Another Kind of Favourite

Art, weaving and fiber are my favorite subjects to learn about so naturally I gravitate to books – art, craft and photography books – coffee table books and informational books.

My husband and fellow artist, Scott, recently gave me Couples in Art, a depiction of love through the ages culled from the collection of one of the world’s most famous museums for Valentine’s Day! Some artworks we love and have seen in person and many we didn’t know existed. It’s on the coffee table now and I’ll be flipping through it for a while.

While reading American Craft magazine (Feb/Mar 2019) an article about a new book caught my eye. Not a coffee table book but still art related, How Art Works: A Psychological Exploration by Ellen Winner. Since you all follow me and my artful thoughts and ideas I thought you’d be interested as well.

I just got the book, so I’ll check back with you and share what I learned. In the magazine article Ellen Winner says, “Essentially art is anything – a minimalist painting, a piece of sculptural furniture, a gorgeous glass vessel – that prompts an ‘aesthetic attitude’ in the viewer” and I agree wholeheartedly.

A beautifully made object, well thought out and made with purpose has an aesthetic appeal that can be appreciated from many perspectives.

I love functional art and that’s why I weave rugs and table runners – artful pieces that can be experienced on many levels and used in your home. Ms. Winner explores all kinds of art in her book – visual, music, literary. I’m looking forward to reading what she has to say about how we all see and appreciate how art works in our lives.

Let me know if you pick up the book and what you find about art in your life.

In the meantime, here are some links to art books:

The Best Art Books of 2018

Fiber Art: Bookshelf

20 Textile/Art Books to Give & Get

 

2018 Color Trends

Yearly Color Trends – Love them? Follow them?

“Each season the team at the Pantone Color Institute creates the PANTONE Fashion Color Trend Report; a color overview highlighting the top colors fashion designers showing at London Fashion Week will be featuring in their collections for the upcoming season.” – FASHION COLOR TREND REPORT

I enjoy the yearly color trends and use them as inspiration for new color combinations. The yearly Pantone report informs the design community of new colors for fashion, interior design as well as for other artists and designers. The new colors inspire me to break out of my usual routine and try something new.

Color is very personal, and everyone should go with what they like (dare I say love!) and gravitate toward. Choosing the “in” color can also be great, especially when you like the “in” color, as I often do!

Of course, there is something for everyone. For a handwoven rug or table runner go with what makes you happy inside. Then you know you’ll always love it!

Check out some of the links below to discover new colors trending now:

What is your color choice!?!

Regina Vorgang weaves tapestries, rugs,
table runners and more in Studio C4
Studio Channel Islands Art Center, Camarillo, CA

5 Ways Handwoven Rugs Are Sustainable

Regina Design weaves Earth Day

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day fast approaching in 2020, Earth Day Network is launching a series of major campaigns to catalyze and channel global collaboration for the health of our planet. Buying a handwoven, sustainably sourced rug from me qualifies as an act of green!

Here are five ways buying a handwoven rug supports the Earth…

Regina Design weaves Earth Day naturally1. Wool is renewable

Wool comes from sheep and, just like our hair, the wool fiber grows back every time. Some breeds, such as Churro, are shorn twice a year otherwise the fiber will get too long and heavy. Remember the lost sheep found in Australia carrying over 90 pounds of wool? 
 

2. Wool fiber is strong and will last a long time

People tell me they are concerned about walking on my rugs. Rugs have been woven with strong, durable wool for centuries. That’s the reason I use wool for my rugs. A wool rug you buy today will last for generations.
 

3. Biodegradable and recyclable

When, generations from now, your descendants need to replace their Regina Design wool rug, they can use it for insulation or add it to compost. The fibers will decompose into fertilizer and return to the Earth in a renewable form.
 

4. Locally sourced materials

I buy wool from a family owned business Weaving Southwest who have been serving their community for three decades. That business in turn supports the community of sheep ranches, fiber mills and local businesses in their area. 
 

5. Support a local artist, support a community

Coming to my studio gives you access to one-of-a-kind handwoven rugs that you won’t find anywhere else. You will be supporting me and I use sustainable practices to create my art and participate in Studio Channel Islands Art Center, an artists cooperative. 
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