September 29, 2012

Colors. Textures. Images. Where does it all start? Where does it all lead? This last year has been a whirlwind of adventure and explorations: new experiences, new creations, new directions...travels across the country and visits to museums and exhibits, seminars and classes...all the while building and launching a new product line that began with Norwegian folk-art inspired rosemaled scarves. No sooner had I gotten my first samples when I ran across a notice for the Nordic Fashion Biennale -- a cooperation between Seattle's Nordic Heritage Museum and Iceland's Nordic House in Reykjevik. Just in time to reserve a space at the first-time-in-America event (September 29, 2011).

It was the perfect beginning... "Looking Back to Find Our Future," the biennale's focus graphically blurred the boundaries, bridging the gaps between the past and present . extending glimpses into the future. Hrafnhildur Arnardottir (aka "Shoplifter"), the guest curator, created an exciting exhibit of fashions and jewelry primarily from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, juxtaposing trendy, imaginative and evocative designs with the museum's prized collections: chests, bowls, paintings, furniture and clothing, and the tableaus from "The Dream of America Exhibit."

And two days of discussion and lectures on all aspects of the design industry. So many threads weaving into the narrative -- resources, sustainability, an emphasis on hand crafting, teaching the skills, a return to the "slow arts" movement, a renewed appreciation for things that will last, and an appreciation of folk arts and a decorative environment... A fine christening for my Lingonberries line... Many things to share...