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Debra Disman

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“Women Artists Unfolding”: Celebrating Women Artists at the West Valley Regional Branch Library

March 19, 2023 By Debra Disman

In honor of Women’s History Month (March) the West Valley Regional Branch Library celebrated women artists with a bookmaking workshop led by artist in residence Debra Disman!

Patrons joined us to create their own  handmade books which unfolded to hold informative and inspiring images and information about renowned artists Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama.  All materials were provided. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Yayoi Kusama and her ubiquitous polka dots was a hit!

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist, Women Artists Tagged With: "We Write The Book", Artist Residency, Book, Book as Art, Book Structures, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Books with Pockets, Community Artmaking, DCA LA, DCA-funded artist residency, Faith Ringgold, folded, Frida Kahlo, Handmade Books, LAPL, Librarians, Los Angeles Public Library, Making Books Together, mixed media books, Self-expression, The Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Women Artists, Women's history month, Yayoi Kusama

Boys MAKE THEIR OWN BOOKS!

March 15, 2023 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to teach “Make Your Own Books” through the City of Santa Monica’s CREST Enrichment program during January and February 2023!
I had a fantastic class of all boys who worked together beautifully, learned enthusiastically, and displayed great creativity and passion for their book projects!

Here is what one Mom said of her son’s experience with bookmaking:

“Owen is so sad he will be missing the last class this week as we are out of town.   I wanted to share how much this class has changed Owen.  He is obsessed with making books now and holds his own comic book club…daily…with his Dad and I. He carries them everywhere.  He shows everyone.”

This was thrilling for me to hear…it is what a teaching artist lives for!

Below are they boys in action during our after-school program:

     

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: "Make Your Own Books!", After school art class, Art Classes, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Bookamking class, Bookmaking, Chidren making books, Children Making Books, COMMUNITY BOOKMAKING, CREST Enrichment, Elementary School Students, Handmade Books, Making Books By Hand, Santa Monica Public School, Teaching Artist, Will Rogers Elementary School

Be The Change Book Festival: Bookmaking Workshops II

March 6, 2023 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to lead three bookmaking workshops at the Glendale Central Library as part of Glendale Library Arts and Culture
on Saturday, February 25: 10:00am – 11:00am, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

“Make Your Own Books with Debra Disman – Bookmaker and ReflectSpace Gallery exhibiting artist”
Glendale Central Library – ReflectSpace Annex
I worked with families, individuals and groups who learned how to create fun and fabulous handmade books using folding, cutting and gluing techniques.

Presented as part of:

Be the Change Book Festival – Be the Change Series at Glendale Central Library
Held Saturday, February 25: 10:00am – 4:00pm
 A marvelous day-long event which celebrated diverse voices in reading at the Book Festival with author talks, local book vendors, food trucks, DJ, and activities for all ages.

        

Enjoy my solo show and other exhibitions in the Library!
I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do Exhibition by Debra Disman – ReflectSpace Gallery
Through March 26th!
Glendale Central Library
A solo exhibition featuring Los Angeles-based artist Debra Disman.

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Presentations, Student Work, Teaching Artist, Women Artists Tagged With: "Make Your Own Books!", Anahid Oshagan, Ara Oshagan, Artists, Be the Change, Be the Change BOok Festival, Book, Book Festival, Bookmakiing Workshops, Bookmaking, Bookmaking at the Public Library, BOOKMAKING WORKSHOP, Books, Books made by Hand, Charlotte Salomon, Community Bookamking Women's History Month, Eva Hesse, Family Bookmaking Workshop, Fiber, Glendale Arts and Culture, Glendale Central Library, Handmade Books, Hands on bookmaking, Installation, Making Books Together, RefectSpaceGallery, Sculpture, Solo Exhibition, Solo Show, Tapestry, Textiles

Be The Change Book Festival: Bookmaking Workshops I

March 1, 2023 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to offer three FREE bookmaking workshops for Be the Change Book Festival – Be the Change Series on Saturday February 25th,2023!!!

