Fayetteville Underground • Studio 11 • 5/6/10This was my studio on Thursday night. I was prepared for the 800 to 1000 people who attend First Thursday Fayetteville. Every month new work goes up in each of the Fayetteville Underground’s four art galleries and a craftperson is featured in the craft gallery. We host a reception and have open studios. It is an exciting evening—lots of talking and smiling.
(Readers of this blog will be pleased to know that Megan sold three paintings on Thursday night and she was not alone, other artists, including yours truly, sold some too!)
Fayetteville Underground • Studio 11 • 5/7/10This is what the studio looked like early Friday morning. The usually casual atmosphere has been interrupted by a flurry of activity. I received a commission from the new restaurant that is going in upstairs. Hjem (pronounced yem) means home in Norwegian and will feature Scandinavian influenced food and a casual yet elegant style. We can talk about the food scene in Fayetteville, Arkansas another time, but just know that this will be a welcome addition…
The restaurant walls are brick, the floors wood and there are lots of windows. That’s where I come in. I have been asked to make fabric panels to frame the windows and some yardage that will be made into a roman blind. The panels are about 13 feet by 2 feet and there are lots of them.
11-13' x 2' Fabric PanelsThe studio is overflowing with fabric and tools and activity.
7' x 2' marbling frame
I built a frame to hold the marbling fluid. When I say I, I mean Michael, the building manager who happened to walk by as I was taping the two by fours together (don’t laugh, it would have worked) and offered to hammer in some nails for me. His payment, a six-pack, has been delivered.
To marble the panels I need help as well, so Camilla, beautiful wife of above mentioned restaurant owner, agreed to assist. We can do three panels at a time—there are 11 in all—because that is how much hanging space I have.
Setting the dye with a heat press
After the panels dry the dye is set with the heat press.
Only part of each panel is marbled, I’ll show you what happens next when we meet again.
Until then, think BIG.
Chinese
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Russian
Spanish
I really enjoyed seeing the work in progress! Can't wait to view the final product. I think maybe the heat press they use in this video is in order, don't you? http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/05/behind-the-scenes-getting-down-and-dirty-with-pirates/
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your big night and your commission. The process looks pretty wild to me, but the results so far are amazing. Can't wait to see the finished pieces.
ReplyDeleteOMG I am so excited by your project...I've done large fabric commissions for restaurants but it's been years(another lifetime) since I had thought of them. Your post is bringing all of that experimental tingle back to the fore...thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteHappy sales to you JFay!! and like Susan...I too cannot wait to see the completed panels. ELEVEN...how fab is that!!
Congratulations on your sales AND on your commission from upstairs! What a great opportunity (and challenge)!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your commission Jennifer. I like how you take us from the Open Studio to the process that takes place within the studio. I'm especially taken with the heat press. Will you show us more?
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and encouragement! It really helps to know you are out there. Now I am back at it...more to come.
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