Fingers as Feather Stitch

Maira Kalman

My rigid heart, Maira Kalman 2005
silk and cotton thread on linen & cotton
49 1/2 x 19 1/2”

I have been a fan of Maira Kalman's work ever since she illustrated the David Byrne / Talking Heads song "Stay Up Late" as a children's book. My interest in her work was re-ignited when Penguin Books sent me a complimentary copy of the illustrated edition of The Elements of Style. I noticed how Kalman's work had mellowed and matured from those angular, 80's ways, and I fell in love with it all over again. Imagine my excitement when, in 2005, she began embroidering.

Kalman's first museum show is currently on exhibit at the Skirball in Los Angeles. I happen to be in L.A., so I didn't want to miss an opportunity to see her work in person -especially her embroideries. The above is my favorite. I wish I could have taken a photo of it, or could find a more detailed version online, because what she has done to depict a net over a woman's face is what I enjoy most about the piece.

Maira Kalman
Various Illuminations (Of a Crazy World)
@ The Skirball Cultural Center
on view until Feb 13, 2011

Related:
The Principles of Uncertainty
And the Pursuit of Happiness - New York Times blog
Julie Saul Gallery

Mary Woodring's Barking Dog

Ní beithíoch ionnraicthe é, by Mary Woodring

My good friend and fellow stitcher, Mary Woodring, sent me an email the other day with what she's been working on. I asked her if I could share it with my readers. Here's what she said about the piece:

It's an homage to my neighbor's dog, the barkinest dog in creation. The title was suggested by my sister Nora, who lives in the basement apartment downstairs in the same house as the dog: "Ní beithíoch ionnraicthe é," which means "It is not a natural animal, it is a monster." It is 7 3/4" x 9 1/2", white glow-in-the-dark thread on black muslin. And that's not just a random bunch of stars! Jim suggested I do Canis Major.

Mary's piece is part of an upcoming show curated by Pamela Davis of Mucho Design:

Dwelling on the Past
@ Twilight Artist Collective
4306 Southwest Alaska Street
Seattle, WA

Opening Jan 13, 6-9pm
show hangs Jan 13-Feb 7 2011

Related:
Jim Woodring Embroidery Patterns
Glow-in-the-dark thread

WIP - Drawing

I have begun work on the drawings for my solo show at Galerie LJ in Paris next September.