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New Open Hours

The gallery will be open - Fridays and Saturdays in February from 12:00 to 4:00PM. Don't forget the online store is always open! Come and shop!

http://shelburneartscoop.com/saconline.html

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
Come in from now until February 28 to see the newest show.

Coop members have submitted work that captures the sweetness of the season and Valentine's Day. There are hearts, flowers, and romantic images.

Sandy Denis, Sweet Pirates of the Heart, $150

Sandra Tobin, "Bohemian" coiled fabric mat/trivet, $20

Nina Coler, Early Colors, $165

Nancy B Baker, Aren't We Magnificent, $195

Marie Sakellarion, "Reach Out” Acrylic on canvas, $190.

A "Heart Felt" Piece from Lynn Perry

Since this newsletter will come out just at Valentine's, I thought that this lovely article by needle felting artist, Lynn Perry, might serve as a Valentine wish from us to you.

I love felting owls from wools, especially the little saw whet which can be made life-sized to fit in your hands. Years ago I helped an ornithologist friend capture and band saw-whets, and the thrill of holding the tiny owl in my hands remains with me still. This is my friend, Wendy Somers, with my first saw-whet.

To begin I need to assemble: wools of various colors and textures (I prefer natural); images of and information about the saw whet; a thick foam pad on which to work; and an assortment of felting needles. The needles are barbed, so when repeatedly poked into the wool, they encourage wool’s natural tendency of its many fine strands to intertwine, creating a solid, durable object. The needles are used to firm up, to shape, to define, and to nuance the object, lifting a tuft here, adding an eyebrow there, a slant of the eye, and so on.

Starting with a little bunch of plain (what is called “core”) wool about the size of a walnut, and needling layer after layer well until firm, I gradually build up the basic shape of the owl’s body.

Getting the basic shape right takes a lot of time and needling. It is the essential requirement for all that follows. Once the body is right, I make two wings and a tail in the same way, then needle them onto the body.

Once the proportions look right, I can begin the process of needling on layers of wool which will create the colors and textures of this owl. To accomplish this I look closely at many saw-whet images, each of which is as varied as this owl I’m making will be different from all others.

I layer on shades of browns, tans, and whites, slowly beginning to define the body and wings, front and back.

Detailing the face is most satisfying as a uniquely individual creature begins to emerge. The eyes are made by needling in several layers of colors. Once the eyes are needled in at just the right angle, the saw whet seems almost bursting with life. But next, adding the white (wool) glint into the black pupil, will bring it to life. This is the moment I begin talking with the little owl. Then I further define the colors and patterns radiating out from the eyes and face.

Adding final detail to the back is also a joy. Some felting artists make each feather look like a real feather. Here I simply suggest feathers.

Some of the finer and fancier wools are used for final coats and embellishments.

Finally, for the beak and feet, I needle black and orange wool into shaped wires, and then I needle these firmly into the owl.

Finally! Here I am! Here’s lookin’ at you, kid!

So many thanks to Lynn Perry for this terrific guide to the evolution of a needle felted saw-whet owl. Do yourself a favor and come in to the gallery and see Lynn's whole menagerie!

New Open Hours

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine Come in from now until February 28 to see the newest show.

A "Heart Felt" Piece from Lynn Perry

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
Come in from now until February 28 to see the newest show.