Back at home

Fall leaves on hand-woven linen

I am back from a transformational trip to the hills of northern Georgia. I had the good fortune to be selected as a fellow to The Hambidge Center in Rabun Gap, GA, where I was an artist in residence for 2 weeks.While I was at Hambidge I was able to complete “Now” Letters by Hand” – a 22 month project using the American Sign Language alphabet as a platform for inner reflection. This project is a 13′ by 3′ installation – so a photo of the whole project is a bit of a challenge. I will be posting a link to a  video link soon.En route to Georgia I stopped at The Bancroft School in Worcester, MA. I spent a day working with the Middle School to complete an installation for the school entry way. Here we all are at the end of a very successful day, sitting underneath the prayer flag installation!

Bancroft School installation

Now back here in Maine, I am diving into new projects as well as connecting with continuing projects. My favorite season is approaching – snow season – when I can settle inside my studio, warm and cozy while the snow piles up outside.Be sure to check out my Face Book art page – Sarah D. Haskell – and give it a thumbs up! Thanks! 

Now: Letters By Hand

Now: Letters by Hand

Now Letters by Hand An illustrated Inner Life26 letters stitched on antique linens over 22 monthsProject initiated in Tamil Nadu, India ~ January 2014.Completed in Rabun Gap, GA, USA ~ November 2015. Watch a video of the installation  

Georgia on my mind

Hambidge Center

I’m off to Georgia! I will be at The Hambidge Center in Rabun Gap, GA this month for a 2 week residency. I am SO excited and pleased to have this opportunity!

Installation materials

As I travel south I will stop for a one day workshop at The Bancroft School in Worcester, MA. Working with the Middle School, I will guide the creation of an installation for the school entryway portico. We will use marine buoy flags, ribbons with messages, wire, zip ties and markers to create a colorful and positive way to greet everyone as they enter The Bancroft School campus.Then I will drive south taking 4 days to travel to Northern Georgia. While down there I will be working on the series “Now” Letters By Hand”. This past month I wove ten yards of white linen to mount this alphabet on to. I also plan to hike, draw and just be available for new ideas and fresh insights. This is truly a gift of time and space.I almost to forgot to announce – I have been selected as a finalist for the NH Charitable Foundation’s Artist Advancement Award. Feeling happy and pleased!

eight woven, two to go

ten yards off loom

Putting it out there

My current artist statement:

The rhythm of hand weaving soothes me.

The meditative, rhythmical process of weaving unlocks my dreams, dissolving boundaries and opening my eyes to a wider vision. On a plain weave grid combined with hand stitching and brocade inlayed threads, my work explores the notion that we are simultaneously alone and part of a larger picture. I use hand dyed indigo colored linen warp threads as a foundation that contrasts with brilliantly dyed rayon weft threads. After drawing or writing on Japanese Kozo (mulberry) paper, I hand spin it into thread and then I weave or embroider it into the foundation fabric. While my process is methodical and measured, my message is open-ended with layers of questions and discovery.The imagery of house/home maintains a strong presence in my work, referencing safety, refuge, comfort and a nurturing environment. These pieces include a body shape within the house. Upon closer inspection, the body is actually a negative or empty space, implying our transient status on earth. Through metaphor and imagery, I attempt to comprehend and illustrate impermanence and loss, an inevitable part of our human livesThread by thread, weaving and embroidery move at the pace of my breath: supporting my desire to be more mindful of the present and sustaining my ability to make art that investigates collective longing and universal struggles.

Warm days. portable art

Summer in Maine goes by like the blink of an eye. We wait and wait for it to get warm, to feel the heat of the sun, and perhaps swim in water that is above 65 degrees! And here it is August 13, with a few trees sporting tinges of red just to remind us that fall will be stepping in before too long.

Casco Bay, Maine – Island Beauty

Witness- our 30′ Nonsuch sloop

I try to spend as much time outside and in/on the water in the summer. We have a 30′ sailboat – which is cozy and perfect for two – but she cannot accommodate a loom!

Portable art rules my summer days!

Since I have an inner urgent need to create constantly – I have found ways to adapt to our summer lifestyle and home. I knit, draw, paint, stitch – any creative effort that is small and portable.I have completed my embroidery series “Now: Letters by Hand”. Poignantly I used my beloved Faye as my model for letter Z – the last letter of my alphabet. And in mid-July, we had to say a very sad good bye to her. The text here says “A kiss before you go.” I miss my studio assistant.

