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Art Talk

By Andi Bedsworth


As I go to art shows and galleries, I have been noticing a new found interest in the handicrafts of yore such as quilt-making, knitting, sewing, weaving and fiber arts in general. This is evident in the fact   that several galleries in the area are highlighting fiber-based art work.  As a lover of all things fabric, this delights and thrills me, and I urge you to go out and see the newest show at the Powerhouse.
This show was done in conjunction with the Southern Food Alliance and features garments by Alabama Chanin, a company based in Florence, Ala.
This is not your usual display of fashion though. The clothes were put in a smoker by Drew Robinson from Jim ‘N Nicks in Birmingham, Ala.
If you are familiar with the beautiful hand embroidered garments that have made founder, Natalie Chanin famous, it makes it even harder to believe that these exquisite garments were allowed to be barbequed.
However, the result is lovely as they give a tea-dyed hue to the dresses, although they do smell a bit smoky.
Her work is wonderfully showcased on old rusty box springs and wire dress forms and complemented by photographs by Landon Nordeman. He won the James Beard Foundation Visual Storytelling Award in 2012 for this series of photos called BBQ Nation. This exhibit will be in the gallery until Nov. 2 and is open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  
Please send me your arts related news at arttogollc@gmail.com.

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