New York, New York

Thank you for all the comments about my work. Reading them makes me smile :)

Art supplies

I love living in Greece, except for when I need art supplies....I can't just run down the street to AC Moore, like I did back home..ughhhhh. so every time I go back to the US,  I bring back the whole store!  ohhhh  the joy of walking in the craft store! I lose control!  completely!! I savor every minute of all the hours I'm in there.

Why am I writing all this? I'm almost out of white gel pens and I'm being stingy in using them.

'' The Secret ''

My most challenging woven piece was this cape.'' The secret ''. It was a very emotional piece to create, it's story is based on a little girl's living nightmare that she had to endure for years.

It took me over one year to complete. I hand dyed over one thousand threads and after I wove the cloth, I further embellished it,  by freehand painting, embroidery and bead work!

My passion for textiles

I was very fortunate as a child to grow up surrounded by art and textiles. Both sides of my family would knit, embroider and weave their own cloth, so it was only natural of me to follow in their footsteps. I'm proud to say that I'm a fifth generation self taught weaver!

I became so obsessed with weaving and dyeing my own cloth, that I would hardly sleep! Of course there was a price to pay since weaving is one of the most labor intensive crafts and hard on ones body, that after twenty something years of weaving,  I developed and had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome... so that was part decision I had to make in taking a long break in weaving.

A few years ago I began teaching workshops on shibori, marbling and silk painting, here in Athens. I was preparing to teach a class on printing on cloth and paper and that's how I got into a new direction with my work. Instead of cloth I started experimenting on paper and canvas. So here I am!!

New prints on Etsy

Listed a couple of prints on etsy this morning. I really have to organise myself more with my shop... ugghhh

I will go over some of my techniques in my next post. Have a great Monday my friend :)

My name is Joanna and I'm addicted to Art

Ok, holidays are over, husband left for Libya this morning, and it's time to get back to the studio. I'm real anxious to get ready for my show this Spring. I plan to show small paintings and some assemblage pieces. I still need to figure that one out.

I've been painting on small canvases so far 9.5 x 11.5 and I know my gallery is going to ask me to go bigger and I'm kinda nervous abt that..what do you think?

Welcome 2010 !!

Dear friend,
I wish you a very Happy New Year, full of love, happiness, and most of all creativity!! Don't be afraid to express yourself artistically and otherwise, and let your needs be known.
My wish for this year is to grow as an artist and explore more techniques, have success in my art exhibitions

and a little trip to Milan wouldn't hurt either :)))  hint, hint...