04/17/11

ARTIST STATEMENT

"I have spent the greater portion of my life working to help the environment through teaching, research, and lecturing, both nationally and internationally.  I am now devoting myself full-time to conveying environmental messages and themes through the visual arts, including stained glass, fibers, sterling silver, recycled materials, silk, and photography; and through teaching and guest lecturing on the subjects of environment, sustainable living and voluntary simplicity.

 In 2006 my felted sculptures “Nurturing the Earth” were featured in Lake Superior Magazine, Living: Superior Catches “New Crafts, Old Traditions.”

 I have won several state-wide art competitions and was featured along with Diana Randolph in the Jaques Art Center in Aitkens, MN.  My work was selected by former Lt. Governor Lawton for a solo exhibit in Madison, WI, and has also been selected for numerous juried art shows.  I am a member of Chequemagon Bay Arts Council, the Superior Artists’ Gallery, and the Bayfield Artists’ Guild, where I am a board member.

My work can be found in fine galleries in northern Wisconsin as well as on the Superior Artists’ Gallery website."

Click on image to enlarge

Silk scarves:  These 100% silk scarves are hand-painted and printed with a woodcut stamp hand-made by the artist.  Each stamp depicts the flora and fauna of the Lake Superior Watershed.  See below for sizes, descriptions and prices.

Quill jewelry:  This jewelry reflects the delicate foliage of the watershed area, such as wild asters, daisies, black-eyed Susans and for-get-me-nots.  The flowers are made by the process known as quilling, which dates back to the 1500's, and involves bird quills used to twist, bend and shape each piece of fine cut paper to form the flowers.  Many of the pieces incorporate recycled office paper.

Photography:  These photos are an example of the diversity of the watershed landscape, from the Penokee Mountain Range to the sandy beaches of Lake Superior.  The riot of colors in the photographs reflect the crimson autumn foliage and the azure hues of the rivers and lakes of the area.

Sun prints:   These sun prints are made with weeds and grasses from the watershed area.  They are laid on cloth that has been hand-painted on the surface and set in the sun.  The sunlight then "imprints" the cloth with the shape of the flowers, weeds or grasses.  Each is hand-made and individually unique.

Pictures and description of products:

Scarves measure approximately 8" by 54" and are 100% silk.  They come in red, green, teal, orange, blue and blended multi-color.  They are hand painted and stamped using a woodcut made by the artist.  Price $42. 

Quill jewelry:  Pendants measure approximately 1" by 1-1/2" rectangle, are silver plated with 3 flowers.  Price $35.  Smaller pendants measure 1" by 1" square, are silver plated with 2 flowers.  Price $30.  Quill jewelry is resin cast to protect the delicate design.

Photography:  Colored photos are 8" by 10" for $25.

Sun prints:  Have a metal frame that stretches 100% silk fabric.  6" square $20.  Each unique reflecting grasses, foliage and/or weeds of the area.  Colors:  green, red, teal or multi-colored.

To Order email (firelightmeadows@yahoo.com).  All items are assessed 5.5% sales tax and can be found at the Bayfield Artists Guild and other fine galleries in northern Wisconsin.  The artist is seeking fine galleries and quality shops to distribute her work.