Social Media Intern Position

by ceartquilts

Social Media Intern Wanted!

facebookOverview

Jumpstart your social media career while networking with experienced artists.  The Surface Design Association in Washington State (SDA-WA) seeks a motivated and creative Social Media Intern, with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter experience . We’re looking for a creative communicator who would love to design/ execute a plan to promote our art event  You’ll be exposed to artists who show nationally and internationally and learn the inner workings of curating and mounting an art exhibit.  The internship position may run four to six months and you may be based anywhere in WA.

twitterSDA-WA is planning the first ever traveling exhibition of surface designers’ work in the US.  This will be a widely publicized and exciting display of textile-oriented artwork.  The exhibition will be held at four venues around the State: Richland, Redmond, Port Townsend and Everett.

For more information:

 

The Social Media Intern will help with various aspects of communication, marketing and outreach, including:

pinterest-logoResponsibilities

  • Assisting with social media messaging on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest;
  • Designing social media strategy around promoting both the call for art and the exhibition.
  • On occasion, documenting and posting/blogging about special projects and events;
  • Supporting public relations projects by researching and engaging media contacts across the state, working with the Marketing Communications Director to identify and pursue media opportunities, finding new ways to tell stories and raise the interest in artists in the Surface Design Association.

Benefits

  • Valuable insights into the nonprofit arts communication arena
  • Exposure to the ins and outs of marketing, PR, and community management
  • Opportunity to develop a social media strategy and execute the plan
  • Creative work colleagues
  • Exposure to Washington State arts and artists
  • Exposure to the international parent Surface Design Association
  • One-year membership in the Surface Design Association

 

instagram-logoSkills and Requirements

 

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of social media– Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with Go To Meeting/ FaceTime/ Skype
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • An interest in non-profit communications, art, or arts administration
  • Attention to detail
  • Photoshop, video editing, and design skills a plus
  • Ability to commit to at least four months of part time work

Our interns will receive invaluable experience working on a project of wide scope, professional mentorship, and building a network of contacts in the art arena.  Interns will also receive a free one-year membership to the Surface Design Association.

Please submit a cover letter, résumé and a professional reference to event.surfacedesignwa@gmail.com with the subject line SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN. If you have a web presence, please supply a url or link.

While the position will remain open until filled, preference will be given to applications received before February 12, 2016.

SDA Member Activities

by ceartquilts

SDA Member Activities

Jane Dunnewold

2016_01DunnewoldJane will be in the Northwest for a book signing of her latest book, Creative Strength Training in August.  She is also available to conduct a workshop the weekend of August 20-21st.  Her description of the workshop: Spend a day immersed in the strategies of the Creative Strength Training Program. This is lots of fun but is also instructive! Become a better artist by knowing more about yourself. Dismantle your Committee. Play and work simultaneously! No experience needed because you already have all the experience you need!  Are there members who would like to help facilitate this workshop by finding a meeting facility and a place for Jane to stay overnight?  If so, contact me, Barb Matthews, at bjmatthews76@comcast.net.

NW Collage Society

Man and Nature, Margaret Wheeler

Man and Nature, Margaret Wheeler

Solo

Solo,Gay Jensen

Cyndi Wolfe

The Past Increases, The Future Recedes, Cyndi Wolfe

Margaret C. Wheeler, Cyndi Wolfe and Gay Jensen had artwork selected by juror Joan Stuart Ross for inclusion in the Northwest Collage Society Winter Show at the Washington Convention Center.  The show opens January 16 and runs until March 26, 2016.  The Artist Reception and Awards Ceremony is Thursday February 11 from 7pm-9pm, and all SDA members are invited to attend.  For more information:

http://www.nwcollagesociety.org/shows.htm

Cameron Anne Mason

2016_01MasonLearn the key to a world of color on fabric!

My upcoming workshop, Dyeing for Quilters (and other people who love fabric), is just two weeks away. In this workshop you will learn all the basics for using fiber reactive dyes (Procion MX). These dyes are inexpensive and versatile and are the most light-fast, color-fast, and safe dyes available on the market.

