If you follow my work - you will know of my fascination with the color blue. As a swimmer and a sailor, the ocean blues appear regularly in my work.I love to hand dye my blues – either with cold water synthetic dyes or with traditional indigo dye pot. It all comes down to the subtle variations I can achieve by hand dying my threads, and then weaving them in a fluid progression.
The 56″ 8 H work horse!
Shuttles at the ready.
This month I have been busy with the weaving of a series of large panels of these gradated blue linens. There is almost an unspeakable beauty about this progression of blues, from deep to pale.These panels are about 4′ by 6′ - and will ultimately hang side by side to giving the viewer the feeling of a wide oceanic horizon.
EVIDENCE is “the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.”
No surprise, this word is currently part of our political climate.
Just back from a month long sojourn in warmer climes, I laid out and examined the “Small Parts” that I created while away – examining the evidence of my own life.
Leaf with Blue Hole
These little works of art- the woven shells, embroidered leaves and netted horseshoe crab shells – are physical objects that are evidence of a period of contemplation and curiosity.
But these concrete things are really a gateway to the unseen, the invisible.
This winter, I am away for a month, renting a small bungalow in the Florida Keys. On this trip I decided to test the idea that limiting one’s tools, materials and palette has a way of forcing new paths of creativity.I intentionally limited my “art bag” to a few materials and supplies. I brought drawing supplies, water colors, and a sketch book. I brought some embroidery threads and a bunch of bobbins with indigo dyed linens, needles and scissors. Thats it.I have always believed that to make art, I do not need to have elaborate equipment or materials. My teaching mantra has been “any solid object can be a loom.”Years ago, during a solo residency on a White Island (off the coast of NH), I tested this theory and built looms out of driftwood, found ropes and other flotsam.So are I am again, testing this idea, opening doors to new ways of making art.
Horseshoe crab #1
These little weavings and embroideries are a small part of a larger story: my curiosity about the invisible mysteries of life, the infinite wisdom of the natural world and the beautiful potential of each moment.This collection of works is titled “Small Parts” in reference to the idea that we are all small parts of a larger Universe.
I have been a weaver for more 49 years. No matter how many threads I have spun, dyed and woven ….each time I sit at the loom there is a sense of “rightness.” The action of throwing the shuttle, beating it neatly into place and then doing it again and again……..row upon row, thread by thread. This feeds my soul.This linen fabric will be washed, rusted, bleached, embroidered and who knows what else.There is something sacred about this process of creating cloth from beginning to end.If you want to see a large collection of my work – please visit my show at Maine FiberArts in Topsham ME.
Wide washes of the deep blues and purples that I love can be seen everywhere in my garden. The irises, Centaurea Montana, violets, lilacs and lupine are all bursting forth. Ahhhh, June – perhaps my favorite month.EXHIBITS:
I am playing with rust dyes, aging weathering my woven linens – making them appear old and worn. These experiments are a natural outgrowth from “Well Used, Well Loved.”I recently “downsized”my 56″loom. I removed 8 harnesses and the dobby system. You can read about this on my Macomber blog.These delicious long June days offer time for art explorations, gardening, outdoor play and reflection.I hope wherever you are you are finding the same.
After the coldest spring I can recall in decades, we finally have the delicious days of spring that we dream of all winter. Not only are the buds luscious and full, but my calendar is ripe with shows, new art and other events. Here are the highlights:
“Each One:The Button Project, a 9/11 Memorial” is on exhibit at the September 11th Museum and Memorial. I was finally able to visit the museum last month.
In the studio, I am exploring new works, weaving, stitching and dyeing. More images and updates will follow soon!
I am back from a five week pilgrimage to southern India. This is my third trip to Tamil Nadu, each time I feel a deeper connection to my own heart as well as the heart of the world. Even though I visited many of the same temples, the same ashram and the same villages – my heart and my eyes were opened anew.Back home in my studio I feel a stronger connection to my creative voice and vision. I know without a doubt that the depth of my connection to truth, love and reality while in India is playing out in my art work.
Sketchbook: A quiet time with the ashram cows
An invesigation of impermanence has captivated me for a decade and driven my two most recent community art projects. This awareness of impermanence is part of a Hindu’s daily life – and makes the present moment so alive and expansive.So here I am home….with a heart that has had time for deep reflection as well as being broken open by the devotion and love of these beautiful people. I have a wide horizon of time to create, to make new art and give voice to these new stirrings in my heart. Stay tuned for works in progress and continued reflections on this trip!