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230225_135148.mp4

Make Your Own Books with Debra Disman – Bookmaker and ReflectSpace Gallery exhibiting artist
Participants learned how to create fun and fabulous handmade books using folding, cutting and gluing techniques.

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230225_135200.mp4

as part of:

Be the Change Book Festival – Be the Change Series

Saturday, February 25: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Glendale Central Library

Please enjoy more of this event!
A devoted Dad!
Tween Time 1
Tween Time 2

Dynamic Duo Mom and Daughter
Be The Change Compilation

ALSO!
I have a solo show in ReflectSpace Gallery:

I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do Exhibition by Debra Disman – ReflectSpace Gallery

 Glendale Central Library
Glendale Library Arts and Culture

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Student Work, Teaching Artist, Women Artists Tagged With: "Make Your Own Books!", Anahid Oshagan, Ara Oshagan, Artists, Be the Change, Be the Change BOok Festival, Book, Book Festival, Bookmakiing Workshops, Bookmaking, Bookmaking at the Public Library, BOOKMAKING WORKSHOP, Books, Books made by Hand, Charlotte Salomon, Community Bookamking Women's History Month, Eva Hesse, Family Bookmaking Workshop, Fiber, Glendale Arts and Culture, Glendale Central Library, Handmade Books, Hands on bookmaking, Installation, Making Books Together, RefectSpaceGallery, Sculpture, Solo Exhibition, Solo Show, Tapestry, Textiles

Flag Bookmaking at the Silverlake Independent JCC

February 20, 2023 By Debra Disman

It was a pleasure to teach a hands-on FLAG BOOKmaking workshop for fifth-graders at the Silverlake Independent JCC, my fifth year doing so! (Or is it my 6th?!)
The fifth-graders were receptive, energetic and creative!

     

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: Books made by Hand, COMMUNITY BOOKMAKING, East Side LA, Flag Book, Handmade Book, JCC, jewish COmmunity, Jewish Community Silverlake, Silverlake, Silverlake Independent JCC

“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” Solo Show INSTALLATION at ReflectSpace Gallery!

February 13, 2023 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to have a solo exhibition at ReflectSpace Gallery, part of Glendale Arts and Culture, which opened Saturday January 28th and is on view through March 26,2023.
The show, a dream come true that I did not even know I  had, was curated by the wonderful Ara and Anahid Oshagan of The City of Glendale. Here I share a bit of our installation process, helmed by the wonderful Stacie B. London, Jennifer Remenchick and Chloe Corse.


“Concurrencies II” lays in wait to be hung.


Working with Chloe to hang “Concurrencies I” and “Concurrencies II”.


Exhibition design in process.


Chloe in action.


Works in waiting…to be placed!


The indefatigable ARA OSHAGAN, artist, curator, publisher, force of nature, and perhaps little-known fact, physicist!


A beautiful corner, complete, and further views:


Team consultation, Stacie, Jennifer, Ara.


“Rent Wound Tear, Mend Heal Repair”


Negotiating the pedestals and shelves for the 3-d works.


Ara surveys the scene.


Another beautiful corner complete.


Tick Tick Tick…the installation gets done…on time for the upcoming opening.

Gratitudes to ALL!

Filed Under: BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: Anahid Oshagan, Ara Oshagan, Book Festival, Bookmakiing Workshops, Books, Chloe Corse, City of Glendale, Curators Ara Oshagan and  Anahid Oshagan, Exhibition design, Fiber, Fiber Art, Gallery show, Gallery sow, Glendale Arts and Culture, Glendale Central Library, Glendale Library Arts and Culture, Handmade Books, Installation, Jennifer Remenchick, Michelle Robinson, Solo Exhibition, Solo Show, Stacie B. London, Textile Art, Textiles

“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do Solo Show Opening At ReflectSpace Gallery!

February 7, 2023 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to have a solo exhibition at ReflectSpace Gallery, part of Glendale Arts and Culture, which opened Saturday January 28th and is on view through March 19,2023.
The show, a dream come true that I did not even know I  had, was curated by the wonderful Ara and Anahid Oshagan of The City of Glendale.