We will start with basic dye chemistry and color theory for dyers and then use that knowledge as a base for exploration. We will focus on using cotton but you can also bring silk or any cellulose fiber fabric for your own exploration. Dyeing for Quilters (and other people who love fabric), Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 10am-4pm. Optional Open Studio Day, Monday, February 1, 10am-4pm. Get more information and sign up for this and other upcoming workshops on the Workshops page of my website, cameronannemason.com. Or contact me directly if you have questions.

Barbara Lee Smith

2016_01SmithThe Gallery at Tacoma Community College, 6501 South 19th Street, Building 4, Tacoma, WA  98466, January 4- February 5, 2016

 

Whidbey Island Surface Design                         

2016_01WISD

Beyond the Surface January 4- March 27, 2016 La Conner Quilt Museum

Beyond the Surface includes artwork using fiber and fabric as the basis for the work. Each artist has their own unique style and the process used to accomplish their work is as varied as the individual piece. Techniques include:  dyeing, wrapping, felting, stitching, weaving, image transfer, beading, quilting, painting, printing, and collage.

 

 

 

 

Pamela Hastings  

2016_01Hastings

Pamela and her subject Diane Williams infront of Diane’s portrait, photographer: JMcMacken

The show is of my portraits from Hot Flash Women Series and some fiber/mixed media sculptures, one 9.5 feet tall, at the Port Angeles Public Library, January-March 2016, open every day except Sunday, 10am til 8 Mon-Thurs, 10-5 Friday and Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry

2016_01FallertCARYL BRYER FALLERT-GENTRY: 40 YEARS OF COLOR, LIGHT, & MOTION
My new 58-quilt retrospective opens next week at the University Museum, Ole Miss. Oxford, Mississippi.
Opening reception and artist’s talk: Thursday, January 28, 6 pm, Exhibition dates: January 26-April 16, 2016.
www.bryerpatch.com, caryl@bryerpatch.com

Eve Deisher and Lanny Bergner

2016_01Deisher

Forest Moonlight, Eve Deisher,, photographer: BMatthews

Here and There: Topographic Conversations with Morris Graves – Museum of NW Art, La Conner, WA, January 9, 2016 to March 17, 2016. Here and There engages viewers in a discussion between Morris Graves, eight contemporary artists, and their environments. In addition to works by these eight artists, the exhibit features two pieces created by Graves while he was living in both Skagit and Humboldt Counties. Not only did these artists live in the same topographical regions as Graves, they are also contemplating the natural world and its ability to inspire creativity.

2016_01Bergner

The Starlight Within,  The Wizards Chamber, Seeking Morris: Star Gazing, Lanny Bergner, photographer: BMatthews

 

 

 

See more at: http://monamuseum.org/exhibition/here-and-there-topographic-conversations-morris-graves#sthash.DC0BT8Ud.dpuf See more at: http://monamuseum.org/exhibition/here-and-there-topographic-conversations-morris-graves#sthash.yHNyj0hn.dpuf

 

 

Are you a SDA Member and would like to see your news posted here?

Email bjmatthews76@comcast.net by the 15th of the month.

Fiber Fusion Entry Form Now Live!

by ceartquilts

HeaderImage1Time flies.  It doesn’t seem like that long ago when talking about a traveling exhibition here in Washington state was just a dream a few committed surface design artists had.  But now, it’s becoming reality!  As of today, the entry form for the Fiber Fusion exhibition is now open!

http://sdafiberfusionshow.org/fiber-fusion-entry-form/

Get Ready, Get Set, DYE!

Get Ready, Get Set, DYE!

Please note that each artist can enter up to four pieces and there are four spaces on the form.  However, if you make an entry and then later want to enter another piece, you can come back and enter the additional piece(s), so long as you don’t enter more than four total.  If you’ve already paid your $30 entry fee, you don’t have to pay it again.

