QUILTS STORIES

LADYFITS will host Eliza Fernand of Quilt Stories in Cedar Rapids, IA


I'm excited to share my hometown with her through textiles and spaces.  Of course, I will share all of this with you as well.  Get your textile + quilt stories ready for this event - Spread the word.  I hope to see you there!  



OPEN STUDIO

(left) Detail of kerchief from Pozlovice 1860 + (middle) mid-process LADYFIT + (right) Sewn laces from Roznov 1880 

ON THIS DAY


Yesterday was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the National Czech & Slovak museum and library as well for the city of Cedar Rapids.  The energy in the Village was something I will never forget and will use as strength in my studio to keep pushing.   

On this day, most of my conversations were about my dress.  I wore a LADYFIT that summed up my feelings, bringing together a few old CR Czechs/Czech Village buttons as adornment + floral Babička head wrap + thrifted houseware items.  Some thought I was from a different country or the Czech princess in the village.  I took it as a compliment that I managed to figure out a contemporary garment composition for a Folk Costume.  To me, it is about the layers and shapes.  These conversations may have started about dress.  They continued with discussions on thrift, arts in our community, Czech history, and the flood of 2008.  

I gave myself a treat from the Czech Antique store to document this day's event.  I've been wanting this old folk costume book from 1979 (Slovakian book brought back to America).  It shows a folk culture of children's games in their classical form.  An excerpt from the book is shown above with its beautiful photography.  The authors of these types of books always define their purpose as it it folk culture not to be forgotten.  It is now documented for the ages.  I'm proof of that.  I will continue the book's purpose...... 

My mind jumps each time I pick this book up: connecting folk cultures to the idea of Mother Nature as the resource to adornment (of the head dresses) - connecting with the Omo people. .......something I'm connecting to LADYFITS + thrift objects (resource cabinet).......

Much more to come on this book as it narrates through my work - heading towards June 23rd exhibition event at the NCSML.

I have to add this IPR report about the move:  MUSEUM ON THE MOVE

ISSUE NO.6


LADYFITS issue no.6 explores identities for Spring/Summer through the housewares department of a thrift store.  The idea behind this issue is a reflection of cultures around the world that use mother nature's cabinet of resources as forms of dress.  This will be a continuing theme through the summer months in partnership with the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library.  I will be showcasing an exhibition on June 23rd at the NCSML based on Identity + Romantic Regionalism through film and garment installations.


FARM HOUSE COLLECTION


Garment was rescued from an old farm house in Mechanicsville, IA - more to come on this collection + the woman behind it.

The adornment (bow) was made from the Housewares department - some design their homes with rugs, I design my dress with them.