now & ZEN

This was my 4th mention in the press this fall!

There were a few misquotes, but I am just thrilled with the write up!  I’ve been so busy I don’t have time to drive the bus anymore. Supporting myself as an full-time artist is a dream come true!

I’m now offering silk painting workshops in my studio with all materials included for $35.  Why not give wonderful hand-painted silk scarves for holiday gifts this year? Book your space now by emailing me at nd@nancydorian.com

I decided last fall to move the studio to the house. That way I would save a ton of time and money by not going back and forth all the time. When I was here … I always needed something there and vise versa. Not to mention cheaper rent and besides it helps get the laundry done when the studio is next to the washing machine. Well … you know how moving can be. Some of us sail right through it and everything is set up in a day. Let’s just say I’m not one of those people. We moved the studio in late October and by December I decided I had to have that area of the basement sheet rocked to give it a more inviting feel. So, I enthusiastically jumped into that project (quite possibly to prolong the unpacking part of the process) and took progress picture as I went. Now that it’s April I am finally getting around to posting them. I’m telling myself it’s not because I’m stalling on unpacking the studio, but that might have something to do with it. If any of you artist type people out there are anything like me, you have so much stuff to make stuff with …. that it’s hard to get organized enough to make stuff. But, alas, the desire and need to “make”  is becoming overwhelming and soon that studio will be ready to roll! Who knows … maybe I’ll even do a few mini-workshops here!

Yay! I’m getting there!

That’s right folks .. there I am dumpster diving!!  I have been experimenting with dyeing with rusty objects.  It is sooo cool.  You find a bunch of stuff that will rust and lay it on your silk, add a little vinegar and voila … beautious fabric.  The reaction time is as little as 24 hours.  I didn’t think this up myself.  I had heard of it from reading about nuno felting with Polly Stirling.  This process was used at one of her retreats.  I can really see myself doing workshops on dyeing with found rusty objects.  Stayed tuned for a workshop near you.

So anyway, I did a few tests to find out what I liked and didn’t like and then did a body of work that reflects what I came up with.  Still not sure what these fine silks will become.  Something flowy and layered no doubt.

Doing this has triggered a whole theme of dyeing silk with objects from the Mill River in Haydeville, MA.  A dam broke up stream and washed away a brass foundry in 1874.  I spent the better part of a day last summer collecting items from the river that are obviously from the ruins.  But that’s a whole other blog post!

One of the most exciting thing to happen to me this year was having my work featured in Preview Massachusetts, a local magazine put out by the Valley Advocate.  Every month they showcase local retail talent in the “window shopping” section and my work appeared in the October issue.  The hand painted shibori dyed poncho and nuno felted string scarf are but two of the many items that emerged from the now & ZEN studio at eastworks this past year.  It is in part due to the retail exposure there that has really helped my work take off.  AND don’t forget to visit Snow Farm during the next 3 weekends in November to see my fiber art in person!

Been busy this past week getting ready for the sale at SNOW FARM in Williamsburg, MA.  Many fine artist will be offering their wares for 3 weekends in November.  I’m honored to be in the company of such talented people as Josh Simpson and Luann Udell. For more info and directions click here.          

Artists’ Seconds Sale 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday:

 November 14, 15 and 16

November 21, 22 and 23

 November 28, 29 and 30

It’s a great place to get all your handcrafted holiday gifts …. and a beautiful place to visit.  Hope to see you there.

now & Zen rated a mention in the business “People” section of our local daily paper here in the Pioneer Valley recently. Which is kind of cool, and I was happy that they also mentioned Benji’s Boutique on Nantucket and the local galleries at which one can see (and buy) my work.

– nancy

i’ve been working like crazy this month

trying lots of new things
tried my hand at using water soluble gutta

AND … the shibori bug has got me

so much new stuff to try, so little time …

The Big 5-0. But smiling, and making art.

Since moving into my new studio … everything has been everywhere.

You know … when you move – can’t find anything, stuff covering all the surfaces, parts of things all over the place.

well … actually its like that all the time. not just when i move

but ….. i did start to paint again

just rolled up my sleeves and did it

feels good to be back

… that my blog knows what day it is.

Testing. Bleagh …