While opening up for entries may seem like a big step, our executive team has even more in mind!  We’ll be releasing a call for proposals for teachers for each of the venues, a call for regional art to go along with each gallery or art center, not to mention fundraising to put on the best SDA shows possible.

There's still plenty of time to make artwork for Fiber Fusion- Deadline is March 20, 2016!

There’s still plenty of time to make artwork for Fiber Fusion- Deadline is March 20, 2016!

 

Do you know someone or a company that might be interested in contributing?  We’d love to get sponsors and donors to support our publicity, juried prizes, transportation between venues, and educational components.  And the grand-daddy of it all… if we can raise the money… we’d love to have a beautiful print catalog of the exhibition!

 

If you or someone you know is able to help us out, please go to:

http://sdafiberfusionshow.org/make-a-donation/

You can use your PayPal or even just do a secure online payment with a credit card through PayPal without having to sign up for a PayPal account.

Special Thanks to Claire Jones for doing such a wonderful job on the Fiber Fusion website, as well as the fantastic volunteers working behind the scenes to set everything up for this incredible opportunity!

 

 

Regional Shows within Fiber Fusion – Guest Blogger Vicki Gerton

by ceartquilts

richland1 For those of us in Eastern Washington, the regional show at the Gallery in the Park in Richland, part of the Fiber Fusion SDA exhibit, is just around the corner. With the entry date in mid-April, we are feeling rushed. We are all excited about having a show of this quality make its first stop in the Tri-Cities in June. And since a number of the members of our group are new to surface design, we are excited that a component of the show is the regional, non-traveling, section that will not be subject to the rigid judging process. It will give those of us with less experience a chance to try our wings. We are fortunate that the Allied Arts Gallery in the Park will be large enough to accommodate all 25 of the regional designated pieces.

In the hopes that your group will get as excited as we in the South Central Group are about entering a piece in the regional part of the Fiber Fusion exhibit, I am sharing a few of our works “in progress.” Mardine Campbell has a beautiful piece of silk which she screen printed while still living in Florida. richland2Mardine grew up here in Eastern Washington and says the colors remind her our beautiful sunsets. She intends to embellish the silk with beads, silk thread, stitching, and perhaps foil.

Barb Sherrill, who is retiring after having spent the last twenty years of her life supporting her family by selling her hand painted cottons and quilt patterns at quilt shows, now has time to use some of her unique hand-painted fabrics in stitched and embellished fabric collages. In the photo at right, it looks like the piece is almost complete, but everything is just pinned on for photo purposes.

Barb has two more pieces she is considering submitting.richland3

richland4

 

richland5Judy Rice, who is a master weaver as well as dyer, has several “in progress” pieces she is contemplating entering into the regional show. One is a tapestry, one is a weaving project, and one is a hand dyed piece using resist methods which she is in the process of embellishing.

richland6For each Regional show that coincides with Fiber Fusion, there will be space for an estimated 25 pieces which will not travel. Those entering the Regional show will have to submit an entry form and a photo so that the galleries will know how many pieces to expect. The galleries may have different maximum sizes according to space available. If there are more pieces than the gallery has available space, some pieces will have to be excluded. There will be a panel of three which will review the submissions and exclude pieces, if that becomes necessary. Each entrant will be allowed to submit up to three pieces into the Regional show. The deadline for submitting into the Regional show will be after the deadline for the Traveling and Juried part of the show. It will be staggered according to the opening date of the specific gallery. As of this writing, the submission dates are as follows: Richland 4/15/16, Redmond 9/1/16 and Port Townsend and Everett 11/1/16. We hope you all will consider submitting pieces in the Regional show nearest you as well as the traveling show.

Make sure to check out the Fiber Fusion website at: http://www.sdafiberfusionshow.org/

New Fiber Fusion Exhibition Website for WA SDA

by ceartquilts

fiber fusion show

Our 2016-2017 Traveling exhibition now has its own website!  Go to http://sdafiberfusionshow.org/ to see it.  The entry form will be up there on January 15 and entries are due by March 20, 2016.  Thanks to SDA member Claire Jones for doing such a beautiful job on putting this together.

