Yes, we're back!
Following a little summer hiatus we
are happy to be laboring under a veritable backlog of beauty, as you
will see by scrolling downwards. This post will feature several more
items than actually appear on our card, so continue on for October
Surprises, particularly in Jewelry and Textiles.
And of course, our artists have outdone themselves, as always.
We have also just posted some important and exciting news pertaining to the online shop, so please see the post prior to this one for all that information.
Please enjoy!
FINE WOOD FURNITURE
& VISUAL ART
A combination too seductive to ignore, this lovely Northwest artisan-crafted
sycamore bench looks right at home beneath one of Mark Bowles'
glowing acrylics. Once we noted the two together,
we couldn't feature one without the other!
From locally salvaged wood, the artist has carefully combined
raw nature with clean lines for a contemporary look that
is highly sought after these days. The jaunty yet rustic bowtie join,
quite literally, ties it all together.
Here's a closer look at those lovely, undulating edges:
For more information on Mark whose work, so reminiscent of abundant
Central California landscapes, we so greatly admire,
click
here to go to his online Gallery shop page.
The subject of our current Gallery Exhibition Patterns in Plexi, Irene Yesley has
presented us with more of her incomparable artistry. The range of
techniques and styles, including her use of monotype and paper with layers of plexiglas,
is most impressive; we highly recommend a visit to the Gallery
to view these new works by a truly special Bainbridge Island artist.
Irene is also featured in an exhibit that has just opened at the
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Thought Patterns,
550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, Washington.
For further information about Irene, please view the previous post on this blog,
which discusses more about the artist, her work and recent/current shows;
or click
here to visit her pages in our online shop.
TEXTILES
What a lovely way to ward off the cold of winter!
These fine knitted wool and silk "Ponchettes", with
snappy tassels and casual styling, are just the ticket.
Just toss over your head, and off you go. They are soft and stylish,
easy to dress up (for example, with the shown orange silk batik
little shibori silk scarves) or keep casual, over a shirt and jeans.
They are also available in other colors.
We welcome Bobbie as one of the Gallery's newest artists.
Here's a little something about her:
Bobbie Sumberg began knitting at seven years old and has been involved
with textiles ever since. After a five-year stint raising sheep,
spinning, dying, and weaving, she returned to school and received
an M.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1993 and a Ph.D in 2001.
Research for both these degrees in textile studies was conducted in
West Africa. She has also done research and traveled in India, North Africa,
Turkey, and the Middle East and held the position of Curator of Textiles
and Costume, as well as Curator of African Art, at the Museum of International
Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico for fourteen years.
She has authored Young Brides, Old Treasures: Macedonian Embroidered
Dress, Textiles: Museum of International Folk Art Collection as well as
co-authoring the book Sleeping Around: The Bed from Antiquity to Now and
has published articles on her research and on collections at the Museum.
Please check Bobbie's page in the online shop
here
for further information or to see other available colors of
these delectably cozy capes.
We love Carol Lee Shanks' work, as you may have noticed
if you follow this blog. And why not? Her styles are always
eye-catching and avant-garde, yet she is able to add a
functionality to each piece that allows them to take you from
daily wear to high fashion with a tweak here or an accessory there.
Brilliant!
This ensemble, for example, is breathtaking. We don't like
exaggeration, but this really is something to behold: In dramatic tones of autumn
browns with a metallic gleam and red/orange undertones, the fabric is crisp and
holds its pleats. With a pair of walking boots and your favorite friend,
this amazing outfit would take you directly to the opera.
So dramatic, and typical of Carol's work, more of which may
be viewed right
here.
Oh, boy. This one is fun.
From our wonderful Spirithouse line and its creator, Katrin Noon,
comes this new addition to the Gallery, a terrific zip-front jacket
with collar that can flip up or lie flat, and can easily convert to
double duty as a top over leggings or pants.
It shows as very dramatic when zipped all the way up, which gives
it a high-collared, faux-turtleneck look; then add a scarf or necklace.
But we particularly love the styling on the back, with its
gentle pleating - such a pretty additional touch by a skillful
artist/designer. Visit more of her work
here.
