Shape of Things to Come
It all started when Cynthia Farrell Johnson, a painter, met Sharon Keyser Jackson, a fiber artist. Each admired the work of the other. They mused about the possibility of doing a joint project some day. A little over a year after that initial conversation, they hit upon an idea. Johnson would create four designs and Sharon would interpret them as tapestries. Johnson invited longtime friend and an extraordinary quilter, Lezetta Moyer, to join the group. The next artist drawn into the project was Johnson’s sister, Betty Farrell, an accomplished knitter who has collaborated with her sister in the past. When Desiree Sterbini, who does exquisite oil pastels, heard about the project, she wanted to join. Wanting to find a way to bring a three-dimensional artist into the mix, and remembering a doll exhibition they had seen at Sandy Spring Museum, the group invited Sherry Burton Ways to join. Altogether their work celebrated the many ways that artists express themselves. The titles from each of Johnson’s original paintings formed the common thread.
In Full Bloom
Gouache: 8" x 8"
Acrylic: 20" x 20"
When we are filled with hope, we flourish and are once again In Full Bloom. And In Full Bloom one can rise, taking full control of one’s destiny.
Balm in Gilead
Gouache: 8" x 8"
Acrylic: 20" x 20"
A Balm in the Gilead of creative expression is one way to deal with the challenges of life. Balm in Gilead, a medicinal plant of the Bible, has been used since ancient times to promote healing.
Hearts and Minds
Gouache: 8" x 8"
Acrylic: 20" x 20"
Through it all, no matter how difficult the challenge, one must never forget to speak and act both from the heart and mind. If one lives using Hearts and Minds, then the shape of things to come will be much more harmonious.
These titles held a different meaning for each person. The goal was not to copy Johnson's initial design, but rather to express the meaning each one held for the artists. The titles, colors, and moods inspired these artists’ derivative works in unique ways.
This is the shape of things to come. If we are to create something new, we form creative collaborations. It is the best way forward.
The artists who participated in this exhibition were:
Betty L. Farrell, Fiber Artist (knitted works)
Sharon Keyser Jackson, Fiber Artist (appliqué & beadwork tapestries) (http://skcreations.com/)
Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Painter (gouache & acrylic)
Lezetta J. Moyer, Quilter (fabric & beadwork)
Desiree J. Sterbini, Pastel Artist (http://www.dezsterbini.com/home.asp)
Sherry Burton Ways, Creator of Mixed Media Art Dolls (http://www.facebook.com/SankofaStudio)
Out of Kilter
Gouache: 8" x 8"
Acrylic: 20" x 20"
Out of Kilter is a reminder that things fall apart, require attention, and need maintenance.