A VISIT TO THE GREEN MOUNTAIN RUG HOOKING SHOW IN VERMONT

It is good to be back up in Vermont. I was able to view works at the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Show in Essex Junction, VT, the town where I grew up. Old and new friends were there and a dinner out led to discussion about rug hooking and its place in the art world.  

Here are some of the works that attracted me along with why:

I. C. U. by Liz Alpert Fay

The size and content of this piece fit well together. I felt like I could walk right into the woods. The flowers (26), the gun against the tree, the birds and the appearance of eyes in the trees all led to thought about the artist's statement with this work.

"Coriolus" by Anne Cox

I like the way the lichen on the edges of the work appear to be creeping up on the mushroom fungus in the center. The geometric background is in juxtaposition to the organic mushroom and lichen shapes.

"Red Brussel Sprouts" by Anne Cox

The red brussel sprouts seem to be escaping from between the middle and top leaves on the left and marching their way around all of them. The reds, purples and imperfect leaf shapes seem inviting to me and the whites are enough to break up the red/green color scheme yet not detract from it.

"Portuguese Fishing Village" by Francine Even

I like the solid use of geometric lines. Vertical, horizontal and diagonal all work together. I had a clear feel of what the piece was about before reading the title. The bold red is surrounded on top and bottom by the soothing color of the water. Made me want to visit this little fishing village.

"I, Magician" by Mariah Krauss

This piece is all about light.  The blinding glow of the crystal ball lighting the subject's hands and face, placing all else in the darkness of the background. I felt a sense of mystery. What does the magician see in the crystal ball?

A work done for a rug hooking challenge by the Rug Hooking and Fiber Crafts group of Sharon, VT

The sharp angles in the shapes grabbed my eye. While the woman is clearly the subject this is emphasized by the triangle pointing clearly toward her. She looks clearly engaged in her activity. Reminiscent of Picasso's "Jacqueline with Flowers". (Please contact me so I can give credit if you are the artist or know who the artist is).  

"The Tower" by Michele Micarelli

The winding cone shape of the tower, the flames rising, the water splashing, the sky swirling. A clear depiction of the action of destruction. The hand like appearance of the water adds a menacing feel, yet the bright blue in the background seems cheerful behind all this chaos. Is there hope beyond the chaos? 

"Quiet Beauty" by Kris McDermet

A peaceful feeling always envelopes me when viewing a kimono work. I like the shape of this work along with the way the weight of rug hooking and braiding fit together. The curve of the water flowing through the work along with the curves of the florals led my eyes throughout the piece. 

There were many more pieces at the show.  I regret not showing more, but hot spots from the lighting at the show occurred in many photos preventing my placing them on the blog.

I hope those who are unfamiliar with hooked work are inspired to try their hand at this art form.

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN RUG HOOKING SHOW: HOOKED IN THE MOUNTAINS XVII

 I was hanging halfway out the window to get this shot of a fire hydrant sculpture as we drove through Shelburne, Vermont.  I've photographed it before but still love it!

I am up in Vermont and had the chance to see the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild's show on Wednesday.  Here are a few of the many pieces I saw with a short mention of why they attracted my eye.  There were some lighting issues with the camera shots, so some of the works may not be accurate in coloring.

Close-up of a portion of "Just Around the Bend" by Rae Harrell

This piece is all about color and movement.  Pure joy!  I like the black and white sections mixed among the bright colors.

"Ship Figurehead" by Dale Young-Wheeler

This reminded me of the days my parents took me to Shelburne Museum when I was a child.  I always loved the building that held the figureheads from ships.  They look so majestic.  It just brought back great memories.

"Passion" by Kris McDermott

The combination of rug hooking and braiding is extremely well executed in this piece.  It just brings out creativity and makes me want to try something new.

Close-up of "Words of Wisdom" by Emmy Robertson

The lettering on this was crisp and clear and the sayings on it make one think.  Anyone who rug hooks can appreciate the time that went into all that lettering.

"Guardian" by Jennifer Davey

The eyes on this are piercing, yet the greenery and florals around the face give a softer feel to it making one feel safe.  The name fits the piece.  

"Gee Raff--Eye See You II"  by Cyndy Duade

I really felt emotion from this.  There is a sadness to the eye that really hit me.

"Two Faces" by Donna Lee Boudoins

Are these two different people or two sides of the same person?  The piece just brought out questions for me.

"Abstract Ottoman 2"  by Mary Lee O'Connor

My feet would be quite happy if I had this ottoman in my living room.

"For All We Have Under the Sky"  by Sue Burton-Kelly

This cheerful seaside scene reminded me of summer vacations on the coast.  The figures look as if they are jumping for joy.

Section of "Birches II" by Jen LaVoie
I just wanted to be in this scene when I saw it.  I like how the shadows on the bottom act as a pathway into the rest of the artwork. 

"Aries Woman" by Mariah Krauss
There is a real glow to this work.  I get the feeling of wires and electricity running through this piece and bringing it to life.  Mesmerizing.

"Vaulting I York Minster"  by Roslyn Logsdon
The lines, the arcs, the patterns, the shadows.  Architectural features turned into art.

"Solitude" by Karen Miller
I like the mixed-media in this work. It is as if you are sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of coffee looking out your window with a fantastic view of the water.  A calming piece.

"Three Graces" by Rachelle LaBlanc
I kept going back to look at this piece.  It has an angelic, etheral quality.  There is a delicacy and innocence, yet I kept thinking maybe they are sharing a secret the viewer doesn't know about.  A peaceful simplicity with a storytelling effect.

"Butterflies are Free"  by Peg Irish
This piece actually waves (you can get a sense of this in the shadow) bringing the feeling of flight to the depicted butterflies.  The top butterflies extend beyond the border of the work giving the viewer the sense of their flying away.

"Lady of the Lake" by Sandra Grant
Lots of texture as if this bird has had his/her feathers ruffled a bit while catching that fish.  The textures pop out quite a ways from the background giving a real sense of roundness to the bird.

"Andy's Barn"  by Natacha Liuzzi
Just loved the colors and the depiction of the vertical and horizontal aspects of the barn siding against the rolling look of the land and sky.

We are all different and various things draw us to certain pieces of art.  Color? Texture? Emotion?  Memories?  Next time you view a piece of art try to find what drew you to it and have a great day.