MATERIAL MEDITATIONS

"The events of 2020 changed the way we see our world and our place in it. In 2019, I had published my book, "Whispers in the Thread," showcasing a 15 year series in celebration of the huipil. The theme was something I still wanted to pursue, yet now I felt like it was time to move forward. Art in the Time of Covid has meant staying in the studio, continuing my practice, pushing myself to go deep into the unknown. 

As 2020 approached, a little more than one year ago now, I tossed everything, salvaged materials, found objects, donated fabrics, onto the studio table to see what could be created from them. 

The shift from knowing my concept – my former modus operandi – was both challenging and enlightening. 

It soon became clear that if I allowed the materials to speak, my job was to listen. 

Silence prevailed as I spent more time alone and dove even deeper. 

Turning to the scrap heap before me, I created a new series to reflect upon a year of chaos, uncertainty, and loss. A sense of wonder overtook my own uncertainty. I began choosing materials that might not be seen as complementary, stitching them together in a way that I hoped might make beauty out of chaos.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       This became an everyday ritual as the pandemic began to besiege our world. Taking up a needle and thread, I endeavored to transform fear with fabric, solitude with stitches, and anxiety with artfulness. 

                            As I meditated on these as a goal, my mind quieted while my hands pieced together the works you see presented here."  -Lena Bartula, 2021 / Artist Statement 

There is so much to say about the blue huipil represented here on the invitation, especially after yesterday's inauguration of a new president in the U.S., I'll have to save it for another blog. See you next time, and thank you for being part of my art blogging audience. Your feedback is always appreciated. 

PS. The invitation doesn't mention that the opening day reception is actually from 11am - 5 pm if you're not comfortable attending the cocktail reception in the evening. Masks required, temperature taken, gel available. And please know that this gallery has a large outdoor space and plenty of fresh air flow.