The Ashram weave shed where they weave shawls and saris
The quartet from the community art project “Well Used, Well Loved.”
A couple of weeks ago I completed the four panel series from “Well Used, Well Loved.” (WUWL) The outer two panels are woven in a brocade weave with miles of shifu – paper spun thread with text from WUWL participants. The center two panels are hand dyed and woven linen with embroidery and a red shifu thread couched on to the surface.It has been photographed — with a bit help help from Photoshop – because it as too wide for one shoot! The whole piece measures 12′ wide by 6′ tall.
“Well Used, Well Loved.” detail of two center panels
I have a commitment to exhibit the entire project in a wonderful gallery – stay tuned for more details!With the completion of this project, I inevitably have my eyes on my next endeavor. Having been an artist for well over 4 decades, I know that one piece of art leads to another. In this case – the project “Well Used, Well Loved” has got me thinking about subjecting my own woven cloth to more “weathering” before embroidery. So that’s where I am headed right now – to weave some cloth — then heavily wash it, bleach it, pound it, burn it and put some pieces in the garden for the winter!
Woven brocade cloth inserted into old door.
Each project or piece of art pulls me further on the path of exploring and expanding ideas, pushing the materials and medium of weaving .And then sometimes I get an opportunity to look back at my art — and see a continuous thread of inquiry. I recently gifted an older piece (1974) to a dear friend. This piece titled “Come In” shows early evidence of my curiosity about weathered works.
“Come In” detail Woven brocade cloth inserted into old door.
I am back home from a month of sailing on the coast of Maine.
Witness at Merchants Row
We have a 30′ sloop named Witness – actually she is the third boat named Witness that we have owned. For over 30 years I have sailed these waters with some awareness of the connection between sailing and observing/seeing.
August sailing journal
But this summer, after four weeks of living aboard, I think I finally “got it.” What I came to understand is that these weeks have been literally about just seeing – observing and witnessing.Prior to heading out to sea I packed a pile of drawing supplies, three journals, paper to write on, to draw on and paint on. I packed paper to spin along with my drop spindle. I packed needles and linen thread. I packed scissors and a knife. I packed several books to read. I also packed a small iPad with headphones and the reference guides to the energy work I am studying. I was prepared to be busy and fully occupied.
Shifu spinning at sea
It quickly became clear the the muses of the ocean had other plans for my time and attention. When we were under way, either by sail or power, I used my full attention to navigate our course. A few times when we were at anchor I was able to draw in my journal or the ship’s log to document our cruise. Twice I used my spindle to spin paper into Shifu thread.But for the most part either by choice or design – this past month I spent my time just looking. I observed the waves, the tides, the wind direction and speed, the motion of the lobster buoys, the seaweed, the porpoises and seals, quahogs and smooth granite ledges.I heard the cry of an eagle, the huff of a harbor seal, the thwack of the halyard and the hum of an outboard motor. I smelled rotten fish, dewy evergreens, stinky boots and diesel fumes.
Vinalhaven sunset
But mostly I saw the beauty of the natural world that my heart was thirsty for.I saw a deep connection between my husband and myself.
Thru the eyes of a puppy
I saw life through the eyes of a puppy.I’ll admit it is really wonderful to be home where it is dry and warm. And it’s wonderful to be back in my studio with room to make art. But all this feels deeper and richer for the past month of simply witnessing aboard “Witness.”
Summertime in the the studio - I am weaving the last two panels for “Well Used, Well Loved.” When these 40″ by 72″ panels are woven I will embroider on the surface using Shifu thread as well as embroidery floss. Balanced with this indoor studio time, I am spinning more paper and drawing while sailing or traveling. I continue to post on Instagram (sdhaskell) and my Facebook page (Sarah D. Haskell).
Weaving yardage for WUWL embroidery
Last Spring I stepped away from teaching to focus entirely on my studio work and community art projects. This shift in focus has offered me the opportunity to compete several new pieces and to bring some closure to “Well Used, Well Loved.“ I continue to guide a few Mandala Community Waving project for local venues. No surprise to my art colleagues — my website is the last frontier to get any attention and an update.
Portsmouth Pride Mandala
This blog posting is just to say — hang on — it’s coming. Please watch for an updated gallery with many new images. Plus a redesigned website to reflect my redirected attention.
