Adventure Quilter

In addition to the fabulous work of Lorraine Turner, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, (in Dunedin, FL) has an abundance of textile art on display. One of the exhibits is the “New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Bowtie.” Although they all include (or reference) the bowtie block, they’re very creative.

Another space features the work of Jane Sassaman. She’s known for her use of bright colors, stylized floral imagery, and satin stitching.

This is her quilt Illinois Album.

And this is a detail shot.

Another gallery showcased the work of Sheila Frampton Cooper. She creates abstract designs, using bright colors and solid fabrics.

This is her Venus in the Garden.

And a detail shot.

We enjoyed these quilts but my group was really blown away when we saw the work upstairs. That exhibit featured the work of the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild. These creative artists presented a very diverse array of textile art.

This is called Through the Veil and it was made by Aida Sheets and Sarah Butz. Materials include a variety of papers:  handmade tree bark paper, vellum, and brown wrapping paper. They were rather loosely held together so  the whole thing floated slightly away from the wall.

As you can see in this detail shot, the papers were printed and perforated, adding more subtle interest.  We loved this piece!

This piece was also made by Sarah Butz, called Floating Through the Universe.

Tattered Garment Jacket, by Sandra Black was another group favorite.

I think you can see that the serged seams are exposed, and other little texture items have been added.

Sherry Dorst Created these wonderful woven pieces, Gift 1, 2, & 4. They were some of my favorites. How can you not like all that color draping from the ceiling?

But, the piece I wanted to take home was this one. It’s called Moebious Volley, by Carolyn Kosser. Don’t you think it would look good against my “paprika” colored dining room walls?

I think you’d really enjoy a visit to the Dunedin Fine Arts Center to see all these wonderful textile pieces! If you’re near Tampa before August 18th, you’ll have your chance.

Ellen Lindner

The Dunedin Fine Arts Center, in Dunedin, FL is currently bursting with several EXTRAORDINARY collections of fiber art! For starters, take a look at the work of Lorraine Turner.

This is her piece Unbridled Sea Horses.

Now, take a look at the ABUNDANCE of texture she’s added with doilies, sheer fabrics, and such. Amazing, right?

She calls this quilt Three Bankers.

Again, what detail!

As you can tell, Lorraine is passionate about wild animals and she often dreams about them. Wind Whisperers focuses on wild wolves.

And here’s Calico Messengers.

Lorraine’s work is a good example of why artists love to work with fabric. She clearly “paints with fabric,” and the additional texture puts it over the top.

Her work, along with quite a few other exhibits can be seen through August 18th, 2019. If you’re on the west coast of Florida this summer, a trip to the Dunedin Center for Fine Arts is well worth your while.

Ellen Lindner

In conjunction with the “Forced to Flee” exhibit, there’s also a presentation of artwork by Tanja Boudal and it’s VERY interesting.

The majority of the pieces on display are like those shown here. As I understand it, she finds media pictures showing women in the midst of struggles and prints them on to fabric. She then alters one of the women using white fabric and black stitching. It’s a very striking effect.

One wall featured these pieces mounted perpendicular to the wall. This gives an interesting perspective and also makes a visually intriguing presentation.

This is the back side of the piece shown above.

Most fascinating, however, are the pieces made with a technique Boukal calls shadow knitting.

This one is of an Indian activist named Phoolan Devi. VERY subtle, right?

Now, check out this detail shot of the eyes. Invisible, I’d say.

But, look what happens when you view the piece from the side.

And here’s another, featuring Sarah-Ginaite.

I have no idea how she does this! I need to go back and see these pieces again.

You can see them, too, through August 24th in Melbourne, FL. They’re at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts, which is always free. Enjoy!

Ellen Lindner