Leah Virsik | | Page 2

Cloth Paper Studios Pages Premiere Issue

23 November 2011

The Premiere Issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Pages is out now and I’m excited to say I have an article in it. The page with the number 45 below shows my mostly orange watercolor and fabric journal with a red button. It’s filled with lots of great books and articles that I got to enjoy when I got home today.

I got a really wonderful email from Rebecca who read the magazine and wanted to know where to get cloth book tape or if she could use something else. I have found book cloth tape called Filmoplast T Tape at Talas and PaperSource and Paperstudio.

One can also buy book cloth and use PVA glue to adhere it to paper or board. Another option is to make your own book cloth. Google “make your own book cloth” and you’ll find many resources. Here are detailed instructions from the fabulous Roz Stendahl. You really could use something else besides book cloth too. I imagine velvet could work and something that’s flexible and durable like laminated (multiple sheets glued together) sheets of Tyvek.

Many years ago before I had email, I was reading a cooking magazine and I wanted to make the complicated recipe that included fennel. I didn’t know what that ingredient was at the time and I called the chef in New York to find out. He actually called me back and it really touched my heart. I’m grateful for that experience and for so many people in my life who I’ve asked questions of and they’ve responded.

A snack along the creative journey

9 October 2011

I was among five other artists who won a merit award for artwork in the Adobe Art Gallery 34th Area Artists’ Annual Juried Exhibit in Castro Valley, CA. My piece “Snack” pictured above was recognized. The show runs through December 1, 2011. Click for more details. It was quite a treat. At the same time awards and approval are such an interesting thing. On one hand I want to analyze the process of how I was able to make this piece and repeat that effort. On the other hand, I know that as I create, some work is going to more admired by some than others and the less analyzing I do the better. I know the value of the creative process is the chance to get to know myself on a deeper level and to just continue making whether my work is liked or not. On to the next thing…

This week I’m wrapping up teaching a fun Mixed-Media Fabric Collage class this Wednesday at Richmond Art Center. I’ll be finishing up my block along with a ton of other artists for Pro Arts Box Art exhibit on November 4. Later this month, I’m looking forward to visiting family in LA and checking out the artists books of Yani Pecanins at UC Irvine.

Thanks to Tom for doing laundry and his encouragement to help make this post possible.

Posted in Blog | Tagged Exhibitions, Leah Virsik's work | 1 Comment

Books and latest inspiration

15 September 2011

I feel a bit of excitement. Another student signed up for a class I’m teaching next week. I was working in the studio this morning experimenting with burning fabric with a wood burning tool. Not exactly what I expected but different things emerged that I liked especially the color of the burned muslin.

I’m now reading Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast recommended by Natalie Goldberg in her book Writing Down the Bones. I love reading or hearing about an artist’s process and both of these books are very engaging. You have my high recommendation. I picked up both these books at the library. If there’s any way I don’t have to accumulate more stuff it’s a good thing.

Mapping the Intelligence of Artist Work: An Explorative Guide to Making, Thinking and Writing arrived today. I ordered it after seeing Kathy deRosas‘ copy. We’re in a crit group put on by Lisa Kokin and I find the relationship building and personal growth invaluable.

I’ve been struggling with my work lately and Victoria May encouraged me to honor my own process directing me to two artists Brad Brown and Nigel Poor who emphasize their process in their art.

I just discovered the wonderful collage work of Clare Goddard thanks to this Pinterest page of Ali Edwards.

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Upcoming classes

27 August 2011

I’m looking forward to teaching with Nan Watanabe coming up in September and November! We’ll be two different book structures for each session. Enrollment at the Richmond Art Center starts August 16 by calling 510-620-6772 or register online beginning August 23.

expression through book arts
Leah Virsik & Nan Watanabe
Each of us is an artist with a unique point of view. In this session, we will amplify and weave your creative voice using content and book structures. Explore how content leads structure and how structure leads content, sparking ideas for project direction. Working with collage, paint, mixed-media and content of your choosing, you’ll create meaningful, one-of-a-kind artist books. Materials list. $15 materials fee to instructors. 10 students minimum. Bring lunch.

Class FA18P • 2 Sat, Sep 10 & 17, 10 am – 4:00 pm
RAC Member $90 • Nonmember $110
Class FA19P • 2 Sat, Nov 5 & 12, 10 am – 4:00 pm
RAC Member $90 • Nonmember $110

©2010 Leah Virsik Center Front 5 paper, muslin, acrylic, thread 5 1/4 square inches
I’ll also be teaching mixed-media fabric collage demonstrating a technique I learned from DJ Pettitt. I’ve put my own spin on this technique and over the past year and a half it continues to excite me.

mixed-media fabric collage
Leah Virsik
Layer painted papers, thread and ephemera on muslin to create flexible collages that can stand alone as wall pieces or folded to make book pages or covers. Simple bindings will be demonstrated. Bring sewing machine during last two sessions if desired. Materials list. $10 materials fee.

Class FA20P • 4 Wed, Sep 21 – Oct 12, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
RAC Member $90 • Nonmember $110

Posted in Blog | Tagged Classes | 1 Comment

Recent discoveries

11 August 2011

What gets me excited? Discovery. Here are some recent internet discoveries.

