Welcome to our regular feature where we shine a light on the talented members of BARN’s fiber arts community! This month, we talked with Loretta Gordon. Do you know someone in fiber arts with an interesting story to tell? Contact Sara at fiber.lead@bainbridgebarn.org

What initially brought you to BARN?

It all began about seven years ago when I moved to the area from Texas. I was at an art gallery in Poulsbo and saw a woven cedar art piece by Sue Skelly. After visiting her at her studio and purchasing the piece, she introduced me to a few local basket weavers who worked with cedar. Two of them were Melinda West and Jo Hart, who, like Sue, have taught at BARN for years. Needless to say, I got quite involved in weaving baskets and have taken classes at BARN from well-known teachers in the basket-weaving world through the years.

What fiber-related things do you make or do?

The last basket class I took was from Catherine Lewis. It involved using willow. It was an intense two-day class, and my hands hurt for days afterwards because of the strength of the willow and the need to bend it. I decided that would be my last basket class. Since then, I have gravitated towards hand sewing, mainly in the embellishment area.

Where can we find you at BARN?

You will find me in the Fiber Arts Studio. There are numerous areas where you can expand your knowledge and acquire any help you may need, want, or desire.

Have you been inspired to try anything new? If so, what?

I am interested in hand-dyeing wool and fabrics.

How long have you been doing fiber-related art?

I would say shortly after arriving in Kitsap County seven years ago. I am retired, and thus, I finally have the time to devote to my artistic passions.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from the teachers at BARN and BARN members.

I feel extremely blessed to live so close to BARN (less than 30 minutes) and be able to attend classes and many of the weekly sessions. People come from all over, including different states, to attend the variety of offerings the BARN has.

 

Notes From the Studio Lead

BARN’s weaving community is collectively weaving 12 dish towels in The Commons as part of the Fiber Arts Studio’s “End to End” exhibition, showing through Oct 1. The handwoven tea towels will be raffled off as a donation to BARN. Tickets are $2 each and can be purchased at the front desk. Thank you for supporting BARN!

And don’t miss the special exhibit of BARN fiber artisans’ work at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts now through the end of September. The exhibit is part of the Bainbridge Creative District’s CREATIVE THREADS celebration and Modern Quilt Show. Participating BARN Fiber Arts Studio artists are: Sara Bantle, Heather Griffin, Katy Levit, Danielle Mariani, Alexandria McKeon, Asha Rehnberg, and Naomi Spinak. Most pieces are for sale.

See you in the studio!

Sara Bantle

Fiber Arts Studio Lead