We also have had our first donations and sponsors come in.  We’re pleased to announce that on top of our jurors’ prize awards, the ‘Deb Taylor Spirit of Exploration Award’ is being funded courtesy of Gay Jensen and Bud Taylor.  We’ve also received a small event grant from SDA national- thanks to Pat Herkal for leading this up with the grant proposal.  Our donation button will be added to the website soon, but please feel free to contact us if you’d like to contribute towards the exhibition.  The more money we can raise, the more we can do (we’d love to get a professional catalog printed of Fiber Fusion!)

If you haven’t ever entered a juried show, this is a terrific opportunity to learn the process. We’re planning to do several blog posts to help our membership and readers learn all you need to know for completing and submitting a show entry.  Please let us know if there are specific topics you’d like us to cover.

We’d love your comments and suggestions on the website, as well as any questions you might have on the process.

Pad Your Artistic Resume by helping out!

Searching Song Instrument by Danielle Bodine

Searching Song Instrument by Danielle Bodine

Not only is this an opportunity for exhibiting your artwork, it’s also a place where you can contribute a little of your time and talent!  Each location (Richland, Redmond, Port Townsend, and Everett) will need a crew of volunteers… even if you can’t oversee a complete area, let us know if there is a part of the job where you’d be able to help. Here are some areas we could use some assistance:

Local Operations Chair –Sees that artwork is checked in, finds volunteer to store packing material, assists in the installation, finds volunteers for the reception, assisting at the workshops and presentations, counting of ballots, signage, placement of postcards. Repackage art for transport, store art, transport to next venue. Send thank you notes.

Local area PR and Marketing—Sees that lists of newspapers, association newsletters, galleries, stores, and interested individuals are developed.  Prior to the event, coordinate flyer or postcards to stores in the locale. Find reader-boards and volunteers to distribute with posters and balloons for the opening reception and take down after the reception.

Portfolio—Develops portfolio of artists’ photos of art and artist statements.

Fundraising–Send letters out to list of companies targeted as potential donors, followup, write credit information for promotional materials.

Catalog—Arranges for professional photographer to take images at first venue, develops catalog with lead article, jurors’ statements, artists’ photos, and artists’ statements.  Works with printer through completion of catalog.

Please feel free to share your thoughts here in the comments.  We’re looking forward to seeing the fantastic range of artwork from our members in 2016.

Happy Solstice and Holidays,

Christina Fairley Erickson, Executive Director WA SDA Fiber Fusion Exhibition and Barb Matthews, WA state SDA Representative

 

Your Chance to Show (or teach) at Schack!

by ceartquilts

schack_art_centerIf you’ve never been to the Schack Art Center in Everett, you need to put it on your “To Do” list.  

Today, Barb Matthews, the WA SDA state Rep, and I met the curator at the Schack to discuss our upcoming “Fiber Fusion” traveling exhibition.  The Schack will be the final home of our WA state galleries hosting this show.  While Barb and I have both visited their gallery for other exhibitions, we were completely blown away with all the exciting spaces and changes going on.

IMG_1724

Some of the exhibition space and the stairway to the new 2nd floor

If you’ve been there, you know the space is big.  Well, guess what? They’re getting bigger!  They’re just completing building out their second story- almost doubling their space.  Part of their preparation is due to their upcoming exhibit of internationally known printmaker Chuck Close.  His work will be featured in both the lower and upper galleries from May-September 2016.

IMG_1725

One classroom space with running water

Not only do they have an amazing gallery space, they also have  incredible classrooms- even ones with running water- good for “wet” processes! They will also have specialty classrooms for printmaking, drawing/painting, glass, metal-working, and lapidary (cutting and working with precious stones.) We’ll be posting calls for teachers of different surface design techniques for the time frame of our exhibition there, but if you’re looking to lead classes or teach, you can find out how to submit a proposal for classes on their website here.  They’re particularly interested in getting some more printmaking classes for 2016.

