I am a felt artist currently living in Perth, Western Australia. I was born in The Netherlands in a region well below sea-level and, for better or worse, I learned at an early age to keep my head above water and stand tall. In 1985, at the age of 23 I moved to Australia and …

This week’s Friday Fibers Roundup looks at material knowledge and how some artists and schools are putting materiality first. 1) The exhibition WOMEN EMPOWERED: Fashions from the Frontline, features items worn by prominent activists, politicians, artists, athletes, academics, and everyday unsung heroes. On display at the Cornell Costume & Textile Collection (New York) through March …

From its inception, 122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders was about people, and how cross-cultural dialogue and the purposeful act of making art based on this dialogue could weave a tapestry of commonality. For artist Anne Labovitz, the project’s architect who is a native of Duluth, Minnesota, and lives and works in Saint Paul, communicating …

Native Fiber brings together a stunning variety of work by contemporary Native American fiber artists from throughout the Great Lakes area. Under these artists’ hands, Indigenous fiber art traditions are both maintained and advanced, communicating timeless stories and addressing modern themes. The show is on display at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts …

The Innerweave lace paper series is part of a collaborative project between papermaker Bridget O’Malley and printmaker Amy Sands of Minneapolis, MN, which their art explores the interplay of print, paper and image. Their work was featured in Surface Design Association’s Winter 2018 Journal “Family Matters: SDA International Exhibition in Print.” Below Amy and Bridget …

Remember summer vacation where you could stay up way into the night reading a good book, and nothing mattered except that very moment? A residency is like a creative stay-cation or artist camp, only without any counselors or clipboards. Each day is centered on the work that you are passionate about. It’s also about restoring …

This week’s Friday Fibers Roundup features a mix of articles focusing on weaving, specifically basket weaving and the techniquest, artists, and exhibitions surround it. Access to sweetgrass key for artists at Maine Indian Basketmakers Holiday Market “Access to Sweetgrass key for Artists at Maine Indian Basketmakers Holiday Market” spotlights Micmac Donna Sanipass’ spectacular, detailed pinecone …

From smart dresses to beading on Vans, this Friday Fibers Roundup has a great mix of articles on how traditional fashion is remixed. 1) This video shows how Native American fashion designer, Charlene Holy Bear blends Vans (the popular skate sneaker) with her heritage of hand-beading. 2) “Researchers Build a Smart Dress to show how …

Surface Design Association is excited to announce “Family Matters” our Winter 2018 International Exhibition in Print. Juried by The Jealous Curator (Danielle Krysa) and Elizabeth Kozlowski, this exciting edition features artists from 6 countries including Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, and 15 states in the US. As Elizabeth states in her Editorial, “Each …

What an amazing year it’s been for Surface Design Association! We welcomed our new Journal Editor, Elizabeth Kozlowski (what an amazing job she’s done!), published 4 stunning Journals, and had multiple exhibitions throughout the country. Let’s take a look back at all the wonderful artist opportunities that happened in 2018: “Pattern” Spring 2018 edition of …