Creative Perspectives with Ferne Jacobs

This small group workshop will be for anyone who has taken beginning fiber techniques previously. Those who have learned weaving and off-loom fiber techniques from other teachers are welcome. The intention is for students to be working on a piece of their choice or starting one from scratch. The group will discuss creative approaches for pushing the piece forward and each person will receive individual attention.

Ferne will work with students for the day, advancing the skills from various techniques the students have already learned. Basic technique will not be taught. Discussion and exploration of the creative process and development of forms will be the focus, expanding the technical knowledge already gained.

Students will provide their own materials.

The workshop fee is $125.00. Limit of 9 students.

Parking: Since most of the parking in the area has a two hour limit, the most convenient option is to pay to park at the Beverly Connection less than a block west on W. Third Street. Handicapped parking is available behind Freehand.

L’Merchie Frazier

Fiber artist L’Merchie Frazier uses her art to tell African American stories.

Archival images and video courtesy of Classic Image / Alamy, GL Archive / Alamy, Historic Collection / Alamy, Science History Images / Alamy, Zip Lexing / Alamy, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, City of Boston / Produced and Directed by Rashin Fahendej, L’Merchie Frazier, Carolyn Mazloomi, bornreadyfilms / Pond5, Jesse Brown Cook Scrapbooks / University of California, Berkeley Library, Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection / UCLA Library Special Collections.

Gordon Parks series

Artist Bisa Butler‘s quilt portraits based on Gordon Parks’ photographs. Bonus video from the EAST episode.

Images courtesy of ©The Gordon Parks Foundation, DogPhonics / Pond5, Bisa Butler / Mark Bunger photograph, LIFE_Picture_Collection / Pond5.

Graham Ebner segment

We meet bootmaker Graham Ebner in Austin, Texas, where he crafts bespoke cowboy boots. He uses traditional bookmaking techniques paired with his creative and original style to tell stories through his custom, high-quality boots. Segment from WEST episode.

Cary Schwarz segment

Saddle maker Cary Schwarz demonstrates intricate leatherwork processes, and keeps the traditional cowboy arts alive by engaging with his community. Segment from the WEST episode.

Hawaii segment

In Honolulu, Hawaii, we are introduced to Native Hawaiian artists who are committed to keeping indigenous practices alive through their work. These artists and institutions include culture bearer and fiber artist Marques Hanalei Marzan, feather artist Kawika Lum-Nelmida, the Poakalani quilters, the Bishop Museum, and the Hōkūleʻa ocean voyaging canoe. Segment from the WEST episode.

M&S Schmalberg segment

Adam and Warren Brand show us around the last remaining fabric flower factory of its kind in the country, a fourth-generation New York institution called M&S Schmalberg. They use the same methods to handmake flowers that were used when the factory was established in 1916, keeping the art alive in the 21st century. Segment from the EAST episode.

Helena Hernmarck segment

Surrounded by nature in her studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Helena Hernmarck weaves wall-sized tapestries designed for modern, architectural environments. She takes inspiration from nature, her life and other artists, collaborating with artists from the United States to Sweden, where she grew up. Segment from the EAST episode.

Bisa Butler segment

Fiber artist Bisa Butler creates remarkable quilted portraits that tell stories of African American life, taking inspiration from historical photos and family history. Segment from the EAST episode.

Hawaiian fiber practices and feather work

Culture bearer Marques Hanalei Marzan talks about the knotting and cordage practices that were used for nets. Feather artist Kawika Lum-Nelmida and Zita Cup Choy, ‘Iolani Palace historian, talks about the kahili, feather standards in the King’s and Queen’s Bedroom. Bonus video from the WEST episode.

Images courtesy of Hawaii State Archives, PP-96-11-004, BlackBoxGuild / Pond5.