IMG_1723

3-D Artists will really appreciate all the different sizes and shapes of their pedestals, as you can see here. Interested in making art cloth?  They can hang from the ceiling on both levels!  And, of course there is plenty of wall space too.

IMG_1727

The Schack Art Centers Store offers pieces for sale from area artists

 

 

 

 

For those SDA members who are ready to sell commercially, the Schack’s store will love to look at your work, particularly to be coordinated with the time of our exhibition.

They also have an incredible marketing and PR person and the exhibition will be seen in all sorts of news media and on radio.

So, how do you get in on this incredible opportunity?  Get into your studios and start creating!  The requirements for the Fiber Fusion exhibition are online at https://surfacedesignwa.com/fiber-fusion/ and we’ll soon have a dedicated website for our show.

The entry deadline is Sunday March 20, 2016 at midnight, so there’s still plenty of time.

Hope to be seeing your work soon!

Christina Fairley Erickson- Executive Director of the Fiber Fusion Traveling Exhibition for WA SDA

 

 

SDA WA Artist Activities

by ceartquilts

Gay Jensen

2015_Nov_Linear_Gay JensenGay Jensen invites SDA members and their friends to her Annual Holiday Show and Sale, December 5th and 6th from 10am-5pm, at Paul Lewing’s Studio, 105 N. 200th Street in Shoreline.  Gay will be exhibiting a large selection of her fiber/mixed media artworks, baskets and more.  Artist Paul Lewing and jewelry artist Kathy Dannerbeck will also be showing their work.  Festive cookies will be served, come join the fun!

Barbara O’Steen

Barbara O’Steen, has a piece in the Best of the Fest at La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum that continues thru November 22. The piece is “Parched” which won first place in the category “Fiber Art – Constructed” in their recent Fall Festival show. It is made of recycled materials, mostly torn canvas with ink-drawn insects hiding here and there, approximately 6′ T x 4′ W. 2nd place in the Fiber Art category was Propagation by Patti Bleifuss.  http://www.laconnerquilts.org/2015-quilt–fiber-arts-festival-awards.html

Lois Gaylord

2015_Nov_GaylordOddmall: The Emporium of the Weird returns to the Holiday Inn Hotel Downtown-Everett on November 21st and 22nd 2015. Show hours are 10-6 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday.
Learn more on our website: http://www.oddmall.co
Free Admission
Over 100 Artists, Crafters, and Santa Claus makes an early appearance!
Santa Hours are 12-5 each day
5 Photo’s with Santa only $10!!! (Digitally delivered)

 

Cameron Anne Mason

AppleMark

I’m opening my studio for hands-on dye action!
Batik Silk Scarves is a fun, fast 3-hour workshop, perfect for the Holiday Season. You can make up to four unique silk scarves, or share the gift of an experience by signing up with a friend or loved one. Workshops are $60-$90, depending on how many scarves you make. A hand-made, luxurious silk scarf makes the perfect gift for that special person on your list!
Private sessions for 6 or more are also available for Holiday parties.

Click here to go to the Workshops page on my web-site for more information. http://www.cameronannemason.com/

Zia Gipson and Brenda Lovie

2015_Nov_Gipson 2015_Nov_LovieSeattle Sampling Tour
December 4, 5 & 6, 2015
Seattle Sampling is Seattle’s most established and largest holiday arts tour celebrating over 25 years of fabulous arts & crafts!http://www.seattlesampling.com/

48 of Seattle’s top professional craftspeople, join to share their locally and nationally recognized work for a 3-day holiday weekend. Select studios also showing Dec 12th and Dec 19th.

This free, self–guided tour offers holiday shoppers a relaxed and intimate opportunity to meet the artists in their own environments.
First Choice Friday
December 4th
4–9 pm
Join us for the sneak preview
of each Studio’s offering!

Open Studios
Saturday and Sunday
December 5th & 6th
10am – 5pm

Second Chance Saturdays
December 12th and/or December 19th
See map for participating studios and times

Mary Ashton

2015_Nov_AshtonRexville Grange Art Show near Mt. Vernon.