Now: Letters by Hand – Z

Mandala means circle

Mandala means circle

Mandala means circle in Sanskrit. A Mandala design always has a center – a core, just like us. A Mandala is always a symmetrical design that radiates out from this center or core….just like our personality radiates out from us. And the weaving on a Mandala is a spiral – one that keeps growing from this central core. And just like that spiral of weft that grows from the original start – the Mandala Community Weaving has continued to grow and grow.The Mandala Community Weaving is a project that I designed about 20 years ago – and it has grown and grown and grown…just like the spiral weaving. This spring the project has experienced two milestones.

Rock Creek Forest Mandala

First – with the help of parents,staff and students at Rock Creek Forest Elementary School (Chevy Chase MD) we created the largest Mandala yet – over 650 clothes pin people. It is so full of people – the weaving is a small inner circle. There is such power in this image – the strength of numbers, of community, of wholeness and diversity. Thanks RCF for making this Mandala with me!!The second milestone – the Mandala Community Weaving has gone abroad! With the help of Kathy Kaknes, a volunteer who traveled to Haiti this month, the project was presented to the Be Like Brit Orphanage in Grand Goave, Haiti. With over 60 children living, growing and learning in this community, along side many dedicated adults ~ their Mandala has a very special glow to it.

Haiti – Mandala Community Weaving

Making clothespin people helps us feel better.

The completed Mandala

Weaving with friends

Art makes us smile!

Be Like Brit Mission statement.

Haiti colors!

Mandalas in Maryland

El Salvador pride

Community hands

Placing out the people

I am recently back from a week long residency in Chevy Chase MD at Rock Creek Forest Elementary. With a student body of nearly 600 plus staff and teachers, we created a large all school Mandala Community Weaving that will be stunning when fully assembled. The parent volunteers and organizers were amazing – and even with the large workshop sessions we cruised through the week with ease. At the end of the week, I left the final gluing assembly of the Mandala in the capable hands of the two parent organizers – thanks Tricia and Erica! I can’t wait to see it all together!!  

Pride and progress

Bridgeport Neighborhoods

detail – Bridgeport neighborhoods

Hands at work

Bridgeport shoreline

This week I was artist in residence with the two 5th grades at Classical Studies Magnet School in Bridgeport, CT. We completed two tapestries that illustrate two of the wonderful features of this small CT city – the shore line and the many diverse neighborhoods. I loved working with these energetic and happy students! They have much to be proud of in their work and their community.In my portable studio work I have completed two more embroideries from “Now: Letters by Hand” Letter V and W. I’m closing in on the end of this series!!

Letter V

Letter W

Warmer days, bluer skies

Snow piled up above the windows!

In my last post, I spoke of the blizzard…and in case you haven’t heard, we just exited the snowiest February on record here in York. For about three weeks the snow just piling up and piling up. We’ve had the roof shoveled and the drive way piles are over ten feet tall now! Today is bright ans sunny, so there is the sweet sound of melting, gutters running with water and even a few birds singing a happy tune.  All of this snow time gave me the opportunity to be grounded in the studio – no complaints from this happy weaver! I am one of the few people who loves winter weather – I love to x-ski and I love how snow storms create a giant pause in my busy life.I have added a new piece to the gallery from my “Unhinged” series – check it out!

Woven Mandala

The winter residency at Lewiston Middle School is completed. I am quite pleased with the drawn and woven mandalas that these students created in the after school program.

Personal drawn mandala

My own work is progressing – a new piece in the “Unhinged” series almost ready to be off loom for the embroidery. And speaking of embroidery, I have completed Letter U in my project “Now: Letters by Hand”.I will be traveling for 3 weeks leaving March 12…heading to a warm island in the Caribbean, Bequia. I’ll have email – so feel free to keep in touch – I love hearing from you!

Letter U – “Letters by Hand”

Rhythm and blues, new work in progress.

Fresh start

Studio post blizzard

We survived the “epic” blizzard of January 2015 – 24″of snow. Not all that bad – there have been worse storms – and the power never even blinked! The best thing about this storm was that I was hunkered down in the stdio – with heat and power – and I was able to get four new blog posts on my Macomber Looms and Me blog. These new posts include many photos of installing new parts to old looms as well as a few maintenance tricks. Check them out!So now that these posts are off my “to-do” list I can concentrate on weaving! I have completed the third in my series “Unhinged” and I’m off the photographers tomorrow to get it shot. Here’s a preview – but the professional will do a much better job!