I believe that there is something powerful and energetically uplifting to the color blue – which is an odd contradiction to the musical or emotional blues.Just look at this horizon – this layering of turquoise, aqua and periwinkle just slays me.Indigo blue has been the foundation color for most of my artwork for well over a decade. Not only does this color have deep historical and cross-cultural roots – to me it has a time honored and innate wisdom.Tomorrow I head back home and I am eager to dive back into studio work. There’s something about being away that lights a fire in my creative juices. I’m rested and renewed, filled with fresh ideas and more clear on themes and pieces that have been on my mind for months.And yes — there will be more blue. Aqua, ultramarine, teal, indigo, navy, robin’s egg and the rest of the blues will keep me smiling.
Sitting in the brilliant sun, lap top in my lap (how ironic) in the waiting area of a windshield replacement shop – I am feeling grateful for small measures. I am glad that I wore a t-shirt today – it’s hot here. Life offers multiple opportunities for gratitude – and I’ll certainly step into this simple gesture right now.There are a many of other things I am grateful for as well – and that’s where this blog post will go.1. “Each One: The Button Project: a 9/11 Memorial” has been invited for exhibit at the September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City! The curator Jan Ramirez reached out to me this winter – and the piece will travel to NYC for exhibit from March until September. I’ll post more information when the details are settled. Thanks to the City of Portsmouth NH (who owns the piece) for graciously loaning the work to the 9/11 Museum.2.“Well Used, Well Loved” my current and on-going community art project is in a winter phase – meaning I am germinating ideas and closure – even though there appears to be not much happening on the surface. Check out the blog link to learn more about this long term community art project that focuses on age, beauty, attachment and impermanence.
Detail of new art with Shifu embroidery
3. Pecha Kucha is a local presentation of 10 area creatives who each get 20 slides for 20 seconds each image. I will be a presenter this week – February 23rd. 7:30 at 3S ArtSpace My topic is “Across the Divide: community art in turbulent times”. It’s free, it’s local and it’s creative. Hope to see you there!4. New art – Last month I was an artist in residence at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson VT. For an entire month I had the space, time and opportunity to focus on my work. In preparation, I spent time last fall weaving works that I hoped to complete with embroidery and other details during my time at VSC. I was able to complete two large works as well as 5 smaller pieces. I hope to have these news works up in my gallery soon.
Shifu paper prior to cutting and spinning
5. The process of making thread from paper – Shifu - continues to fascinate and motivate my work. The act of writing or drawing on kozo paper – then carefully cutting it into strips and spinning it into thread has held magic for me for over a decade. Most of my current works employ this thread – so each piece has some hidden text or image embedded into the cloth. This technique is also an easy way for me to include the thoughts, images and words of others into my work. And this work is portable – when I travel for the next month I will be taking my drop spindle and papers to spin.
Many of the things I love to do (gardening, weaving, sailing, walking) are a slower route of travel or creating.I’ve found over the years that this more measured or deliberate path offers an expanse for self reflection. This self review is also a pause – a way station, a layover from my busy world.I am writing this post just two days past the Winter Solstice. The Solstice is a time when planet Earth stops — pauses in its movement around the sun. As someone who tries to lives close to Nature – I find myself mirroring this pause. I pause, I wait and I witness.In my chosen medium of weaving there is a huge element of patience required. Weaving is slow, methodical and the work in progress cannot easily be viewed until competed. This past week I removed a piece that has been on the loom for three weeks. This is always a moment of apprehension — will my design and my effort be what I had hoped for? What I envisioned?
Sinking House #2 – work in progress
When I removed this warp — I as not disappointed. This piece will still get some embroidery and embellishment — but this foundation is all that I had hoped for. Now I pause, contemplate my next steps on this piece.Next month I head to the VT Studio Center for a whole month’s retreat. I received a partial fellowship for this experience – and boy do I feel blessed!! Along side my work on the “Sinking House” and “One of Many” series, I will also be working on my “Well Used, Well Loved” project. I will be posting images and updates on to my Face Book page as well as Instagram — so please keep checking!
As a weaver for over 40 years, I am well acquainted with patience and perseverance. To create my artwork requires massive amounts of both of these attributes.I believe that by following this pattern of consistent and steady work I not only create strong and weighty work, but my personal character and my artistic vision are strengthened. The rewards for this path are never immediate – but they do show up (think of the turtle in the Tortoise and the Hare fable).
