Comments for Karen Kamenetzky Fiber Art

Comment on A bit scary but very exciting by karenkamenetzky

karenkamenetzky — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:10:23 +0000

Thanks Josie for all your confidence!

Comment on A bit scary but very exciting by Josie

Josie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:01:19 +0000

What an incredible project and opportunity — Congratulations! My first thought: you have at least one piece that refers to maps — mapping memory — and you have referred to your images as “imaginary landscapes”. So this really is such a natural connection for you. I think of ideas of: mapping and sense of place, sense of self, and the mysteries of form and function that make Life possible. Lots of room for juicy metaphor!

Comment on A bit scary but very exciting by karenkamenetzky

karenkamenetzky — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:23:05 +0000

Thanks for your encouragement, Laurie!

Comment on A bit scary but very exciting by Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:14:43 +0000

Just a wonderful challenge! Well done… Am looking forward to hearing more!

Comment on A bit scary but very exciting by karenkamenetzky

karenkamenetzky — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:49:37 +0000

Thanks, Sharon. I worked on the sketches today and am starting to feel the macro/micro challenge coming together!

Comment on A bit scary but very exciting by Sharon Robinson

Sharon Robinson — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:03:37 +0000

Congratulations on the commission. Combining the micro and macro is a fascinating idea. Can’t wait to see how it evolves!

Comment on 100+ Posts by karenkamenetzky

karenkamenetzky — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:43:22 +0000

Your very welcome, Sharon! I like the way you described it as ” an abstracted image that still has a basis in reality”. That fits for me except, in my case it’s sort of my own invented reality. But maybe that’s the case in aby abstracted image. I do a lot of sketching which opens up that channel for me.

Comment on 100+ Posts by Sharon Robinson

Sharon Robinson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:05:56 +0000

Thanks for the quick answer. It’s interesting to hear your comments on abstraction. I find I either do totally abstract geometrical things, or more literal pictorial stuff, when what I want to aim for is more like you describe – an abstracted image that still has a basis in reality. Thanks for giving me something to think about.

Comment on 100+ Posts by karenkamenetzky

karenkamenetzky — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:26:50 +0000

First of all, Sharon, thank you for taking the time to give me such a thoughtful and detailed response!
I’ll try to answer at least some of your questions.
How do I “… use a very scientific subject – cell structures, etc. – as a basis for abstraction.”
A great question and complicated. I sometimes read and look at images of a specific biological process like how water moves through a plant. That leads me to think about the metaphors embedded in that: drawing sustenance, transformation, conduits of change…to brainstorm a few. When I then design/sketch a piece, those metaphors are a big part of the design. It has to work for me on several levels to keep me interested. I also don’t see the pieces I make as purely abstract. There’s always a “story” going on for me and I’m sort of illustrating that story.
To me cellular imagery is chockablock full of shapes and images that can be players in my metaphorical illustration. AND it IS what’s going on on a whole other level of our world!

“Do you deliberately limit your color palette so you will have a consistent body of work, or just use colors you like?”
I mostly use colors I like. I sometimes challenge myself to stretch my palette. Sometimes I fall in love with a dyeing “mistake” and just have to use it!
I’ll try to do more of the “start to finish of a piece” posts. I sometimes intend to and then forget to take pictures…
Thanks again, Sharon. It helps me to have to articulate what goes on in my (strange)head!

Comment on 100+ Posts by Sharon Robinson

Sharon Robinson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:05:50 +0000

Hi Carol, Since you asked -
You are one of my favorite fiber artists, so my first answer to “what do you want to hear more about?” is Everything! But I realize that’s not too helpful. I’m very interested in how you use a very scientific subject – cell structures, etc. – as a basis for abstraction. I come from a more structured discipline as well (architecture) and I am interested in using maps, aerial photographs as a basis for my work. I find it hard to “take off” from reality at some point…
I also really admire your color and material choices so I’d love to hear more about your experiences dying fabric and yarn, like the last post. Do you deliberately limit your color palette so you will have a consistent body of work, or just use colors you like?
I’ve really enjoyed reading about your creative process during the early stages of a piece, decision making, evolution of the idea from the start to finish….

Probably a lot more things I could ask for, but just thought I’d leave a comment to let you know that your blog really is appreciated. Happy New Year to you!

Sharon