Not to repeat ourselves, but we must: if you follow this
blog at all, you know we LOVE the shibori genius of Carter Smith.
And we are happy to announce that we have another selection of
his small and medium scarves available once again in the online shop
here,
most of which qualify for free shipping. For an even greater selection,
please call the Gallery or just wander in when you're on the island; there are
always a few pieces that don't make it onto the website.
For more information on this great Shibori Master, see one of the many
other posts here on the blog where he is featured, or visit his
page (
right here) in the Gallery's online shop. While you're there, do
take a gander at the magnificent clothing this incredible designer creates,
more of which are available in the Gallery.
Another artist we can't get enough of!
Our latest shipment of Amy Brill's fabulous knitted tops, sweaters and ponchos
has just arrived in the Gallery, and we're working like mad to get them up
in the webshop. These are so interesting, stylish, wearable, fun,
fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes, and really look good on everyone.
They are also wonderfully priced, so think GIFTS!
One of these would make a beautiful and functional present for a
special someone.
(Oh, dear, and look at the date - almost time for holiday shopping!
Sorry to bring that up, but... YIKES...)
For a fun and colorful visual feast, check out all our available
pieces from Amy
right here.
GLASS ART
What were we just saying about gift giving... oh, YES, that's right.
Time to start thinking.
Well, think no more: We'll make this easy.
For gifting to your favorite glass lovers or simply as lovely accents
on your own Thanksgiving table, these handblown tumblers
will bring together that festive look we all shoot for at this time of year.
And these colors - the amber, teal and apple green are at the
very heart of an autumn color palette.
They are available in a range of colors, such as lime, salmon, aqua, topaz,
purple, orange, green, cobalt, yellow and ruby. Please give the Gallery a call if
you don't see the color you need online
here; if we're out of stock in particular
colors we can special order for you, but please check early for the holidays.
For more information about these excellent artists
click
here to visit their pages in the online shop.
CERAMICS
The Gallery welcomes local ceramic artist Mark Ferris and his
pottery, known for beautiful form and wonderful markings, in this case
created from horsehair. The artist refers to his technique
as "naked" raku, so-called because the clay is unglazed.
Here are a few of the artist's own words about his craft:
I have been working with clay for about 10 years. My passion is
exploring the
earthier, natural look of the pottery tradition. Each
unique pot is hand-thrown
in symmetrical forms, generally trending
toward the pottery and style of the
American Southwest. My current focus
has been exploring the smoke firing
technique called Naked Raku.
Currently, I have been working with smoke or carbon firing. This
technique
challenges me to explore the depths of this complex medium. My
goal is
to create one of kind pieces that challenges the medium’s
depths but also
my creative energy.
You can visit Mark's page in the online shop
here.
JEWELRY
My, my, my.
Virginia outdoes herself every time, something we have come to expect,
long for and admire, but this stone - Gorgeous!
The large focal stone is an extraordinary piece of pink kunzite. At first
glance the pink is bashful and elusive, but when the right light catches it a pinky-rainbow
of subtle color presents itself. Virginia has paired it with a milky, glowing old
African trading bead and bulky chain, and frankly, all we can say is
whether you wear it with an evening gown or a potato sack,
no one will notice the difference.
(Officially, however, we do NOT endorse the wearing
of potato sacks.)
This one has also just arrived - a familiar style of
Virginia's in recent years - and features a number of little treasures,
including pearl, silver, mother of pearl, lodalite and labradorite (drool).
(This looks great with the Carol Lee Shanks metallic swirl
autumn brown ensemble, by the way.)
More of Virginia's incredible jewelry appears
here.
Well,
that should do it for right now. We'll be back in November with many
more suggestions for holiday gift giving and wearing or, of course,
simply wonderful items for you and you alone.
If you'd
like to have our Newsletter Alert card mailed directly to your inbox
please send a note to us at sr [at] theislandgallery [dot] net, and
we'll put you on our mailing list. This will also assure that you
receive first notice of exhibitions, sales and concerts, as well as our
other occasional features. (Don't worry, we only do mailings about
twice a month, so we won't stuff your inbox.)
Have a ghastly Halloween, enjoy the lovely cool of autumn, and we'll be back before Thanksgiving!
