator. Erica has spent countless hours thoughtfully curating this show, writing an insightful essay for the accompanying catalog, designing the exhibition layout, and installing the works. Her efforts have created a truly immersive experience for visitors, offering a fresh perspective on what tapestry can be. Thank you for your hard work on all of this.
The exhibition also benefited from the expertise of jurors Jade Yumang and Alexa Griffith Winton, who juried my work into the show. They have also contributed their own essays to the catalog, adding depth and context to the exhibition.
To explore these essays and learn more about all the artists and their work, you can order a copy of the catalog here.
Plan Your Visit
I encourage everyone to visit the gallery and participate in the Curatorial Talk by Erica Warren on Tuesday, September 10, at 4:30 pm Eastern. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the curator about her vision for the exhibition, the selection process, and the themes explored in the works on display. Come experience “Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” in person at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center, located at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.