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/VID_24521006_142714_984-1.mp4

Beautiful show video by Jennifer Remenchick, artist, writer, videographer and exhibition installer.


The opening was warm, wonderful and wild!


Our ReflectSpace-published artist book: “Concurrencies Charlotte Salomon, and Eva Hesse Genius, Trauma and the Creative Imagination”.
I was moved and surprised by flowers sent by my family, and a certificate presented by Senator Anthony L. Portantino!


Stacie B. London, exhibition designer and installer extraordinaire…and esteemed colleague.


Artist colleagues Laurey Bennett Levy and Rebecca Youseff


The very colorful artist and animator Michelle Robinson


Beloved artist and curator friend,  Frida Cano


Frida and Mick


Dear friend and actor extraordinaire, Suzanne Voss


Long-time no-see friend Rayne with Mark


Mark and I hanging with the beautiful Anahid Oshagan, curator and lawyer,  and Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian


I was honored to receive a City of Glendale Certificate of Recognition,  presented by Senator Anthony L. Portantino!


Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian and  Senator Anthony L. Portantino!

Director of Glendale Library Arts and Culture Gary Shaffer,  Mon Cher Mark, Curator  Anahid Oshagan, and  Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian


What a line-up!
Exhibition Designer Stacie B. London, Curators Ara Oshagan and  Anahid Oshagan, Director of Glendale Library Arts and Culture Gary Shaffer, Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, Mark, myself, and  Senator Anthony L. Portantino and esteemed City of Glendale colleague!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, AWARDS, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, TEXTILE/FIBER, Women Artists, Work Tagged With: Anahid Oshagan, Ara Oshagan, Book Festival, Bookmakiing Workshops, Books, City of Glendale, Curators Ara Oshagan and  Anahid Oshagan, Director of Glendale Library Arts and Culture Gary Shaffer, Fiber, Fiber Art, Frida Cano, Glendale Arts and Culture, Glendale Central Library, Glendale Library Arts and Culture, Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, Handmade Books, Jennifer Remenchick, Laurey Bennett-Levy, Mark Henry Samuel, Michelle Robinson, Rebecca Youseff, RefectSpaceGallery, Senator Anthony L. Portantino, Solo Exhibition, Solo Show, Stacie B. London, Suzanne Voss, Textile Art, Textiles

“Yarn/Rope/String” at the New Bedford Art Museum

January 30, 2023 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be included in the current
Yarn/Rope/String exhibition at the New Bedford Art Museum
DECEMBER 8, 2022 – MARCH 12, 2023
showing: “Profusion“, 2018, 8.5 x 24.5 x 7.75, Book board, mulberry paper, watercolor paper, canvas, hemp cord


Fiber Art Now and New Bedford Art Museum/Art Works! present Yarn/Rope/String

DECEMBER 8, 2022 – MARCH 12, 2023

The Fiber Art Now Yarn/Rope/String exhibitions were designed to encourage innovative use of fibers that artists incorporate into new and exciting works of art. The jurors for the 2021 and 2022 exhibitions in print had this to say about the expanse of this expressive niche of fiber art:

Yarn/Rope/String 2022 juror Michael F. Rohde has been weaving since 1973. His work is in the permanent collections of the George Washington University Museum, The Textile Museum in Washington, DC; the Mingei Museum in San Diego, California; the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles in San Jose, California; the Ventura County Museum of Art in Ventura, California; the Racine Art Museum in Racine, Wisconsin; and The Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. “It is always a special privilege to be given the chance to see a large body of work, but a challenge to select only a few,” said Rohde. “Some of the things I looked for and found include excellence in craftsmanship, new ways of expressing ideas with fiber, and occasionally work that addressed what happens outside of the studios yet impacts us all. Not all works embodied all criteria. This led to a selection that was diverse and hopefully with some things that are new to each of us.” michaelrohde.com

YARN/ROPE/STRING: FIBER ART NOW JURIED EXHIBITION
DECEMBER 8, 2022 – MARCH 12, 2023

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "YARN/ROPE/STRING", Fiber, Fiber Art, FIBER ART NOW, Fiber Artists, Group Show, Juried Exhibition, Michael F. Rohde, New Bedford Museum of Art, TEXTILE ARTISTS, Textiles, Textle art

Storybook Theater at the West Valley Regional Library!

