This issue:
• In Living Color Exhibit- thru July 31
• Featured Artist Spotlight: Betsy Meyer, textiles extraordinaire
• July 15- New podcast with Kenn Kotara
“In Living Color: At Home With Paint, Paper and Thread” is at Artsville at Marquee Through July
It’s time to add a little color to your life and your home! Choose your favorite color explorations with abstract paintings from Karen Stastny, woven thread with found treasures from Betsy Meyer, and transformative collage from Michelle D. Wise. Retro Pop art with augmented reality animation from Daryl Slaton and mixed media and fiber art from Louise Glickman remain on display.
Featured Artists Spotlight: Fiber Artist Betsy Meyer
Unconventional tapestries carefully woven with repurposed fabrics are Asheville-based artist Betsy Meyer’s specialty. Betsy deconstructs and dyes discarded fabric and garments, and combines them with hand-spun yarn. The materials used in her artwork had a colorful past before finding a permanent home, and a future, in her vibrant creations, now showing at Artsville Collective at Marquee in the River Arts District until July 31. Betsy’s story tells of her adventure with textiles. Written by Jenna Eberhardt.
[SHAC]: Tell us about your inspiration for the work in “In Living Color: At Home with Paint, Paper, and Thread.”
[Betsy Meyer]: I am inspired by the colors and textures of the fiber I use in creating my abstract tapestry weavings and believe we benefit from having colors we respond to as an integral part of our lives. “In Living Color” is my North Star. I just love being surrounded by the colors I find in nature and use them as the basis for my work.
[SHAC]: Where do you envision your artwork finding a home?
[BM]: I believe the personal connections people make when they view my work speak to their inner spirit and they have just the right place for their choice; perhaps a special spot in their home or office. These original tapestries are also interesting when they are installed as collections in corporate spaces, elder living compounds and even hospitals.
[SHAC]: How has your artwork changed through the years?
[BM]: At first it was torture; too many opportunities to make grievous mistakes. I decided weaving was NOT for me. This changed in an instant when I stumbled upon a new weaving studio that opened near me and I learned about the Japanese philosophy of weaving! There are no mistakes, only happy accidents!
As a beginner, I wove traditional, horizontal pieces with color and texture creating a story but that was way too boring and I developed my own quirky techniques. Ever curious, I experiment with all kinds of ingredients that lead me down many paths…all of them fun!
[SHAC]: What is a piece of advice that you would give other emerging artists?
[BM]: My advice to emerging artists is to follow their hearts and let their art take them on the journey. That is one tricky feat to accomplish!
Betsy’s Website: https://betsymeyerart.com/
Instagram: @betsy.meyer
July 15- New podcast with Kenn Kotara
Kenn Kotara talks about his mixed media art, focusing on his Braille collection, and conversely teaching the visually impaired to make art. Including origami! Learning braille to hammer dots as a communication device led this artist to a better understanding of sight as these cells become compositional patterns. His positive story encourages all of us to see more clearly and create with courage.
Sand Hill Artists Collective 