November 13-15, November 21-22.
See details and map at http://www.rexvillegrangeartshow.com

 

North End Arts Tour (NEAT).

New studios and artists have been added for 2015!
Come take the free self-guided 2015 North End Arts Tour (NEAT).
Evening opening Friday, Dec 4, 5-8pm, Sat and Sun, Dec 5-6, 10am-5pm. Download the map and passport from the website http://www.neatseattle.com. Get all seven studio stamps on your passport by Sunday, Dec 6, for a chance to win one of three gift cards. See website for details.

“Fiber Fusion” Call for Entry!

by ceartquilts
Fiber Fusion Exhibition- artwork "Fertile Feilds" detail by Larkin Van Horn

“Fertile Fields” (detail) by Larkin Van Horn

The Washington Surface Design Association (WA SDA) has just published the prospectus to our upcoming traveling exhibition. With four galleries over the course of 10 months, we’re looking for the best examples of surface design from our talented members.  For more information go to:

http://sdafiberfusionshow.org/

We will be releasing more information as quickly as possible, but hope this will get you thinking, creating and making now!

We’d also love to get some more input and ideas from our members.  Areas we’d like some help include: PR/Marketing, Budget/Fund-Raising, Managing Entries, and Educational Opportunities.  If you’re available, please contact our WA State Rep: Barbara Matthews or Exec. Director of the Exhibition, Christina Fairley Erickson.

Eastside SDA opens “Fiber Fantasy” at Vision 5

by ceartquilts
Artists Christina Fairley Erickson, Crystal Edwards, and Rebecca Wachtman at the exhibition opening.

Artists Christina Fairley Erickson, Crystal Edwards, and Rebecca Wachtman at the exhibition opening.

FIBER

"Sunset" by Crystal Edwards. Painted yarn and wood. 30" x 40" x 1"

“Sunset” by Crystal Edwards. Painted yarn and wood. 30″ x 40″ x 1″

FANTASY, the 2nd Annual SDA [Surface Design Association] Eastside group exhibition is on display during the month of October 3rd – 31st in the North Gallery at Vision 5. This 20 piece exhibition of is designed to build awareness of fiber art in our community. The selected fiber artwork is chosen for its ability to lead the viewer into contemplation of fantasies, and its ability to act as a spark for the viewer’s own creativity. The diversity of the work showcases a small selection of the vast array of that is Surface Design.

Curator Crystal Edwards with her piece "Galaxy" made from painted yarn.

Curator Crystal Edwards with her piece “Galaxy” made from painted yarn.

SDA Member, Crystal Edwards has put together this group show, featuring the work of 6 Eastside SDA members: Liz Copeland, Maura Donegan, Crystal Edwards, Christina Fairley Erickson, Louise Roby, and Rebecca Wachtman.

"Magnolia's Life Recycled" by Rebecca Wachtman. Silk painting; mounted canvas. 26.25" x 20.25" x 1.75"

“Magnolia’s Life Recycled” by Rebecca Wachtman. Silk painting; mounted canvas. 26.25″ x 20.25″ x 1.75″

There will be an Artist’s talk at the Eastside SDA meeting on Sunday, October 11th from 2- 5pm.  

"Fern Fantasy" by Liz Copeland. Stitched Fabric Collage. 20" x 16" x 2"

“Fern Fantasy” by Liz Copeland. Stitched Fabric Collage. 20″ x 16″ x 2″

It will feature and open discussion with artist and guests about the artwork and its creation.  ALL SDA members and guests are welcome to attend.

ADDRESS:
8525 163RD CT NE
REDMOND, WA 98052

 

Note: For some GPS and Map guiding systems, it is better to search for Vision 5 instead of the address. Vision 5 is off of 164TH AVE NE and NE 85TH ST

"Beginning" by Maura Donegan. Materials: Silk organza, rayon thread. 16.5" x 16.5"

“Beginning” by Maura Donegan. Materials: Silk organza, rayon thread. 16.5″ x 16.5

Vision 5 is open to the public from Mon-Friday 9 am – 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am – 3pm.

