The Fayetteville Underground

 What did you miss this First Thursday • video by CE Nelson ©2011

Being a part of the Fayetteville Underground has enriched, challenged and exploded my life in so many ways I sometimes think I am a different person than the one who applied for a studio a year and a half ago. Actually, I am a different person—I’m an Artist. I never felt I could totally claim that title before. I just danced around it saying, I’m a graphic designer, or product designer or handweaver. Then I snuck up on it with textile artist, but now I don’t even need the qualifier. I’m an artist. I owe that to the Underground. If you don’t think that is a big deal, you’ll have to trust me, it is.

The back of my studio door • ©2011 Jennifer Libby Fay

The Underground has given me a place to do my work. A space dedicated to experimentation, creation and production. In other words, a room of my own. I love being able to show up and just start. I spread out my fabrics, I paint, I mix, I sew and cut. Everyday is a filled with the joy of getting to do what I really love to do.

And, if that wasn’t enough, and it almost is, every month hundreds of people show up at our First Thursday event who are truly interested in viewing art. I have had amazing conversations with the people who visit my studio. We talk about color and process and ourselves, but sometimes we have those conversations that make life meaningful. We talk about love, and pain and the meaning of it all. That’s what I really want my work to do—to inspire a deeper conversation. Sometimes people want to take that conversation home and they buy a painting or a scarf. When that happens, I am always grateful in a way I can’ t explain—deeply and profoundly, like we are forever connected even though we may never see each other again.

It's your Move • Dye on Fabric • ©2011 Jennifer Libby Fay

The Fayetteville Underground is an extraordinary place. I’ve only told you part of the story here. I’ll save community outreach, arts education, and neighborhood revitalization for another post. Oh, and I want to show you the book I made at a workshop we sponsored.

Like all community non-profit organizations we need your support to continue. If you live in Northwest Arkansas (or even if you don’t) you can help in two ways—by purchasing art from the artists who show at the Underground. Or you can make a tax deductible donation. Either way, we are truly grateful for your support and encouragement. And if you ever want to have a conversation, I’ll be in my studio.

Miracle Nosh

Winter Sunset Scarf • 10" x 72" • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

On the morning of Christmas Eve there was only had one errand left. We were on our way to the Fed Ex substation to pick up the case of wine I'd ordered from Hafner Vineyard, one of our favorite California wineries.

"Do you want to stop for coffee?", he asked.

"What I WANT, I replied, is a REAL bagel, with REAL cream cheese, and LOX with a slice of tomato and some capers. THAT'S what I WANT."

"So that would be a no on the coffee then?"

Feeling instantly terrible that I was once again focusing on what I don't have instead of all the wonderful blessings that fill my life, I said, as sweetly as I could, "of course honey, I'd love a cup of coffee, thank you for asking."

The day went on with it's usual Saturday tasks and Christmas preparations. At about 3pm the door bell rang. It was the UPS guy with a box his arms. We weren't expecting any deliveries so I must have had a surprised look on my face because he said, "Must be a present." and pushed the box toward me. At that moment I noticed that there was a little white sticker on it that said BAGEL BRUNCH.  

No, that can't possibly be, I thought. How weird.

Zabar's Bagel Brunch Gift Basket

Yep, the bagel brunch gift basket, all the way from Zabar's in New York City! Thanks to Julie, Kirk, Eliot and Will for REAL bagels, two kinds of REAL cream cheese, lox and a bonus supply of coffee and rugelach. I had the tomato on the counter and capers in the fridge. It was a feast, I tell you, a miracle feast!

Due to judicious rationing, I'm still enjoying the bagels and every time I take a bite I am grateful for the reminder that miracles do really still happen.

Scarves R Us

Earth & Sky Scarf • 10" x 72" • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

It's all about scarves here at the studio these days. Scarves R Us, you might say. I started making them back at the beginning of November and haven't really stopped. Fortunately I've had some help. My friend Dee came by one Saturday and offered her services. I started calling her my elf. We joked about how we were working for Santa. She made a couple scarves to give as gifts, but mostly she helped, and we had pizza. It was a great day. Here she is at the press.

Dee at the Press • November 2010

By the First Thursday opening at the Fayetteville Underground I had forty scarves made. Dee was there to help, she sold a lot of scarves, including the one she was wearing. I think I rested on Friday—it's a bit of a blur, but I was back in the studio on Saturday replenishing the stock. 