I came across the fabulous blog of Shannon G. Wright looking at the SJSU Faculty. In this post of hers I especially love this quote:
“There are, it seems, two muses: the Muse of Inspiration, who gives us inarticulate visions and desires, and the Muse of Realization, who returns again and again to say “It is yet more difficult than you thought.” This is the muse of form. It may be then that form serves us best when it works as an obstruction, to baffle us and deflect our intended course. It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.”
— Wendell Berry

In her post, she also mentions the sculptor Tony Cragg who I hadn’t heard of when I initially read this post. But just this past week Tom and I were at SFMOMA in their sculpture garden and his sculpture Guglie left such an impression on me that I had to go look him up. Tom also pointed out a newly acquired SFMOMA work by Sergej Jensen made up of hand-sutured off-white and white linen scraps that I really liked.

Just came across this intriguing SF blog about books: Curled Up with a Book.

Lisa Occhipinti’s blog turned me onto the sublime (great description Lisa!) work of Gwen Samuels.

In Lesley Riley’s email newsletter she mentions Mark Carder. Mind you, I have no desire to paint realistically with oils but after listening to his free videos on The Carder Method, I wanted to buy everything he’s created on how to do just that. Really worthwhile.

I listen to a fair amount of interviews and one I particularly enjoy is the Lesley Riley’s Art and Soul Radio. Today I listened to her interview of Darlene Olivia McElroy. Darlene has some fabulous videos on her site including one I want to try: Gampi transfers.

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On getting published

1 June 2011

There are different ways to go about getting published. Jen Segrest in this Craft Sanity podcast talks about her work getting published from it’s initial discovery on Flickr. That was enough to inspire me to join the photo-based community. Another reason I use Flickr is that I find it an incredibly easy way to document and categorize my work. I also appreciate the opportunity for feedback that the Flickr community provides.

Cloth Paper Scissors Studios found my art studio door on Flickr and used it for an article they wrote in their Spring 2011 issue. They liked some other photos I had on Flickr and with some cleaning and a wonderful mom who helped me arrange things, I was also featured in their Summer 2011 issue. Click to see some of my studio images.

Another way to get published…submit. That’s actually the business model of this magazine in particular. They rely on artists to write articles and submit photos, the artists appreciate the publicity and it’s a great way to sell their magazines.

Posted in Blog | Tagged Leah Virsik's work | 4 Comments

Daily Practice and Poetry

23 March 2011

This inspiring TED video featuring Sarah Kay really touched me. She creates incredible spoken word poetry. One thing I know to be true is the more work I create, the more I learn about myself.

And speaking of spoken word poetry, I came across this gorgeous typographic animation by Ronnie Bruce of Taylor Mali’s poem “Totally like whatever, you know?”. via Alphabet Roadtrip.

Now, the Bowery Poetry Club is on my list of places to visit.

Posted in Blog | Tagged Inspiration, Leah Virsik's work | 1 Comment

Discovering

22 March 2011

Much resistance this morning to getting up, to doing this work above, etc. But I feel good having done it. It’s like a touchstone for the day. I realize this is probably how I best like to blog, jotting down short little snippets and random information about my day.

Really enjoyed listening to Ricky Gervais’ HBR interview on not having a real job yesterday. He’s the creator of the hit television series The Office. A couple of things that he said that stood out for me are to “write what you know” and that “the point of art is to make a connection”. Another great interview is that of Vidal Sassoon on Fresh Air.

Posted in Blog | Tagged Inspiration, Leah Virsik's work | 1 Comment

Refraining from Judgment

21 March 2011

I’m practicing discipline in creating a daily art practice. I have a lot of critical self-judgment and know that it’s unnecessary and unhelpful. I’m experimenting working with a limited palette as a way to aid in cohesiveness and using what’s around me. I’m into this page. This page has ink stamped with a cork which reminds me of Peter Madden’s incredible cork stamps.

I’m looking forward to going to LA this weekend to see Laurie Frick’s work at the Edward Cella gallery!

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Searching

20 March 2011

I’m feeling a sense of searching in this work. I’m looking for something. It brings to mind a favorite quote:
“…if your desire is to go to the furthest limits of yourself then the actual form your art takes doesn’t seem important to you. Whether you use words or paint or sounds.”
–John Fowles, from The Collector (p168)

Posted in Blog | Tagged Leah Virsik's work, Quotes | Leave a comment

Where to find me

Art and Soul Inspirational
Mixed Media Retreats
October 4 & 5, 2012 Portland, Oregon

Pro Arts East Bay Open Studios
June 2, 3 & 9, 10 | 11:00 – 6:00

Richmond Art Center
Collage Uncovered:
8 Wednesdays | 6:30–9:30
Jun 13, 2012 to Aug 8, 2012
No class July 4, 2012

Mastick Senior Center
Fabric Collage Postcards
1 Sat, May 19 | 10 –12

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Artist statement

I’m hungry to learn and it’s through my process of creating that I’m ultimately satisfied. I’m curious about different materials and take on the challenge to incorporate what I’m most drawn to into my work. I’m intrigued to discover the resulting patterns and repetition. As I create, I explore my inner landscape. I’m attempting to uncover a stifled sound. It’s my challenge to express this internal voice through my art and ultimately, boldly, out loud.

My quest to connect my voice with my work has led me to reexamine my personal history. The threads in my bookbinding and in my collage are entwined in my familial roots. Growing up, I remember a quilt frame my dad made, taking up our entire living room. His grandmother taught him to quilt using scraps of clothing. Years later, I began a quilt when a friend was teaching a class on patchwork. To my surprise, cutting up fabric and piecing it back together reminded me of my work with paper collage.

As a child I would sew with my mom and what I most remember is the guilt I’d feel as I jammed up her machine. Now, when the threads and material bunch up they become useful fodder for my work. In some ways the threads act as a binding element, as in my books, and in other ways they are a reflection of my internal processes.

Where to find me

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Artist statement