"Hijab Misconceptions" by Christina Fairley Erickson. Made to reveal the misconceptions that Western women have about women who wear the Hijab... the idea that Hijabi's wouldn't like Victoria's Secret as much as a woman who isn't covered.

“Hijab Misconceptions” by Christina Fairley Erickson. Made to reveal the misconceptions that Western women have about women who wear the Hijab… the idea that Hijabi’s wouldn’t like Victoria’s Secret as much as a woman who isn’t covered.

"Complications" by Louise Roby. Materials: Basket lid, beads & string. 21" x 16"

“Complications” by Louise Roby. Materials: Basket lid, beads & string. 21″ x 16″

In Memoriam: Artist Spotlight- Deb Taylor

by ceartquilts
"Frayed Holes" by Deb Taylor - 2015. Chambray fabric, painted cotton batting, screen printing, quilting, beads. The work is a later addition to the Fiber 19 group Beyond Blue collaborative project.

“Frayed Holes” by Deb Taylor – 2015. Chambray fabric, painted cotton batting, screen printing, quilting, beads. The work is a later addition to the Fiber 19 group Beyond Blue collaborative project.

It is with heavy hearts many of us in the SDA community heard of the passing of Deb Taylor, fiber artist, teacher and friend.  The following are some memories and images of Deb and her work contributed by SDA members.

 

Memories of Deb by Barbara Matthews:

I met Deb in an independent study class lead by Jane Dunnewold.  By way of introduction, Jane had us tell two truths and a lie to the group.  We were to guess the lie.  I thought my 3 triathlons would trip people up. Before the intros got to me, Deb trumped me by saying she had done 8 triathlons (surely she could not have done that many–I thought she was exaggerating!) but she had!  She had done the Danskin triathlons as a cancer survivor no less.

Deb Taylor's "Evening Flight" - 2014 Window sheer fabric, paper, silk, linen and sand

Deb Taylor’s “Evening Flight” – 2014
Window sheer fabric, paper, silk, linen and sand


We connected because I think we both felt a little out classed by others in the study group.  We started meeting weekly to show our progress on our art and get suggestions.  We were the yin and yang in doing art–her willing to play with any media; me more methodical in my thinking. She would gently chide me to play more. She was fearless and seemed to have endless energy diving into her art even after 8 hours of work. Her curiosity for surface design was boundless; she sought people out to learn new techniques. She jumped on the chance to learn the deconstructed printing I learned in a workshop. I came to appreciate her approach, because she played hard and developed a full bag of techniques and materials. She had a blast learning.

Deb was the one I called on to take excursions, most recently to Vancouver and Maiwa. Another to a quilt show, where a skein of silk kimono ‘yarn’, which we split, enticed us to collaborate on art pieces.
I miss being able to email or text Deb with new adventures.   Our next venture was to Harbor Freight where we heard from friends at a recent retreat there were lots of interesting finds.
I have lost my excursion buddy, but more than that, I am heartbroken to have lost the person who I realize now was my best friend in Seattle.

Deb served as a SDA Seattle group leader for 2 years and also blog editor.

Some Members of Fiber19, a fiber group that meets monthly, at a show of Fiber19 work at the Sydney Art Gallery in port orchard, wa: Tre Taylor, Becky Wachtman, Louise Roby, Mary Auld, Deb Taylor, Barbara Matthews

Some Members of Fiber19, a fiber group that meets monthly, at a show of Fiber19 work at the Sydney Art Gallery in port orchard, wa: Tre Taylor, Becky Wachtman, Louise Roby, Mary Auld, Deb Taylor, Barbara Matthews

Thoughts on Deb by Sharon Rowley:

Deb’s body carried her spirit as far as it could.  I never heard her complain about her health, or broadcast how she was feeling.  I was in the car with Deb and Bud in San Antonio in 2013 and she took a call on her cell phone that she’d been waiting for.  So I heard her side of a conversation with a nurse doing intake for an experimental procedure in Philadelphia that she was considering.  Since I’d heard that much, I was given the history and what they were likely to try next.  Bud recited possible side effects with a determination that I later realized came from having held Deb through so much.