January 23, 2023 By Debra Disman

In July I started a new Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

On Thursday January 12th, we gathered in the Library’s community room, with participants of all ages including  children, grandparents, families and even a 5 month old baby, and learned as a group how to make the fantastical and fun Storybook Theater!

Cutting, folding, pasting, developing…


participants created three-dimensional stories that stood up, opened out, 


and expressed their imaginations, creativity, and hopes for the new year…new vistas indeed!

Bravo!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "We Write The Book", Artist Residency, Book, Book as Art, Book as Sculpture, Book Structures, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Community Artmaking, DCA LA, DCA-funded artist residency, drama, Folded and glued Books, Folded Books, Handmade Books, LAPL, LAPL Summer Reading, Librarians, Los Angeles Public Library, Making Books Together, mixed media books, Self-expression, SIGNATURE, Story, The Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles, theater, Theatre, West Valley Regional Branch Library

“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” Solo Exhbition at ReflectSpace Gallery!

January 18, 2023 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to have a solo exhibition at ReflectSpace Gallery, part of Glendale Arts and Culture, opening Saturday January 28th and on view through March 19,2023.
Curated by the wonderful Ara and Anahid Oshagan of Glendale.

The title of the show is based on a work of the same name:
“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”, 2022, 13 x 71.5″,  repurposed table runner, paint, hemp cord and linen thread

MORE TO COME…

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Exhibitions, New Work, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: Anahid Oshagan, Ara Oshagan, Book Festival, Bookmakiing Workshops, Books, Glendale Arts and Culture, Glendale Central Library, Handmade Books, RefectSpaceGallery, Solo Show, Soo Exhibition

“Tenuous Threads” at Atlantic Gallery

January 10, 2023 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be a part of:

TENUOUS THREADS

Contemporary Work Incorporating Textiles, Fibers, Threads and Mixed Media

January 24th – February 11, 2023

Opening reception of Tenuous Threads: January 26th, 5:30pm-8pm: 

Atlantic Gallery, located in the historic Landmark Arts Building in Chelsea NYC,  presents the exhibition: Tenuous Threads, juried by Patricia Miranda

All of life is connected through networks, systems, fibers and webs. Communication (visual, verbal, electrical, chemical, and kinetic) enables an exchange of information amongst all life forms. Tenuous Threads alludes to the delicate lines that bring us together and sets us apart; that joins us yet repels us. This show features innovative artworks that utilize textiles, fibers, threads (natural and synthetic) in sculpture, collage, 3D and 2D mixed media that communicates the strength and fragility of what binds all life.

I am showing:
Facing Darkness, 2020, 19 x 18 x .5″, mixed media: canvas, acrylic paint, lace, zipper, wood, hemp cord
Detail

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Exhibitions, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: Atlantic Gallery, Chelsea Art District, communication, Contemporary Work, Fiber, fiber artworks, Fibers, lace, Mixed media, networks, NY, NYC, Patricia Miranda, Tenueous Threads, textile artworks, Textiles, threads, webs

“Objects of Agency” Presented by the Hera Gallery

January 4, 2023 By Debra Disman

The Hera Gallery is  excited to announce the opening of the virtual exhibition Objects of Agency. Objects of Agency is a 52 week long virtual exhibition, through 2023. The exhibition addresses the health care crisis which has recently culminated in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and stripped thousands of people of the right to bodily autonomy.

Visit Heragallery.org and their social media pages to view the exhibition and stay tuned for upcoming events and programming.

I am proud to have my work, “Excavation of the Interior” included in this important and timely exhibition.

Inspired by the form of the book, my work traverses tapestry, installation and sculpture to push familiar forms into works that arrest and baffle, while simultaneously offering places of contemplation and solace. Working both as a solo practitioner and in the public sphere of community engagement, I aim to invite altered ways of viewing the world and how we inhabit it, to instigate exploration and examination of what we think we know and are.

