Posted on November 14, 2017
Reframed: Lost Art I
Material: Bronze wire Technique: Milanese tape lace
Size: 56 x 56 cm (22 x 22 in)
Reframed: Lost Art II
Material: Bronze wire Technique: Concentric continuous lace
Size: 56 x 56 cm (22 x 22 in)
In North America, handmade bobbin lace has been often called “a lost art”. I could not agree, because the lace I have known was very much alive – present, vibrant, breathing and growing. I followed her intricate patterns and looked for materials and forms that could carry the lace forward. In one of my many projects I explored pattern connections between various craft disciplines – wood work, stone carving, tile work and lace work – and set out a testing ground for new connections. Two pieces that remained from the project were put away, and literally, lost in my studio storage.
When I found them this summer I realized how much has changed in the last 10 years. The lace craft as I knew has been almost lost. The gossamer lace weave is getting weaker as the threads are ageing. Traditional schools closed, lace museums activities were reduced, and major international events abandoned because of lack of funds. At the same time, more and more independent artists started to use lace techniques in their work, creating imaginative lace art. As if lace had left the past and entered the future…
I decided to re-frame these two works to reflect the change. I covered painting canvas with silk fabric and cut the centre out to expose black background. As the lace stretches over the opening, it casts shadows, and the illusive pattern is dissipating into the black hole of the passing time. Lace remains, but only very few people can connect it to the history.
Can lace live detached from her own history? Can we?
Only time will tell…
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These artworks are for sale in my WAYofLACE shop on Etsy.
Category: Wall Art Tagged: art, bobbin lace, bobbin lace in wire, bronze, handmade bobbin lace, lost art, original, reframed, wall art
Posted on December 1, 2015
Offering
Title: Offering to the Tree of Life
Artists: Colin Hamilton and Lenka Suchanek
Material: cedar driftwood frame, bronze and copper lace, serpentine beads
Techniques: hand split cedar with traditional joinery; handmade bobbin lace in metal
Size: 70 x 42 x 10 cm
This artwork was created for West Coast Synergies: fibre + wood + metal
– a collaborative exhibition celebrating the Canadian Year of Craft 2015
ARTISTS’ STATEMENT
Colin and Lenka met this year, because they were both ready to explore new aspects of their craft disciplines: Colin is drawn to making sculptures, which would reveal the natural beauty he perceives in the cedar driftwood. Lenka is seeking to restore connection between lace patterns and nature, which has been all but lost. Although coming from different directions and disciplines, both artisans share a common ground – love and dedication to their craft. They both prefer to express themselves through creative work rather then words, therefore their written statement is simple:
“Inspired by the tree of life, we are looking into the heart of nature’s beauty with the ‘Offering’. Pure and natural, following the grain, following the pattern, to understanding and harmony – a gift for all of us.”
This artwork is in a private collection.
Copyright©2015-16 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Category: Sculpture Tagged: art, bobbin lace, bronze, cedar driftwood, contemporary, hand made, handmade, Lenka, metal lace art, tree of life, west coast, wire lace
Posted on February 12, 2014
Transparent Lace Sculpture
Materials: Bronze and copper (patinated, enamelled or gold plated) with turquoise and carnelian
Techniques: Milanese braids, free-form lace, beading, wire wrapping
65cm x 65cm x 18cm
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Category: Sculpture, Updates Tagged: bronze, copper, handmade bobbin lace, jewel in the lotus, metal, sculpture
Posted on February 12, 2014