Twisted Textiles

I’ve been meaning to write an entry here about my good friend Jennifer Zingg and her gourd art…and just today she sent me a link to a newspaper article which features her work! So I thought, what better time than NOW?

As a person who is getting over some sort of “issue” with using bright colors, I really can’t get enough of the intense colors that Jen uses in her gourd art. And these ain’t no birdfeeders, either. We’re talking SERIOUS sculpture, here…
Out of GOURDS.
Gourds and paint. (And a bit of clay.) That’s what you’re seeing in these photos, people.

You probably already know that I’m crazy about using odd materials to make art. But Jennifer takes this to the extreme with her chosen medium—she is awesome at it, she really knows her stuff, and she makes it look easy. If you ask me, she blows away the competition. Not only are these sculptures breath-taking and masterfully executed, Jen’s work is backed by an incredible passion for life and for her chosen subjects. Be it animals, people, or her new Mosaic series, her energy is always present in the final result.

The Courier-Journal newspaper (Louisville, KY) did an article featuring Jennifer’s work, and there’s even a short audio interview. Also read about the artwork that she’s donating to “Art for the Animals” and find out where/when to attend the event!

At her personal website, you can find information about the classes she’ll be teaching (including children’s workshops) and news about her studio in Frankfort. Plus–photos, photos, and more photos of her work!

Now the silly part… (C’mon, you didn’t think I would forget the SILLY part!)

Jennifer graciously brought me this palm tree “husk” that she found while visiting Florida, and I’m beginning to transform it into a wearable piece of art. The husk is in one piece and swoops up in back of my head. It’s very “She-Ra”-like, but is also not very easy to move around in. (Even tougher to dance while wearing it, but it’s doable.)

I plan on adding leather scraps and possibly some dangly-gourdy-bits here and there. While taking some photos, we felt it was necessary to incorporate lots of earthy, primitive props into the scenery…hence, the sorta “gourd-worship” look achieved here.

This photo shows the husk fairly well, but I will probably edit some others to add to the collection in my Imagekind gallery. (PS: Yes, Jason also did the make-up!)

I’ve got some wicked-awesome photos to share with you! Some of them feature art that I’ve created, and some of them are just plain wicked all by themselves. Once I figure out which ones I like the best, (and maybe tweak a few in Photoshop) I’ll be posting them now and then. This photo above has a tiny bit of Photoshopping done to it—essentially I’ve changed the hue and cropped it. Credit for the remaining “awesomeness” goes to the talent of the photographer (I’m speaking of Jason, of course).

According to the Free Dictionary: Definition of Avant-garde

Actually, I’ve got a long way to go on this particular ArtDress, but I couldn’t resist sharing an “in-progress” photo of it!

What I’m doing is taking A LOT (a garbage bag full) of seeds and fluff from milkweed plants, and I’m sewing it between clear plastic to make a quilted material for this dress. I’m so anxious to get it finished, but should probably go get some cheap face-mask air filters from the hardware store—it’s quite messy, and using a handkerchief over my nose to keep me from breathing in all the fluff just isn’t working well enough.

(In other random news, I’ve discovered that fried potatoes with lovage, garlic and shrimp is goooood. It’s a strange combination, but I think it works together in a wonderful way. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous.)

“Now With New Shapes and Colors!”

(Seriously…that’s what the dogfood bag says.)
I honestly think I’m addicted to making these.

If you have pets (dog, cat, horse, birdfeeder, etc) that you buy feed for,
and will let me have the bags from the food,
Please let me know and I’ll pick ‘em up!

“The Whole Family Will Love It!”

While typing the title for this post, I accidentally typed “udderwear”…which is a completely different topic altogether. Perhaps one day I will make high-fashion garments for all the sophisticated and fashion-conscious cows out there—but not today.

This is another OBG (meaning Oldie But Goodie, not Open Bottom Girdle) from years gone by. Why, I remember as if it were yesterday…Sitting on the living room floor of my boyfriend’s apartment, sorting through piles of worn-out socks and underwear that he was planning on throwing out. Sometimes I get strange ideas and they turn out to be wonderful. This was one of those times.

Since the cotton from socks and underwear is very stretchy, especially when it’s worn, I had to use copious amounts of iron-on interfacing as a base. After cutting apart the undies to make them lay as flat as possible, I sort of “collaged” the pieces together on top of the interfacing, using the dress pattern pieces as a guide. Then I simply cut the pieces and sewed them together as I would when making a “normal” dress. I used some of the waistbands from the underwear as edging on the collar and sleeves. I also made a pocket with one of the, um, fabric pockets inside the mens underwear…which turned out very cute!

This piece is currently in the Address and Redress exhibit with two of my other works;
the Safe Release Hat
and the Dryer Sheet Dress.
This is the last week for exhibit, which is located at the Gloria Singletary Gallery in Lexington KY.

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