The evocative, visceral and physical quality of materials drives my work and gives it its emotional resonance and relevance vis a vis how they are used. I am compelled to layer, wrap, stitch, knot and glue as well as paint, draw and write, layering, disrupting and complicating the surface to add levels of meaning. Often, the meaning or intent becomes clear only during or after this process, as if it had been there all along and simply surfaced during the act of making.

Excavation of the Interior, 2021, 12 x 28 x 12.5″.
“Excavation of the Interior” is a sculpture drawing parallels between the structures of the book, built environment and body made of wood, mulberry paper, canvas, muslin, watercolor paper, hemp cord and linen thread. It stands upright in any degree of opened/closed. Open, it can span up to 28″ wide.


Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: Abortion, Abortion rights, Agency, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Female Agency, Female health, Hera Gallery, Hera Gallery and Educational Foundation, Objects of Agency, Political, Political art, Politics, Portest art, Protest, Protest Artworks, Reproductive Rights, Rights, Social issues exhibition, Virtual Exhibition, Women, Women's Body

“Fifty Years of Fiber” Show Catalogue!

December 25, 2022 By Debra Disman

It was an honor to participate in:

See the online exhibition  catalogue HERE!

The annual Fiber Artists of San Antonio 2022 Art Exhibition was held November 6 through December 9 2022, at the Kelso Art Center, University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX. The theme of the exhibit, “50 Years of Fiber Art,” celebrated the organization’s half century history. The show presented fiber artists from across the U.S. considering each decade since the 1970s as inspiration for their fiber art work.

*DEFINITION OF FIBER, as extracted from Merriam-Webster Dictionary: 1. A thread or structure or object resembling a thread; 2. A slender and greatly elongated natural or synthetic filament) such as wool, cotton, gold, asbestos, glass or rayon) which typically can be spun into yarn; 3. Material made of fibers (includes paper), fabric, plastic or metal fibers, tapestry, art cloth.

The exhibition was juried by Paula Owen.
Owen, president emerita of Southwest School of Art, began her tenure in1996, following 11 years as the Director of the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, Virginia. Under her leadership the school’s size, scope, and reputation grew significantly, and in 2014 a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program was added. In 2022 Southwest School of Art and University of Texas at San Antonio announced a merger to create a new and expanded school of art.

Owen has served as curator of numerous exhibits and on national and regional boards and panels, including the Pew Artist Fellowships, the Bush Foundation Fellowships, and the National Endowment for the Arts. She is a published arts writer and co-authored the book, Objects and Meaning: New Perspec5ves on Art and Craft:, published by Scarecrow Press. Most recently, her essay “Fabrication and Encounter: When Content is a Verb,” was published in Maria Elena Buzcek’s book, Extra/Ordinary: Craft and Contemporary Art.

Owen earned an MFA in painting and printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University and continues to show her work in group and solo shows throughout the nation.

I was thrilled to win the second place award for my work:
“Rent Wound Tear, Mend Heal Repair”, 2022, 64 x 68″ (dimensions variable), Triptych Installation
This exhibition was the first time this triptych was shown outside of Los Angeles.

See the online exhibition  catalogue HERE and see the wondrous works of all the accomplished artists in whose company I was honored to show.
Thank you to all involved.

Filed Under: AWARDS, Exhibitions, Presentations, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: 50 Years of Fiber, 50 Years of Fiber Art, Award winner, Fiber, Group Shows, Paula Owen, San Antonio, the Kelso Art Center, TX., University of Incarnate Word

Surface Design Association Award of Excellence

December 19, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am very honored to share the recent Surface Design Association Award of Excellence with artist Anne McMillan. 


Debra Disman (portrait on left),  “Hopes and Fears and…,” 2020. Stitched, sewn, repurposed textile squares, linen thread, 24.5 x 16.5in (image on right)

Please go  HERE to see the post!