Inlay at work.

Unhinged #2 – detail

This month I am artist in residence at a Middle School in Lewiston ME. I’m working in an after-school program through LA ARTS. Working in collaboration with the math teacher, we are doing drawn and then woven Mandalas.

Drawing Mandalas

Loose ends

Loose ends refers to threads that are unattached or astray, to unfinished business and to the little things in life that cannot be categorized. The last definition fits this post – a  bunch of stuff that is newsy and not particularity related. So here goes!

Now:Letters by Hand – letter S

I finished Letter S from my current project “Now: Letters by Hand” an embroidered alphabet series done on linen squares. This letter is inspired by symbols of change and a body that is frequenting my loom woven work. These letters are works that can travel with my as I am on the road teaching, visiting family or caring for my 93 year old mother.

New loom!

For the first time in MANY (like 35 years) I have bought a new/used loom. It is a 40″ B5 Macomber that is almost 40 years old – but is in mint condition! I will be adding more harnesses and another plain beam soon and look forward to weaving on it soon!Speaking of new equipment, I have a new computer stand for my 56″ loom’s weaving bench. Built by my dear Ben – it holds the net book and power supply that run my dobby loom. I am so happy! I am so lucky!

Computer stand on bench

“The Art is the Cloth” the tapestry show at NHIA has moved on to its new location at The George School. The show runs from Dec. 4 to Feb. 9th. If you are in the Newtown PA area be sure to check it out!“Unraveled” the exhibit at Old York Museum will close on Dec 6th. Check out the article that the Portland Press Herald wrote about the exhibit.This past month I have been doing a fair amount of studio cleaning – selling yarns, small looms and generally trying to organize my work space. I know that sometimes this effort is an avoidance/procrastination activity. But this time it has been amazing – I LOVE the way my work space feels! I feel like there is space for new ideas, for dancing, for dreams, for creative energy to flow.So that’s about it for loose ends this month! Thanks for all the great feedback on my work in these exhibits this fall.~~ Sarah

R-R-R-Ready? Letter R!

Detail of Letter R

It’s October 31st – Halloween! This is one of my favorite holidays because we it is about fun, fantasy, food and fright!Two days ago I completed Letter R in my alphabet series titled “Now: Letters by Hand”. I haven’t created a gallery of all these images yet and I haven’t figured out exactly what category they should be filed under (studio, community or public art). I suppose this is because this series is all about being rooted in the moment, not planning for the future or reflecting on the past.I am not entirely clear what to do with them all when all the letters are done. I have 8 letters still to embroider, so I suspect by letter Z, I’ll have figured something out!So enjoy this glorious fall, soak up some brilliant colors, fall into a pile of leaves and then leap into November tomorrow!

Letter R swirls with fall energy and colors!

Meet Letter Q

Letter Q

Letter Q dips into the Atlantic.

Early September,  just off Merchant’s Row, Stonington, Deer Isle, ME.Letter Q dips a finger into the Atlantic waters confirming what we already know, the water is cold but feels so good.Letter Q the 17th letter of the alphabet series titled “Now: Letters by hand“. Nine more letters to embroider in this project. Now onward to letter R. 

One Opening

Thank You Letters installed at Old York Visitors Center

Saturday evening “Unraveled” opened. This is an amazing show of creative and innovative works by 18 New England artists. The show at the Remick Gallery in the Museums of Old York runs for 3 months – so you hardly have an excuse to miss it, unless you live on the West coast!

“Unhinged #1″ on view in UNRAVELED exhibition.

 With the arrival of fall and new exhibits, I am also starting back to work with schools. This past week I was down in CT for  an Arts for Learning Showcase in Meriden CT. Here is a fabulous photo that captures the energy of the day – beauty joy and community!

Mandala hands connecting to create community

Soft ending

Letter M inspired by pea shoots, tendrils and flowers

Summer clouds

Summer is coming to a soft ending here in Maine. What I mean by soft is that the  end of summer is September 21st – the actual transition from summer to fall. But here in Vacationland, as in many New England states, summer ends when schools reopen and the tourists go home. Although I am decades away from returning to school, I still feel the shift in the pace of life, the change in the sunlight, the drop in the temperature.This fall I have two local exhibits. I hope that you can see these shows and perhaps join me at the opening.

