Dallas Area Fiber Artists

FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE YOUR ART AND CAREER


Learn about upcoming shows with calls-for-entries, continue your education,get help with marketing your skills, and learn how other DAFA members have advanced their art and careers.


Calls for Entries

List of Services

Workshops & Classes

List of Services

DAFA Member Spotlight

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT


Reid Barnhart

Reid is a storyteller by heart, and has a steel clad memory, which is always on display in her conversations with friends or strangers. In fact, I don’t believe Reid Barnhart has ever met a stranger! Her natural interest in people, places, and things provides the only entry point she needs to spin a tale or make new lifelong friends.


Reid moved to Dallas in 1972 and soon started weaving lessons through the Craft Guild with Margaret Dempster. She joined the Dallas Handweavers & Spinners Guild in 1973 and began her interest in weaving. Reid began working full time at Timberlawn in 1975 and continued in that position as she and her husband David raised their family of three. Her interest shifted from weaving into constructing clothing around 1985 when she attended a lecture by Helen Richards on pieced clothing. Looking back over her incredibly prolific, creative path, this was a turning point for Reid.

Her interest in old vintage fabrics began and she saw a hat in a shop on Knox Henderson in Dallas that would begin her own hat making. She modified a hat pattern she found and through 1985-1990 began creating pieced clothing and hats. In fact, Audrey Legatowicz bought her first hat! And Chris Miller saw one of her first jackets in her attic and asked her to make more for the fiber gallery that she, Audrey, and Hinke Schroen had at Olla Podrida, ‘Fiber Options.”


For over 25 years now, Reid has been a wandering artist and textile collector. She had a trunk show of her work at Luke’s Locker, exhibited at Round Top twice a year for seven years, and had a booth in the Williamsburg Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show for 18 years, from 1998 until her last show in 2016.

Reid’s work is truly cherished by people across this country. Each piece is unique and beautiful, and has a story that only Reid Barnhart can tell. When you wear one of her hats or jackets, you can feel the story you are wearing, and know that you are now woven into the story as well of textile and creator.

DAFA Entry Skills Mini-Workshop

Next scheduled date:  March 2024

Once a year, prior to our annual juried show, we hold an Entry Skills Mini-Workshop subject to member demand.


Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced veteran of entering competitions, this workshop is designed to help you prepare your submissions to any show, including our own annual juried show and members' challenge. 


The 2024 edition will take place on March 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. sharp, and will be hosted by seasoned show entrants (and winners!) Carolyn Skei and Kathi Jahnke.

How to Write an Artist Statement, Artist Biography, and Artist CV

For artists seeking recognition in the competitive world of art exhibitions, juried shows, galleries, and museums, a well-crafted artist statement and biography are essential tools to establish themselves as art professionals. These documents serve as windows into an artist's creative world, providing insight into their motivations, vision, and artistic journey. A carefully composed artist statement and biography can help artists distinguish themselves from hobbyists and amateurs, presenting their work in a compelling, professional light.


The Artist Statement: A Window into Creativity


An artist statement is a concise, eloquent description of an artist's work, providing viewers with an understanding of the underlying concepts, inspirations, and artistic processes. When writing an artist statement, consider the following tips:


  1. Clarity and Brevity: Keep the statement clear, concise, and free from jargon. Aim for around 200-300 words to maintain the reader's attention and make your point effectively.
  2. Voice and Style: Use a professional yet accessible tone that reflects your personality and artistic voice. Avoid overly academic language that might alienate readers.
  3. Core Message: Identify the central themes and concepts that drive your art. Explain what themes or emotions you explore and why they are significant to you.
  4. Inspirations and Influences: Highlight the sources of your inspiration and the artists, movements, or experiences that have influenced your work. This provides context and depth to your artistic journey.
  5. Artistic Process: Share insights into your creative process. Describe how you approach your work, from concept development to the use of materials and techniques.
  6. Viewer Interaction: Discuss how you intend your work to engage and impact viewers emotionally, intellectually, or culturally. Invite the reader to experience your art on a deeper level.
  7. Relevance: Tailor your statement to the specific exhibition, gallery, or show you're submitting to. Highlight aspects of your work that align with the exhibition's theme or context.


The Artist Biography: Mapping the Artistic Journey


An artist biography offers a more comprehensive look at your artistic evolution, providing context to your work and personal background. Consider these points while crafting your biography:


  1. Chronological Progression: Begin with a brief overview of your background, education, and earliest artistic experiences. Then, chronologically outline key milestones in your artistic journey.
  2. Major Influences: Highlight pivotal moments, mentors, or experiences that significantly shaped your artistic development. This can help demonstrate your commitment to your craft.
  3. Artistic Evolution: Describe how your style, themes, and techniques have evolved over time. Discuss your willingness to experiment and push artistic boundaries.
  4. Achievements and Recognition: Include relevant awards, exhibitions, and notable achievements. This shows your commitment to professionalism and demonstrates external validation of your work.
  5. Exhibitions and Shows: Mention significant exhibitions, galleries, museums, or shows where your work has been displayed. This reinforces your presence in the art world.
  6. Personal Insights: Depending on the show for which you are preparing the biography, you may wish to share personal anecdotes that connect your work to your life experiences. This humanizes your journey and provides additional layers of understanding.