Surface Design Association says:

“We’re excited to support innovative work in fiber and textile media! The Award of Excellence is awarded to artists who have work in current exhibitions. This year we’re so pleased to congratulation both Debra Disman @artifactorystudio and Anne McMillan @annemcmillanart for their extraordinary accomplishments.”

Interested in their awards and grants? Check out the link in their bio / profile!

Thank you SDA!!!

I am honored also to share this honor with artist Anne McMillan
annemcmillanart.com | @annemcmillanart
From the SDA July Newsletter:

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD WINNERS!

1) Award of Excellence

Debra Disman
debradisman.com | @artifactorystudio

Debra Disman’s (she/her) Hopes and Fears and… won SDA’s Award of Excellence at the Alternative Fiber exhibition at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock, Texas, US.

Debra Disman (portrait on left), Hopes and Fears and…, 2020. Stitched, sewn, repurposed textile squares, linen thread, 24.5 x 16.5 inches.

Anne McMillan
annemcmillanart.com | @annemcmillanart

Three of Anne McMillan’s (she/her) mixed media and artist books won SDA’s Award of Excellence. The exhibition, Tension: Process in the Making, was a juried group exhibition celebrating SDA’s New Hampshire Regional Group.

Anne McMillan, Flaxed. Khadi. mulberry paper, flax, linen thread, bone button, book board, pva glue; eco-dyed paper, flax roving, hand-spun ties, bound with buttonhole stitch.

Filed Under: AWARDS, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: Anne McMillan, Award of Excellence, Awards, Debra Disman, Fiber, Fiber Art, Fibers, Instagram, SDA, Surface Design Association, Textile, Textile Art, Textiles

VoyageLA Interview: Conversations with Debra Disman

December 15, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am honored to have been interviewed by VoyageLA, for their LOCAL STORIES  section, which was posted DECEMBER 12, 2022.

Thanks to colleague artist Luciana Abait for referring me!

Interview Copy:

“Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Disman.

Debra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in the Chicago area where the Chicago Art Institute became a second home, and took art classes growing up, both in and out of school. In high school, I also started working in community arts as a volunteer and continued this when I went to college at the University of Iowa. I was an art major with a focus on painting but also studied drawing, printmaking, literature and creative writing, and was in the Iowa Undergraduate Writers’ Workshop in Poetry, which was one of the reasons I went there. I have always had a passionate interest in both image and text (“art and writing” as we used to call it!) and their interrelationship, and have sought ways to put them together, as evidenced in my current book, object, installation and “textual tapestry” works. I also studied a year in France, learning the language and traveling extensively, imbibing masterworks, architecture, landscape and craft, which sparked a lifelong love of travel and cultural explorations. From the very beginning, teaching has been part of my career, and when I moved to San Francisco after graduation, I began teaching onsite at the De Young Museum and through their urban outreach program, an experience which has informed my work ever since as a teaching artist in the Bay Area and now across Los Angeles County, as I engage with its diverse communities. Working as both a solo practitioner alone in the studio and in the public sphere of community engagement offers a rich practice and life, which compels and challenges commitment and creativity from all angles.

I worked this way in San Francisco for many years, showing in the Bay Area and across the country and then became involved with painting art furniture while trying to learn business skills. I had a San Francisco-based entrepreneurial enterprise for 15 years called ArtiFactory Studio, providing decorative painting, color consultation, surface design and murals to clients from all backgrounds and walks of life, as well as organizations and businesses, and continued teaching as well during much of this time. I went through the certificate programs of both the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center in San Francisco and the International Association of Colour Consultants/Designers in San Diego, and later the UCLArts and Healing Social and Emotional Arts (SEA) Certificate Program, The Annenberg—Inner-City Arts Professional Development Program and “Creativity” series, and the Cal State Los Angeles/City of LA Deprtment of Cultural Affairs Community Teaching Artist Program, to enhance my skills, broaden my education and connect with others, which has been invaluable to my work and career on all fronts.