“UNRAVELED”  Contemporary New England Fiber ArtSept. 20 – December 6, 2014  Opening reception September 20 5-7 PMMuseums of Old York, Remick Gallery, 3 Lindsay Rd. York, ME 03909 This exhibit is an amazing collection of artists! I will have two pieces in the gallery as well as an outdoor installation.

“The Art is the Cloth” Contemporary Handwoven Tapestries

October 3 – November 5, 2014  Opening reception October 8  5-7PM

NH Institute of Art 148 Concord St. Manchester, NH 03104

This exhibit is an international juried show that will travel after this site. Again an amazing collection of artists!

As summer draws to this soft closure, I am scheduling fall residencies, continuing with my embroidery project “Now ~ Letters by Hand”and digging deeper into my on-loom series called “Unhinged”. The pieces in the above mentioned exhibits are from this new series.

Letter O with summer full moon.

Here’s hoping your summer is drawing to a soft closure.

Happy Labor Day ~ Sarah

 

Now ~ Letters by Hand

Letter N inspired by a pair of mating White Admiral butterflies in Port Cldye on July 4th.

Highlighting this work in progress – “Now – Letters by Hand”Letters M and N are completed.Summer continues……luring me away from my studio but inspiring me, filling me with visions, nurturing my spirit. I am off all next week for my annual women’s retreat on Yarmouth Island.

Summer sunset over the water in Maine.

Letter M inspired by pea shoots, tendrils and flowers

Summer sun, summer moon

Summer moon rise

Summer sun setting towards So. Freeport, ME

I am home for a couple of weeks after a two week shake down cruise on our “new” sail boat. We left Rockland, ME on July 1st heading West towards Tentants Harbor down the Mussel Ridge Channel. Well it was certainly a shake down adventure! We had engine trouble and then we lost our brand new prop somewhere between Christmas Cove and  Boothbay Harbor.

Independence flies high in Boothbay Harbor!

Thankfully we were near the Paul Luke Yard who specialize in propeller installation. With a brand new prop we left Lewis Cove and headed further west ending up at Brewers Yard in South Freeport with more engine issues. Phew….hours and dollars later, we have a smooth running engine. But best of all…we had many hours of AMAZING sailing. Witness sails like a beauty, balanced and graceful. We feel blessed to be the new owners of this boat, in spite of the trials of this first cruise.While out on the boat, I brought an embroidery project that I’ve been working on called “Now ~ An alphabet by hand” to keep my hands busy and satisfy my need to create. I am working on letter N inspired by the mating White Admiral butterflies that visited us for a lengthy time in Port Clyde on the 4th of July. You can see other embroidered letters in a previous post.In honor of tonight’s full moon here is a moon rise from The Goslings near Harpswell, ME.

Paul Luke yard inspecting our propeller empty shaft.

Sketch of mating butterflies for embroidery

Summer moon rise

Summer in New England

Maine island ferns

Serenity

Brilliance!

I live in an amazing place ~ the coast of Maine.  I LOVE this season and wait so patiently all year for the summer months.Look how amazingly beautiful it is here!Because I am compulsively addicted to my art, I have found ways to keep making art while out enjoying the all-too-brief beauty of this region.My art this summer is embroidery. I began this project called “Now, an alphabet by hand”  in January while traveling in India. It is an alphabet of the American sign language with additional images of what is current in my life (Now).Here’s a peek at a couple  of the letters which are embroidered on antique linen hand towels.

Letter L

Letter K

Brand NEW!

After months of work, review, hand wringing and more work….my NEW website is ready to go live!  I am sure there will be many tweaks along the way…but it is ready and I am ready to let it fly! Now I can concentrate on making art, doing some posts about current projects and enjoying summer!!Thanks to Colin O’Brien of Clearweave for his gracious patience as I journeyed down this new road!

How do you spell your name?

Installation at Children’s Museum, Dover, NH

“How do you spell your name?”  This is the title of my latest public art piece at the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover NH. This installation, made of 26 children’s and infant T-shirts, is an alphabet with 5 larger sized letters that spell two scrambled words. If you see the entire alphabet in Henry Law Park you might be able to unscramble the letters and read my secret message!This work will be hanging all summer and is easily viewed from both the park and as “drive-by-art”. One of the requirements of this project was to use recycled materials and to have it be an outside work. I have sewn the felt cut out alphabet letters on gently-loved little shirts donated by some awesome seacoast families…thanks everyone!

Installing the alphabet T’s

Alphabet T’s