Crafting a Cohesive Narrative


To create a cohesive narrative between your artist statement and biography, follow these steps:


  1. Unified Themes: Ensure that the themes and concepts you discuss in your artist statement are reflected and expanded upon in your biography.
  2. Consistent Tone: Maintain a consistent tone and voice throughout both documents. This establishes your authenticity and professionalism.
  3. Edit and Revise: Review and revise your artist statement and biography meticulously. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or writing professionals to refine your message.


The Artist CV: Documenting Your Artistic Path


Typically, juried shows request a short biography and statement.  However, for some professional endeavors, you may wish to create a more detailed résumé of your accomplishments.  The artist Curriculum Vitae (CV) provides a comprehensive overview of your artistic journey, achievements, and qualifications. To create a professional artist CV, please consider the following:


  1. Structure: Organize your CV in a clean, easily navigable format. Include sections such as "Education," "Exhibitions," "Awards," "Collections," and "Publications."
  2. Chronological Order: List your experiences and achievements in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. This format emphasizes your current standing in the art world.
  3. Exhibitions: Detail each exhibition, including the exhibition title, venue, date, and any relevant curators or organizers. Specify whether the exhibition was solo or group.
  4. Awards and Recognition: Enumerate the awards, grants, fellowships, and residencies you've received. Highlight the institutions or organizations that recognized your talent.
  5. Collections: List any public or private collections that house your work. This provides evidence of your art's significance and lasting impact.
  6. Publications: Include any articles, reviews, or publications that feature your art. This demonstrates your work's influence within the art discourse.


In Summary


Crafting a professional-level artist documentation requires thoughtful introspection, clear communication, and the ability to contextualize your work within the broader art landscape. These documents serve as bridges between your artistic creations and your audience, allowing them to engage deeply with your art and understand your journey as a dedicated and accomplished artist. By following the guidelines outlined above, emerging and established artists can position themselves as true professionals in the art world, standing out amidst the sea of creatives and capturing the attention they rightfully deserve.


Content used with permission of lupeters.com.

How to Photograph Your Fiber Art Pieces

Fiber art is a versatile and expressive form of contemporary art that defies traditional boundaries. As you prepare your submissions for juried shows and exhibitions, mastering the art of effectively photographing fiber art pieces is paramount. The photograph becomes the bridge between the artist's creation and the viewer's perception, and it plays a pivotal role in conveying the nuances and textures inherent in fiber art. In this brief guide, you will learn how to capture your fiber art's essence through photography.


Understanding the Medium: Fiber Art's Unique Challenges


Fiber art, which encompasses such a wide range of techniques and materials, presents distinct challenges when it comes to photography. The interplay of textures, colors, and dimensions can be complex to convey accurately. Here's how artists can effectively navigate these challenges:


  1. Lighting Matters: Lighting is the cornerstone of successful photography. Natural light provides the best results, offering even illumination and accurate color representation. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause harsh shadows and alter colors. Consider using diffusers to soften light and prevent glare.
  2. Neutral Backgrounds: Choose neutral or monochromatic backgrounds that don't compete with the art. White, gray, or muted colors work well. A seamless backdrop eliminates distractions and allows the art to take center stage.
  3. Composition and Framing: Frame the fiber art piece within the photograph, ensuring the edges are straight and parallel to the frame. Leave some negative space around the art to prevent a crowded appearance.
  4. Depth and Dimension: Fiber art often boasts tactile qualities that should be captured. Experiment with angles to showcase depth and dimensionality. Consider taking close-ups to reveal intricate details.
  5. Color Accuracy: Calibrate your camera settings or use a custom white balance to ensure accurate color representation. Post-processing software can further fine-tune colors if necessary.
  6. Tripod Stability: Use a tripod to maintain stability and consistency throughout your shooting session. This is particularly important for longer exposure times or when shooting in low light conditions.
  7. Focus and Sharpness: Ensure your fiber art is in sharp focus. Use a narrow aperture (higher f-number) for greater depth of field, so more of the artwork remains in focus.
  8. Avoid Distortions: Keep the camera parallel to the artwork to avoid distortions, especially in the case of geometric or linear pieces.
  9. Experiment with Angles: Capture the fiber art from various angles to find the one that best captures its essence. Experimenting can reveal unexpected and striking perspectives.
  10. Details and Close-ups: Zoom in to capture intricate details that showcase the craftsmanship and unique qualities of your fiber art piece.