Serenity Flower by Deb Taylor. Painted canvas with repurposed Silk Sari ribbon.

Serenity Flower by Deb Taylor. Painted canvas with repurposed Silk Sari ribbon.

A year ago, Jane Dunnewold suggested Deb as an addition to the critique group Ruth Vincent and I had formed.  Deb had just spent a week in her multi-media class and wowed Jane with her creative spirit.  Ruth and I were regularly treated to Deb’s lead-in of “it’s not much” and shown work that blew us away.  If there was a new technique she’d seen, she was in it up to her elbows.  That kind of pioneering spirit jolts you right out of your comfort-spot.

My work comes from a place of internal and external positive energy.  Deb helped feed that place. A big heart, calm presence, warm smile always.  Generous of her time and energy.  She provided an important context for me in the work I’ve been doing for the past year on aging and illness.  If you didn’t see that she was ill, it is not because she was hiding it, or because you weren’t important to her.  She chose to lead with the positive; strength, creativity, connecting with others.

Bud’s been an incredible support to Deb’s artistry.  It was clear Deb would seek his feedback on her work and valued it.  Her small “deconstructed” dyed and hand-stitched pieces are presented on unusual hard surfaces, with Bud’s help.  When Deb lost her job and wasn’t getting any traction finding a new one, and Deb was discovering the joy of full-time “making art”, Bud encouraged her to make art her new job.

Deb’s major accomplishment this past year was becoming an exhibiting artist.  It may sound like a natural progression, but it means a lot of hard work and determination.  She was thrilled to be in several shows and especially to be juried into the CQA show recently at the LaConner Quilt and Textile Museum.  It was a delight to see her shine when she and I took Jane up to see our work in the show this past spring.

May her spirit live on.

Deb Taylor working in Jane Dunnewold's San Antonio studio, assisting with Sharon Rowley's Prayer Flag installation, 2013

Deb Taylor working in Jane Dunnewold’s San Antonio studio, assisting with Sharon Rowley’s Prayer Flag installation, 2013

Thoughts on Deb by Becky Wachtman:

I received word on Wednesday, that a friend had passed away – suddenly and without warning.  Two weeks ago she was at a retreat with me sharing laughs and art projects.  One week ago, she emailed me and gently encouraged me to teach silk painting at a local college.  Monday, she was chatting excitedly with a mutual friend about all of her exciting plans for the future. Tuesday night, she was gone.

"Lithostratigraphic 1" by Deb Taylor- 2014 Cotton, dye, Inktense pencils, textile medium, Plexiglas, slate

“Lithostratigraphic 1” by Deb Taylor- 2014
Cotton, dye, Inktense pencils, textile medium, Plexiglas, slate

She was an inspired artist who dabbled in many different mediums (most of them fiber-related).  She was always kind and had a gentle, loving spirit.  She was a caring teacher and sharer of wisdom. She was a member of Fiber 19 and leader of the Surface Design Association (Seattle division).  She was truly a lovely woman, whom I was privileged to call my friend.  My heart bleeds for her family, and tears fall heavily when I think about all of the people whose lives she touched… whom I know will be missing her as much as I am.

Looking through lens of the loss of a friend, makes me realize just how unimportant some of my worries have been.  I know my bowls will get made, and the family war will work itself out.   But not ever getting to share another laugh or piece of art with my friend… that cannot be changed.  That is an incredibly sad fact.  One that reminds me to cherish those around me that I love (even the ones currently driving me nuts!).

Deb Taylor, you were my friend and I thank you for sharing a part of your life with me!  You are missed, you are loved, and you are remembered with fondness and joy!

We believe there will be a small memorial service for Deb in Bellevue around October 24.  We will update details about this as they become available.    Christina Fairley Erickson