Welcome to our July Art Assembled blog, where we are thrilled to highlight the incredible art featured in our New This Week series. Throughout the past month, we had the privilege of showcasing the works of Jane Sauer, Mia Olsson, Mary Giles, Ed Rossbach, and Nancy Koenigsberg – four visionary artists who have left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art.
During July, we were captivated by the diverse and thought-provoking creations of these artists. From Sauer’s intricate fiber art to Olsson’s evocative sculptures, and from Rossbach’s innovative weaving techniques to Koenigsberg’s mesmerizing wire sculptures, each artwork invited us to explore new dimensions of artistic expression.
Read on to delve into the artistic journeys of these remarkable individuals!
Photo by Tom Grotta.
To kick things off, we celebrated the exceptional talent of Jane Sauer, an esteemed contemporary artist acclaimed for her remarkable exploration of fiber arts. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Sauer’s artistic journey began with a focus on painting before a serendipitous encounter with the vibrant fiber arts movement in 1972.
In the realm of fiber art, Sauer’s craft shines brilliantly through her closed basket forms, meticulously crafted from knotted and waxed linen. Her art invites viewers into a world of intimate spaces and personal connections, creating an ambiance reminiscent of the sheltering environment of the womb. Each of her beautifully intricate designs thoughtfully explores the concept of “personal space,” leaving us captivated by the delicate interplay between form and function.
Through her artistic expression, Sauer deftly weaves together threads of emotions, experiences, and memories, forming art pieces that speak to the heart and soul. Her ability to create compelling narratives through the interplay of fibers is a testament to her mastery of the craft and her unique artistic vision.
Photo by Tom Grotta.
To continue on with our New This Week series July, we showcased the transformative creations of Mia Olsson, a Swedish fiber artist whose work defies expectations and pushes the boundaries of textile fibers. With an alchemical touch, Olsson works her magic on prickly sisal fibers, transforming them into ethereal and semi-transparent wall sculptures that enthrall the senses.
In her artistic practice, Olsson delves deep into the inherent properties and characteristics of textile fibers, exploring their untapped potential with ingenuity and creativity. Her works, dyed in richly saturated warm tones, evoke a sense of intrigue and wonder, inviting us to contemplate the magic of materials and the boundless possibilities they hold.
Olsson’s artistry bridges the gap between the ethereal and the earthly, seamlessly blending the tactile and the visual. Her works exude a sense of lightness and delicacy, as if they were suspended between the realms of reality and imagination. With each piece, she invites us to explore the unseen aspects of fibers, shedding light on their versatile nature and the artistic expressions they can evoke.
We then turned our attention to the remarkable talent of Mary Giles, a renowned artist celebrated for her mastery of the coiling technique. Within the world of fiber art, Giles stands out for her distinctive approach, which involves incorporating thin metal strips delicately shaped as human figures into her works. These metal elements are skillfully layered over a surface or core, adding a remarkable sense of depth and dimension to her creations.
Giles’s artistry transcends traditional boundaries, evoking both environmental features and human figures through her expert manipulation of materials. Her artworks serve as a captivating dialogue between art and nature, inviting us to explore the intricate relationship between humanity and the world around us.
Inspired by the sincerity and directness found in tribal art, Giles infuses her own artistic expression with a unique authenticity. Her works are a testament to her creative vision, one that honors traditional techniques while embracing innovation.
Ed Rossbach, a visionary artist whose contributions to the field of fiber art have left an enduring impact. Rossbach’s artistic journey spanned decades and was marked by fearless experimentation with unconventional materials and innovative weaving techniques.
Throughout his prolific career, Rossbach continued to evolve and diversify his artistic practice, showcasing his mastery of various mediums. From dimensional weaving in the 1960s to later explorations in cast paper techniques and mixed-media sculpture, Rossbach’s trajectory was one of continuous growth and innovation. His relentless pursuit of creative exploration and commitment to pushing the boundaries of fiber art make him a true pioneer in the field.
Rossbach’s artistic legacy remains a source of inspiration for contemporary fiber artists, as his ability to bridge the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge techniques continues to resonate with artists and art enthusiasts alike. The trail he blazed in the world of fiber art will be forever cherished and celebrated.
Last, but certainly not least, we explored the world of Nancy Koenigsberg, a visionary artist hailing from the vibrant city of New York. Koenigsberg’s artistic prowess shines brilliantly in her captivating exploration of wire sculpture, where she fearlessly pushes the boundaries of artistic expression using copper, steel, and aluminum wire.
Through her meticulous craftsmanship, Koenigsberg creates wire grids that exude a mesmerizing visual and conceptual allure. The interplay of shiny and dull, fragile and industrial-strength materials adds a dynamic depth to her masterpieces, challenging our perceptions and inviting us to question the very essence of art.
Intrigued by her intuitive process, we find ourselves enchanted, as the artist expertly shapes and layers the wires into captivating forms. The resulting artworks evoke a sense of wonder, urging us to delve deeper into the enigmatic world she creates.
As we bring our exploration of the captivating worlds of Jane Sauer, Mia Olsson, Mary Giles, Ed Rossbach, and Nancy Koenigsberg to a close – we are filled with admiration for the ingenuity and artistry that each of these remarkable artists has brought to the world of fiber art. Join us again next month as we continue our journey through the captivating world of contemporary art, where we will introduce you to more visionary artists and their extraordinary creations!