Post-Processing: Enhancing Without Distorting


Once you've captured your fiber art pieces through the lens, post-processing can enhance the images while maintaining their authenticity:


  1. Color Correction: Use photo editing software to adjust color balance and saturation. Ensure the colors match the actual artwork.
  2. Exposure and Contrast: Adjust exposure and contrast to ensure the image matches the actual appearance of the piece. However, avoid over-editing, as it can distort the art's true character.
  3. Crop and Straighten: Crop the image if necessary to eliminate distracting elements. Straighten the image to correct any slight tilts.
  4. Sharpness: Enhance sharpness slightly to bring out the details without making the image appear artificial.
  5. Resize image and compress file to meet show guidelines: Each show has different guidelines for maximum size.  Image size is given as length/height in pixels, whereas file size is stated in megabytes.  To resize and compress, you will need to use the photo software on your computer or phone.
  6. Backup Your Originals: Always work on a copy of the original file to preserve the integrity of the original photograph.


In Summary: Artistry Through the Lens


Effectively photographing fiber art for juried shows and exhibitions is a skill that enhances the communication between artist and audience. The photograph becomes a visual ambassador, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork's textures, colors, and intricate details. By understanding the unique challenges of photographing fiber art, mastering lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques, artists can ensure that their submissions accurately and compellingly represent their artistic visions. In the realm of exhibitions and juried shows, a well-photographed fiber art piece not only reflects the artist's proficiency but also enhances the overall impact of the artwork on the discerning eyes of curators, jurors, and fellow artists.


Content used with permission of lupeters.com.

How to Take a Great Headshot

In the realm of art exhibitions and juried shows, the artist's headshot is a critical component of the submission package. (It's also a key component of any websites and marketing materials you wish to distribute.) 


This seemingly small yet impactful photograph serves as the initial introduction of the artist to curators, jurors, and the public. It's not just a portrait; it's a glimpse into the artist's personality, creativity, and professionalism. Whether you're a new artist embarking on your journey or a seasoned professional, mastering the art of capturing an effective artist's headshot can significantly enhance your submission. Here are key strategies to create headshots that will make a lasting impression.


Reflect Your Artistic Identity


The artist's headshot should reflect your unique artistic identity. Consider the following elements:


  • Style: Choose a style that aligns with your artistic aesthetic. If your work is vibrant and dynamic, opt for a lively and engaging pose. If your art exudes sophistication, aim for a more composed and refined look.
  • Wardrobe: Select clothing that represents your artistic style and is appropriate for the type of art you create. Keep it professional yet authentic to your personality.


Lighting and Background


Lighting and background play pivotal roles in headshot photography:


  • Natural Light: Whenever possible, utilize natural light for a soft and flattering illumination. Position yourself near a window with diffused light, avoiding direct sunlight that can cast harsh shadows.
  • Background: Opt for a simple, unobtrusive background that doesn't distract from your face. A solid-colored wall, neutral backdrop, or a well-arranged studio space are all suitable options.


Framing and Composition


The composition of the headshot should be engaging and balanced:

  • Rule of Thirds: Position your eyes along the top horizontal line of the rule of thirds grid, keeping the gaze slightly off-center for a dynamic and inviting composition.
  • Facial Expression: Choose a genuine expression that conveys approachability and confidence. A subtle smile can go a long way in creating a warm and inviting demeanor.


Camera and Equipment


While professional equipment can yield superior results, you can achieve impressive headshots even with basic tools:

  • Camera: Use a camera with good resolution. A DSLR or a smartphone with a high-quality camera (set to maximum resolution) can both work well.
  • Tripod: To maintain stability and achieve sharp focus, use a tripod or prop your camera on a stable surface.


Angle and Perspective


Experimenting with different angles and perspectives can produce captivating results:

  • Eye Level: Position the camera at eye level to create a natural and relatable connection with the viewer.
  • Variety: Capture headshots from various angles and distances. Close-ups highlight facial details, while wider shots offer context.


Post-Processing: Enhance, Don't Alter


Post-processing can enhance the headshot's visual appeal:


  • Color Correction: Adjust color balance to ensure accurate representation of your appearance.
  • Light Retouching: Minor retouching for blemishes and lighting adjustments can enhance the final result without altering your natural appearance.


Professionalism and Authenticity


The goal is to strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity:

  • Attire and Grooming: Dress and groom yourself as you would for an important meeting or event, showcasing your professionalism.
  • Natural Beauty: Embrace your natural appearance. Authenticity is key, and overly heavy makeup or excessive retouching can detract from your authenticity.


Keep Your Options Open


Capture a variety of poses, expressions, and angles. Consider switching outfits as well. This will give you a range of choices to select the most compelling headshot--not just for your next project, but for future projects as well.


In Summary:  Your Introduction to the Art World


An artist's headshot is more than just a photograph; it's a window into your artistry, professionalism, and personality. When carefully crafted, it can captivate the attention of curators and jurors, offering them a glimpse of the artist behind the creations.


Remember, your headshot isn't just a part of your submission; it's a representation of your commitment to your craft and your readiness to engage with the art world.


Content used with permission of lupeters.com.

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