The Lakewood Cultural Arts Center is currently showing an exhibit titled "Shredding Precepts: explorations in fiber".  It showcases four artists who are as varied as any group of artists can be.  The curator and one of the artists in the exhibit, Regina Benson, created an opportunity for the artists to share their inspiration, their passion and the meaning behind their art. 

The artist I'd like to spotlight is Emily Dvorin.  Emily is a California artist who has taken basketry to new heights.  Although she has studied traditional basketry for a long period of time, she has reinvented it in her "fine art" pieces.  Her work uses zip ties as the medium for creating amazing baskets.  With the introduction by manufacturers of colored zip ties her work has become increasingly colorful and interesting.

During Emily's presentation you are able to see how she is tied both literally and figuratively to her work.  She's owned and operated a craft gallery for thirty years and is finally moving on to spend all her time in her studio.  She's dedicated her time, effort and energy to continuing the journey referencing basketry and creating a woven spirit between her art and her life.

One of the things I admired most about Emily is that she is truly a public speaker.  She's able to communicate her message to an audience in an inviting, amusing and magnetic manner.  She engages her audience to the point that they become a woven entity unto themselves.  I'm looking forward to what comes forth now that she'll be creating art full time.  It's definitely a shift, but one that has been a long time waiting.

Intrigued...
Greg

coaching artists to create successful and sustainable art businesses