When I relocated to Los Angeles in 2012, I knew I wanted to recommit to an evolving studio practice and teach in the community. I began proposing bookmaking and other workshops to my local Santa Monica Library, and to my delighted surprise, was able to start teaching almost right away. I had made artists’ books and taught bookmaking and  story-writing in San Francisco, but took the object of the book and the teaching of bookmaking structures to a whole other level in Los Angeles. By dint of persistent and concentrated effort, I have been able to develop a multi-faceted practice around these which has allowed me to exhibit my work in galleries, museums, universities and libraries across LA and the US and teach in an array of community settings and situations. I am honored to be an enthusiastic local artist in residence at 18th Street Arts Center, serve as an artist-in-residence for the City of LA Department of Cultural Affairs, and to have received a Santa Monica Artist Fellowship in 2021, all of which have allowed me to continue, develop and grow my work, practice and life!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any path in life is smooth! There are always challenges, obstacles, contradictions and paradoxes encountered along the way. I have been privileged to create and be offered a number of opportunities here in the LA area, including being referred to Voyage LA by my colleague and twice collaborator Luciana Abait! I made huge changes in my work and the way I worked when we moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco in 2012. The very essence of the environment, art scene and offerings is so different in flavor, scale, intensity and mindset. In San Francisco, I had been focused on working as an entrepreneur doing custom and commissioned work for individual clients, so it was very client-driven and collaborative which I loved. When I moved to LA, I knew I was going to return to an individual studio practice and transform my way of working though I did not know exactly which form it would take. I concentrated on building up my work as a teaching artist to connect with and support the community and allow me the freedom to pursue my own inclinations, vision and voice in the studio. These two aspects of my practice have worked very well together but it has not been for lack of concerted work and effort. I knew very few folks when we moved here, so the whole process has been a glorious exploration and voyage of discovery of my own evolving creative path as well as of this remarkable and continually transforming city and region, which offers so much and seems to have a place for everyone who is willing to make the effort.

One of my biggest challenges at this point is time and how to allocate it! Between teaching artist gigs and studio work, pursuing and participating in exhibitions, studio visits, residencies and project grants, the time to view gallery and museum shows requires a lot of decision-making, and I am not able to see all I would love to see. I am continually working on the time and energy management of my work and career in all its permutations, also because it is important to show up and support others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a visual artist with a strong background in writing who works both as a solo practitioner and in the public sphere of community engagement. I am known for my work inspired by the book, which traverses tapestry, installation and sculpture, often pushing familiar forms into works that arrest and baffle while simultaneously (I hope) offering places of contemplation and solace. As a maker and teaching artist, I aim to offer and invite altered ways of viewing the world and how we inhabit it and instigate exploration and examination of what we think we know and are. I do this in very conceptual ways in the studio and in more direct, concrete ways with students and the community-at-large.

Although I am seen to fall into the “categories” of book artist as well as fiber and textile artist because of my use of string, cord, thread and cloth/fabric/textiles, I identify as a contemporary artist working in two and three dimensions with the materials that most move and matter to me at any given time. The evocative, visceral, physical quality of materials drives my work and gives it its emotional resonance and relevance vis a vis how it is used. I am compelled to layer, wrap, stitch, knot and glue as well as paint, draw and write. The “tactile textile” becomes “text-ual” as well as textural when text is added to it, which is another way of layering, disrupting and complicating the surface to add levels of meaning. I love repetitive labor in making, and finding more and more ways to engage with a specific material, such as sewing and stitching with cord, then knotting and wrapping with it, then gluing it to a surface. One process inspires another, illuminating the expressive potential of the medium.

When I work with the community, I offer a roadmap of instruction that allows people to participate in creating a piece or structure which they can then take to another level and transform to their needs and inclination while learning artistic and technical skills along the way. The main focus of my teaching artistry is on bookmaking, but I also teach sculpture, drawing, painting, collage, color theory and art history. If I present a strong enough foundation of how-to, students will gain the confidence to explore the what-next and even the why at times. This is exciting and extremely gratifying, as it allows me to see the healing effect of art and artmaking close-up and personal. Studio work and teaching artistry are part of the same continuum of my creative practice, and some of my favorite projects employ both, such as “Unfolding Possibilities”, a unique artists’ book I created and stitched with words submitted by participants in my “Bookmaking With Self-Compassion” workshop presented online through 18th Street Arts Center and We Rise LA during mental health awareness month in response to COVID-19. By integrating the participants’ voices, the book, which can unfold to 78” long, became a collaborative artistic record of the greater community’s experience of the pandemic..

