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Nuwandart Gallery * 258 A Street, Suite 2 * Ashland, OR * 97520 * (541)488-4ART

May 2002

Beyond The Surface: Textile & Fabric Art by Konnie May

Nuwandart presents a cornucopia of color and texture with the textile installation piece Beyond the Surface by Konnie May.

May, the primary proprietor of Blueberry Trout, a small artistic clothing store on Lithia Way in Ashland, will transform the Nuwandart Gallery with hand painted silk, rayon and velvet.

"This show will represent work that is different from my regular work as a painter and textile designer," explained May. Generally people view her work on the hanger as a wearable garment, according to May, as much of the impact of the piece comes from the silhouette of the garment as it does from the hand painted material the garment is made of. This show will focus on the fabric itself and the art of creating the material.

"Most of my art comes in the form of painting the material long before it ever becomes a garment." She said. The show consists of large pieces of her hand painted material draped around the gallery to create a feeling of being wrapped in color and texture. She encourages people to touch the fabrics and experience the tactile sensations of working with and wearing it. The show is both challenging and fun for May because generally she creates the material knowing that it will be turned into a garment before anyone sees it. She feels that she'll be able to paint with more intention and purpose in this show.

 

 

 

"Generally my painting is very whimsical, I often just paint what I feel, this show will allow me to focus on doing a large piece that isn't just going to be cut up for a garment right away. I'm very excited about the opportunity." said May. May describes her artistic process as being very similar to that of a potter.

"A potter first creates a vessel, then here is an amount of time before the artist applies the glaze and fires it, thus completing the piece. My work is very similar in that I first create the color of the piece,then must place it into a vessel, in the form of a garment" she expanded. In addition to the raw fabric there will be numerous examples of her available garments. May encourages people to inquire about commissioning a garment with any piece of fabric in the show. This is a policy that she also encourages in her shop, Blueberry Trout, thought few people seem to take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in the process.

In addition to May's work, the show will include some works from other local artists who May has asked to create something with a piece of fabric that she provided them.

"The only stipulation was that they had to use all the material," explained May. "I cant' wait to see what they come up with."

According to May, the bright colors and luxurious fabrics have quite an affect on the people who wear them. It's not uncommon for her garments to improve the mood and disposition of the wearer.

"Who wouldn't feel better wrapped in bright blues, yellows,and greens of silk." she jokes.

The show opened on Friday, May 3rd and runs through the month of May. For more information call the Gallery at 488-4ART.