I was thrilled to participate in Good Work's May Day celebration at theTextile Arts Center this past Sunday. My afternoon workshop was an occasion to craft fiber 'peace' bracelets to be exchanged with Atefeh Khasand Tara Goodarzy, Iranian environmental fiber artists who I have collaborated with in the past. The goal was to create a kit of braided bracelets that I will send to Iran in exchange for the contribution that these artists made to my exhibit, (Re)Fashioning Fiber, in NYC last May.
Braiding of fiber bracelets with imagery from Iranian artist friends
Participants sharing stories and a love of fiber at the 'Good Work' workshop
Natural dyes provided by jewelry designer, Erin Considine
Prepping the dye vats before immersing the bracelets
Plant dyed fiber bracelets drying in my studio
(These were left over bracelets made by the Iranian artists,
dyed with natural plant dyes in Brooklyn this past Sunday)
'Good Work' worktable at the end of the afternoon.
These braided designs will be added to the dyed kit
of bracelets that I will send to Iran
These braided designs will be added to the dyed kit
of bracelets that I will send to Iran
Photos of the final mailing kit to be sent to Iran will be posted soon. I will also be returning Atefeh and Tara's 'fiber nets' after photographing them in Central Park. I want to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ahmad Nadalian,teacher and mentor to a whole generation of environmental artists in Iran. His work at the Paradise Art Center in Polour is where many of these artists have found a safe sanctuary to work and explore their ideas. He has been a great art friend and collaborator for the past several years. Congratulations also to Tali Weinberg, curator of 'Good Work', for an exceptional textile show and community building experience.
*all photos by Abigail Doan