The Climate is Changing!
By now, most people have heard stories about global warming. However, a new international juried show provides 50 artists from around the world with a chance to illustrate this challenge for our times. Using the ancient techniques of felt making in new ways, the selected artists contributed both two and three dimensional works as reminders of the disappearance of precious natural resources. Perhaps the reason I connect with this show lies in key themes of my own Network Tapestry™ - sunlight, water and forests.
Loaded with tantalizing photos, the catalog from "The Climate is Changing" marked the opening of a touring show that has just moved from Prato (Tuscany) in Italy to Germany and then on to the UK in March for the balance of 2011. For me, seeing the energy, vibrant colors and political commentary embedded in these felted pieces provides great inspiration. Wanting even more insight, I checked out a short video documentary from the show's first stop at the Museo del Tessuto, which displays one of the richest textile and fabrics collection in Italy.
Italian fiber artist Lydia Predominato writes in the catalog "Felt, breaking free of the barriers of material and technique becomes an artistic expression able to speak for our times".
I look forward to exploring this show in detail and welcome feedback from other felt makers on how our art can be used to stimulate discussion and action on other important themes.
The future is felt!
PJ Bergin Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist
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