Journals and towels from WUWL
“Well Used , Well Loved”(WUWL) my on-going community art project is one such pathway of persistence and patience. Currently this project is in a nesting phase. This resting is perfectly aligned with the seasons. We are about 3 weeks away from the Winter Solstice and the word Solstice comes from the Latin for “sun” and “to stand still”. My latest WUWL blog post explores this period of creativity – this time of pausing, a fertile suspension of time and effort.Winter has always been a deeply reflective and creative period in my life. This winter will be no exception. I’ve been working on a new series currently titled “Sinking Houses” - expanding on images that I sketched out last fall during the first waves of the European/Syrian refugee crisis. I am weaving several pieces that I will bring with me when I go to VT in January. I have had the good fortune of being a recipient of a fellowship to the VT Studio Center for one month! I will have a whole month to embroider and embellish these pieces.
When words become thread – text becomes textile. This is a process that has captivated me for over a decade. I recently wrote a blog about my current community art project “Well Used, Well Loved” that is grounded in this process. Please visit he blog to see and read more!
Sometimes there are so many loose ends that it is hard to know where to begin.
Shifu threads, spun and unpsun
This summer has been a season of intense family highs and lows and as a result my art work has taken a backseat. Here it is October, with many loose ends left from projects, news to catch up on plus a shift in my professional and creative focus.
Mary Louise Williams Haskell
Where to begin? Perhaps a word about my personal transitions. This June I lost my dear Mother, Mary Louise Haskell, who died on June 19th just days shy of turning 95. I had been one of her part time caregivers for over 2 years, living with her and sharing the challenges of growing old. Her passing has left a large space in my heart.In September our son Robin married his long time sweetheart Becky. My husband officiated the ceremony in Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH. The reception was held in our backyard with a New Orleans style band. Creating an environment for 150 people to gather, celebrate, eat and dance was a huge effort and joy!
Oh happy day!
Shifu spinning is so portable
Well Love and Used towels, journals and shifu papers
Work in progress: One of Many #2
For a few years I have reduced the amount of time I spend presenting school residences and workshops. This year I am officially stepping back from teaching. HOWEVER - I will always be an educator and my arm might be twisted to do a special project for your school or community. This shift will allow me to focus on my community art projects such as “Well Used, Well Loved” plus my own creative journey. Check out the project blog to learn more. Currently I am working on a series I began last Spring – continuing to explore the human form in silhouette, stitched on to my hand dyed/woven indigo cloth. I am grateful for every day – thank you Universe for this amazing life!
“Thank you Letters” is a community art project that is on-going. This means that I use it as a platform to engage people in conversation about gratitude. The project is made of 26 hand embroidered letters on plastic net lobster buoy flags. Sometimes I ask people to spell something that they feel thankful for. Sometimes I spell words myself.I am just back from a wonderful 3 weeks in France – where I used the flags to spell “Merci” (thank you in French). I took these flags around my travels and photographed it in a variety of settings. My favorite is at Charles De Gaulle airport security in Paris. My bag was being searched and inside the bag was the string of Merci flags. I asked the agent to hold the up so I could take her picture…and she was quite happy to do so. What a HUGE contrast to the attitude of our TSA officials here in the USA.
Happy beautiful New Year to all!I LOVE the month of January – it is a time that feels unencumbered by holidays (apologies to MLK) and the weather often shuts down the frenzy of modern life. This is a time I hunker down in the studio, dig deep, inquire within and seek fresh solutions to old sticky habits. This fall has been particularly busy with my part time care-giving for my 94 year old mother. I am away from home and studio for two full days a week – thus portable art work is vital to my creative health.
“HELP” Letter H Fire
My current portable project is titled “HELP”. It is a series of 4 panels of white hand-woven linen – actually a re-purposed piece from the 90′s. Each panel has a hand sign for a letter (H-E-L-P) and each panel has an illustration of one of the 4 elements ( fire, water, earth, air). The inspiration for this work grew from the emerging refugee crisis and the relationship of this crisis to climate change.I’m still working on this project – but feel ready to share the first two letters – H and E.
“HELP” Letter E Water
On January 6th I will launch “Well Used, Well Loved” a community art project that explores age and beauty. I will put out a call to participate on that date – seeking 8 households (individuals or families). Check out the project blog to learn more!May you all enjoy a healthy and happy year ahead!
The eight custom made journals by Whimsy Scribble arrived today! They are an absolutely perfect match for the hand towels. I am so pleased!All the pieces of the project are now ready to go – but I will wait until the busyness of the holidays has quieted down to launch the project. My launch date is now January 6th. I’ll be doing an email blast as well as posting on -Twitter #wellusedwellloved @sarahdhaskellFaceBook Sarah D. Haskellproject blog at www.wellusedwellloved.blogspot.comI am looking for 8 households to adopt a towel and be willing to participate in journaling for the duration of the project (6-9 months). So if this interest you – stay tuned and be ready to speak up on January 6th!