Grey is the New Black Scarf • 10" x 72" • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

I must admit I love the process of dyeing the scarves. I like to choose the colors and think up new ways to create texures and designs. When I am finished painting them they are stiff with dye and thickener. Over and over I think, ugh, these won't be very nice, I must have made a mistake. I take them home, put them in the wash and wait, discouraged, until the bell rings. Why I do this every time I will never know because each time I open the washer door, there they are, colorful, soft, shimmery fabric confections. 

Peach Snakeskin Scarf • 10" x 72" • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

I photograph them, sign them and try to put them out for sale. My friend and fellow studio mate, William Mayes Flanagan, says that to him, his paintings are like kittens, he just loves every one of them. I feel that way about my scarves. Except, if they really were kittens, I might be known as the crazy cat lady. I'm not going to tell you how many I have in my drawer.

Simple Gifts

It Simply Stays Within the Heart • 20"x 20" • Dye on Cloth • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

My mother is very good at the art of gift giving, (she's also skilled in the art of letter writing, but that's another story). When my brother and sister and I were young, birthdays and Christmases were filled with what we really, really wanted: bicycles, record players, dolls, choo choo trains or the longed for latest Nancy Drew mystery. We never got socks or pj's or any of those practical but disappointing gifts of everyday life. My parents knew that presents should be extraordinary, not ordinary, and part of their success was to not over do it—no distractions of excess—you were grateful and content, but never overwhelmed.

I forget the exact time when my family stopped giving multiple gifts to each other, but my mother has continued to show off her gift-giving skills even when she only has one chance to choose the perfect thing. Since I am an artist, the gifts she gives me are often made by other artists: a set of three Shaker boxes to hold my jewelry, a book of woodcuts, signed by the artist, a ceramic bowl she found on a trip to Door County. Each one has meaning and a story, each one is precious.

Six or seven years ago for my birthday she gave me a membership to the National Museum of Women in the Arts. At the time I was working as a product designer and traveling a lot so I wasn't able to make much art. I loved reading the articles and looking at the artwork in the museum's quarterly publication. I would dream of a future time when I could have a studio and make my own work and be a "real" artist like the women in the magazine. Once again my mother had given me the perfect gift.

Fast forward a few years to a couple of months ago and imagine my surprise when Denise Garner, a woman I had just recently been introduced to, approached me and asked if I was familiar with the National Museum of Women in the Arts? "Oh yes," I said, "I am a member!"

Last week the Arkansas State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts held their annual conference in Bentonville. On Sunday evening we were led on a delightful evening walk through Compton Gardens to the observation deck of the Crystal Bridges Museum building site by Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges’ Associate Director. Then we experienced the mind-blowing skyspace sculpture, The Way of Color, by James Turell. That was followed by a dinner of delicious food, wine and delightful conversations about art. It was, in other words, a wonderful night.

 NMWA Artist Reception • October 2010 • photo ©2010 Rob Andes

Sharon Guthrie and I helped coordinate an artist's reception for the conference attendees, so the next day while the Committee held their annual meeting, eleven artists set up their work in a reception room. It was an exciting group of talented women and I was honored to be included. After their meeting, the committee members took the time to speak to each artist, inquire about their work and were generally excited to see such amazing art set up just for them. The artist's were especially pleased to have the chance to talk to Ilene Gutman, development director for the National Museum of Women in the Arts who was visiting from Washington D.C.

As the reception came to a close I realized how blessed I was to be in that room filled with art, meeting great people and making new friends. I couldn't wait to tell my mother about my experience…and just when I thought it couldn't get any better I heard a voice say, "I really like your work, is it for sale?" "Oh yes," I said, "it is!"

Small Accomplishments

Felicity.01 • Dye on Fabric • 5"x 5" • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for The Arts Center of the Ozarks. Readers of this blog will remember back in July I was awarded the Postcard Prize for the Artist's of Northwest Arkansas Regional Art Exhibition by their Visual Arts Director, Leslie Callison, Ph.D. When she asked me to participate in their annual fundraiser, the 8th Annual 5"x 5" Auction, of course I said yes. Artists from all over the area are given 5' x 5' canvas and asked to create a piece of art to donate to the ACO. On the first Thursday of November they have a big party featuring jazz music and delicious food while they hold the silent auction. I have heard that people line up early to get in and bid on their favorites!

I used the opportunity to experiment a bit. I am, as are many textile artists I know, conflicted about putting fabric under glass in the framing, or finishing, process. Behind glass textile art can (but not always) loose the depth and texture that I love most about fabric. Ironically, my recent work, which is traditionally matted and framed, is selling very well…so like I said: conflicted.

