Five careers ago, back in 2003, I sketched out an idea for a gonzo beaded and embroidered piece of wall art: The Borealis Tapestry.
‘Borealis’ is slated to be approximately 36″ high and 25″ wide. It’s a fantasy-themed fiber art wall piece consisting of applique fabric panels, heavily beaded and embroidered. The general theme is a black tree growing up from the North Pole, its curving branches mingling with the Aurora Borealis above. Bits and pieces from earlier works will sneak into the panels of this one, as well as original poetry.
Here’s the fabric background set up. It might get a bit bigger around the edges, as I add more panels and more dangles at the bottom.
The tree, snow, and sky will shimmer with same-color glass beads when done, more along the lines of the ‘Stardancer’ piece on the lower left. Or some of the work on ‘Two Trees’:
Why am I committing to ‘Borealis’ again?
I’m known for my jewelry, fiber art, and book art sculptures, which tend to be small. To get into better galleries and juried national shows, I need to create some more museum-quality larger ‘show-stopper’ pieces. To do that, I need to finish some of the damn things and sell them. To finish these, I’m applying for some grants to give me funding for working time and more materials, plus entry fees to the aforementioned shows.
Etsy and Saatchi are fine platforms, but marginal sellers for splashy works like these. I know fine-craft fairs and national shows are lucrative: ‘Green Desert’ sold for $5000 during one.
DragonCon or WorldCon’s fantasy and SF-themed art shows each cost (effectively) around $180 to enter. The big Bead & Button Show every June costs $50 now just to enter. Let’s not even talk about the huge SOFA and other international fine-craft and decor shows, which are so far beyond my price range they might as well take place on the moon.
But I know some markets where I have a better chance.
Stay tuned for updates!