Where does one go to explore unknown territories in art? Whidbey Island, of course.
Sui Generis and the Goosefoot Community Fund are sponsoring a slide lecture series called “Crossing Borders: Artists on their Art.” The series is being organized by local island artists Danielle Bodine and KeKe Cribbs in order to bring nationally and internationally known artists together with area art enthusiasts to discover new explorations in a variety of mediums.
The series will take place at the Bayview Cash Store’s Front Room and begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, with Seattle glass artists Ethan Stern and Kait Rhoads. These artists will discuss their glass blowing, etching and design techniques.
Ethan Stern said of his work, “It was not until I started attending the Pilchuck School of Glass in Stanwood that I started investigating engraving and carving glass. This process opened the doors for me to pull together elements of color, form, pattern and texture to create a unique voice within the material.”
Kait Rhoads writes: “Before I worked with glass I studied painting for six years, during which time I further developed a love for color and pattern. For me, glass is a wonderful material to work with; it is extremely plastic and it is also possible to make work with strong, vibrant colors that will never fade.”
Art lovers are invited to join these glass artists following their talk for a reception and showing of their work at MUSEO Gallery, located on 215 First St. in Langley.
Next in the series will be Humaira Abid, a sculptor from Pakistan. She will speak at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14.
One of a very few practicing women sculptors in Pakistan, Abid will speak on her work for which she uses woods indigenous to her native Pakistan, including the dark-colored sheesham and lighter deyar and pharwan.
“I like wood very much and I use the hardest wood available, sheesham, just to experience the maximum challenge. The wood complements my forms, which are very contemporary. When I look at common images I find hidden perspectives and connections with emotions and relationships,” said Abid.
Abid’s visit is sponsored by the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association.
The series continues at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, with Whidbey Island watercolor artist Lee Wexler whose lecture is entitled “Fenced In: Remembering the Japanese Internment Camps.”
Wexler will discuss Manzanar, a Japanese Internment Camp located in California from 1942 to 1945.
Wexler developed his paintings after spending time with Amy Uno Ishii, who spent time as child in Manzanar.
Wexler will also be showing a short documentary film, produced by Bainbridge High School students, on the relocation of Japanese Americans from Bainbridge Island.
Fiber artist Layne Goldsmith finishes the February lectures with two slideshows.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, it’s “Fibers: Second String or Agent for Change?” Then the same day at 3:30 p.m. she speaks about “Comfort, Beauty and Survival: Carpet Weaving in Kathmandu Today.”
As an artist, Goldsmith risks the bridge of “what happens if…and charts the path to what is possible.” She works with Tibetan weavers in Nepal and with two partners has formed a design and production business, “Dorje Contemporary Carpets, LLC,” with production facilities in Kathmandu, Nepal and Gangtok, Sikkim.
A $5 suggested donation at each lecture benefits Sui Generis, a non-profit organization offering youth art apprenticeship programs. Sui Generis is presently in the planning process for an arts production and education center on Whidbey Island. Goosefoot is also a non-profit organization whose mission is preserving and enhancing the rural character of Whidbey Island through projects that support the local economy and promote learning and community.
The series continues in March with talks by Danielle Bodine, KeKe Cribbs, Ronald Ho and Alicia Lomne.
All lectures take place at the Bayview Cash Store’s Front Room. Call 321-4145 for further information.
Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.