Felicity.02 • Dye on Fabric • 5"x5" • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

Since I knew that the 5"x5" couldn't be framed I had to work differently and I was given permission to work differently. This is what I love about challenges, they force me to solve the problems I have been avoiding out of fear or laziness.

I love to stitch, but I haven't incorporated it into my work for awhile—I am especially adverse to putting stitching under glass, although I have done it (yep, still conflicted). Since these pieces would not be framed I decided to get out the needle and thread and enjoy the process. After I dyed and stitched the fabric, uncertainty set in. Should I glue my fabric to the canvas already stapled to the 5"x 5"? Would the glue seep through? Should I back my fabric? With what? In the end I decided to remove the canvas and stretch my fabric around the frame, stapling it in the back. I am very pleased with the results. This little project has sparked ideas, pathways and connections for a new body of work that includes stitching and finishing in the same manner. My debt of gratitude to Dr. Callison continues to grow!

In Other News
If you are in the Seattle (are you in Seattle?) area during the month of October, check out the Shift Collaborative Studio show, Thirteen Underground, that is part of an artist member exchange and features work by members of the Fayetteville Underground, including yours truly.

Move Over

This is a view from where I used to live.

Estero Americano • photo ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

I live somewhere else now.

The New 'hood • photo ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

Last week trucks arrived with the car, furniture and boxes. Even though I have been through this many times before, I felt anxious and unhappy. I got the distinct impression that no one was listening to me. People came and went. They made promises, saying things like, "We'll give you 24 hours notice.", "We're almost finished.", and "Don't worry, everything will be okay." I'm sure they meant well at the time, but later, when the promises proved inconvenient, they made excuses instead.

For awhile I thought I could maintain my usual schedule in the studio and in life but at about 10:00 am on Wednesday I gave up, or shut down, depending on how you look at it. Fortunately my sister, who has moved half way around the world and back, rescued me with laughter and sound advice: "Go slow, breathe, do the best you can."

I am grateful to all of you who come here to read this blog and I apologize for not being able to keep up these days. I promise to write more in the near future…

…or if I don't I'll be sure to have a great excuse.

Calendar Girl

Over Time • Dye on Paper • ©2010 Jennifer Libby Fay

Last year at this time I was sitting in my favorite chair in the living room of our new home in Northwest Arkansas. The laundry was washed, folded and put away, the dishes were clean, the pantry stocked, the meals planned, and I'd recently written or called all my friends and family. I remember wondering if all that was really the reason I was put here on earth.

A few weeks ago I sat in the same chair wondering how I was ever going to get the laundry done, the dishes washed, the pantry stocked, the meals planned, and whether or not my friends and family are still speaking to me.

I've known for awhile that the situation was reaching a crisis point, but I hadn't taken the time to slow down long enough to analyze the reasons why. For me, one of the best ways to get focused is to take a class, so I signed up for the Get Organized class offered by Art Biz Coach, Alyson Stanfield. When, on Day Ten: Maintain Your Calendar, Alyson strongly urged us to try using an electronic calendar, I balked, I complained, I resisted. I have been using my trusty Sun Graphix calendar with the blue leather cover engraved with my initials for twelve years. I love it, it fits in my purse, it isn't heavy and it works—well I thought it worked, but lately I have been writing things in it, but not looking at it, or worse, not writing down appointments at all. Also, when I did look at each weekly spread, it looked pretty manageable to me. I was saying yes to things and then feeling overwhelmed and not knowing why. Reluctantly, but because I had committed the time and money to the class, I decided to take Alyson's advice and try the iCal application that came with my Mac and syncs to my iPhone. I entered all the appointments from my paper calendar. Enthralled by the ability to automatically fill in the repeats, I filled up the year with monthly meetings and weekly appointments. It was actually a bit fun. I printed August and carried it around for a while to see how it felt. The new calendar was pretty and neatly organized but the laundry still wasn't getting done. In frustration, I read the Day Ten notes again—and there it was, the sentence that changed my life: "If tasks take up a significant amount of time (say, more than an hour) add them to your calendar. This will keep you from over-committing yourself." Talk about Aha! moments. That meant that writing the blog went on the calendar, studio time, marketing, finances, householder duties…when I was finished I had a pretty and neatly organized graphic representation of why I feel overwhelmed.

Now comes the hard part because a few activities will have to go—not because they aren't fun, fulfilling or important but because if I really want to be who I say I do, then I can do a lot, but I can't do it all. I suspect September will be about setting priorities and saying no. If anyone has any advice on the subject, I could sure use it. Thank you for reading this blog and for your comments, I really appreciate your time.