PJ Shows at TACtile in Denver, CO

My work "Melia Caribe" is on display at TACtile - the Textile Arts Center of the Rocky Mountain Region now through March 20th.

The show is titled: '' Holes & Knots: A Modern Interpretation of Lace". See innovative examples and modern uses of this fiber reality in clothing, accessories, home décor, and unique expressions of artistic style.

TACtile is a non-profit arts center, focused on sewing, textiles, fiber and fashion arts. It is modeled after the Textile Center, a national center for fiber arts in Minneapolis, MN.
(I have also exhibited there!)

The show in Denver features traditional and contemporary fiber and is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Lace Guild. While my work is hardly lace in the traditional sense, the open lattice I build into the felt does have a compatible feel to lace.

There's lot's to see - check it out in the southeast Denver location of Tamarac Square at 7777 East Hampden Avenue Suite #114. The Center is located inside the mall atrium, lower level, at the opposite end of the theaters by Rodney's. Call 720.524.8886 for show days and hours or please call me in my studio at 719-539-6382 for directions or any information. - PJ

Inside the Process - Part II

Last time, I shared some of the mechanics of making felt and what a challenge it is to get the fibers to come together so they create the finished size and "hand" that I want. Long before I get to that point though, there's a whole process needed to get the white wool roving dyed in the many colors I use. Dyeing is part chemistry, part art and sometimes, pure alchemy!

And, color choices don't stop once the raw wool is dyed and carded. Color blending and layout are the next parts of the process of making a Network Tapestry™. Most of the time my inspiration comes from the raw colors in my mind’s eye. After dyeing many hues, I pick several that, at first, look like they have nothing in common and perhaps can even be a bit jarring together. The challenge for me is to arrange them in a particular way throughout the tapestry where the colors end up complementing each other.

What is most satisfying to me is to watch the reaction of people when they first see my finished work. Even though we each may see elements of the piece in different ways, what’s key is that the tapestry allows us to share in a very personal conversation. Knowing that my work generates a reaction inspires me to keep on searching for new textures and colors and ways to communicate. - PJ