Let’s finish our Tour of the Over the Mountain Studio Tour with a bang! All three stops covered in this blog are in Charles Town. Stop 9 is at the fascinating and historic Shenandoah Planing Mill which will feature the work of three artisans.
Neil Super of Two Rivers Turnings transforms locally sourced wood into finely crafted works that range from the practical (kitchen tools) to artistically shaped bowls. All are prime one-of-a-kind gifts for those you love. Basketmaker Luke Bauer harvests his materials, ages them and then weaves uniquely beautiful baskets. “This year has been about color and new combinations” he explains. “Materials like Kudzu and Tulip Poplar that I have traditionally paired have been introduced to new partners like Paper Birch and White Cedar from a trip up north and Paulownia bark harvested from openings in the forest canopy.” Melissa Lettick, Intuitive Painter and potpourri designer rounds out this eclectic group of talented artisans at Stop 9 with her custom potpourri offers and her highly imaginative artwork.
Time to tear ourselves away and head for Stop 10 the home and studio of Isabel Wilder a Leather and Textile artist. She will feature wallets handmade from Argentine leathers, bags designed with unique quilting techniques, and home décor such as fabric bowls crafted from Peruvian textiles with decorative stitching inspired by their vibrant colors, alongside pieces made with Vietnamese silks. Look for her Christmas cards that unite paper and fabric in fun projects and share how journaling in a sketchbook can spark endless creative inspiration.
Isabel is hosting Weaver Denise Ray who has been exploring trends and colors in fashion and home décor. She says “This year I am offering a collection of checked, plaid and striped scarves, neck warmers and wraps which are calm and contemplative in theme. I used darker colors this season, such as brown, black, dark green and burgundy with some gold in keeping with the change in natural light and landscapes. I have also added purple to the collection to represent my current fascination with crows and ravens.”
On to Stop 11, the Charles Town studio of Paper Artist Liz Goins who “will be displaying some experimental work called eco printing that I have created into books, and wall hangings. Eco printing has become my new passion and I’m experimenting with paper and fiber.”
Liz is sharing her studio space with botanical artist Rod Glover who will be showing a new 12 piece work, The Botanical Calendar (see blog illustration.) “I'll have more of my Mandala designs which are the most popular. Liz and I also plan on some working demonstrations. I will be collaging onto a large-scale work in progress and Liz will offer the opportunity make handmade paper.”
Indeed, inspiration comes from everywhere and we know you’ll find so much creativity at each of our stops. It goes both ways as artists often have ideas sparked by their clients. So come join us on November 9 and 10, 10 – 5 each day. Admission is free! Maps and all the details are at the Tour website www.overthemountainstudiotour.com. The welcome mat is out. See you soon.
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