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the art world, like all other sectors of society, is always shifting and changing, but certain issues remain the same such as surviving and thriving as an artist, which for most in today’s world requires entrepreneurial skills and the ability to create your own opportunities; the comparative scarcity and expense of studio space and other necessary resources for artmaking, even including the availability of materials held up by supply chain issues; gatekeeping and bureaucracy; elitism and status issues, competitiveness, hierarchy and the proverbial internalized pecking order; and ongoing inequities as regards to race, gender and class which can severely limit opportunities and challenge basic functioning in the art world and world-at-large. There are institutional and organizational efforts being made to combat, mitigate and better these conditions, but it is slow-going, and it remains to be seen whether such efforts will continue and grow or whether they will be revealed to be a trend, momentarily capturing our ever-decreasing attention spans.

As we get more and more entwined with digital interactions and social media in particular, I think it gets harder to connect to what is real and tangible, even visceral, which is what I feel we as humans crave. The digital world offers many opportunities for those who are able to effectively use and not be consumed by it, so the balance is tricky. The art world reflects this tension, and artists, craftspeople and other makers are working to resolve it in a myriad of creative ways.

I think we will see more and more efforts on the part of individuals to balance and integrate seeming opposed factors and conditions such as online versus in-person; material/physical verses digital; ideas and theories verses feelings and behaviors; and the effects of these seeming sets of opposites. The business, institutional, political and academic worlds may follow suite in their offerings if they see that this balance and integration is what the folks on the ground want and are willing to stand behind, as ultimately their survival and relevance depend on people’s engagement with what they present. These changes take time and energy, two things that are always at a premium.”

Contact Info:

  • Website: https://debradisman.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artifactorystudio/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debra.disman/

Read the interview and see images HERE!

About VoyageLA in their own words:

“We started Voyage Group of Magazines in Los Angeles, with our flagship publication VoyageLA.  After generating our first million page views in LA we knew our content was resonating with the community.

We’ve since grown to a handful of other amazing cities with the help of an amazing network of friends, associates, local insiders and influencers, PR firms, local bloggers, artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and other professionals.

OUR MISSION & EDITORIAL ETHOS

Our small team has been working hard to create a new type of media for our community. As you browse through our stories you’ll notice that many of our interviews aren’t as polished as you’ll find elsewhere in the media. That’s intentional – we believe that far too many in the media filter, edit, and polish away the personality of interviewees and as a result so much of what we see in the media feels like it’s coming from the same person, the same voice, etc.  We think it’s important for media to more authentically represent the communities they serve and so we try to ensure that voices of those we feature jump off the page.

We also think artists rock.  We love small businesses, mom-n-pops, and food trucks. We’re not snobs, but we aren’t fond of most chains.  We think independent entrepreneurs, freelancers and other risk takers make our cities exciting to live in.  We cherish the rebel spirit, we don’t think just a handful of large corporations should control all of our commerce and we think smores with vegan marshmallows are better than normal marshmallows. We respect people and organizations that take the path less traveled.  We root for the underdogs and we almost never say no to pizza.

Accordingly our mission is to build a platform that fosters collaboration and support for small businesses, independent artists and entrepreneurs, local institutions and those that make our city interesting.  We want to change the way people spend their money – rather than spending it with the big, cookie-cutter corporations we want them to spend their money with the independent, creative, local entrepreneurs, small businesses and artists.

And finally, we want the stories we share to help give our big city a little bit of that small town community charm, where people know each other and their stories at a deeper, more personal level.“

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, MEDIA, Work Tagged With: AL, Artists, Debra Disman, Hidden Gems, LA Artists, LA People, LA Stories, Local Stories, Los Angeles, Luciana Abait, Voyage Group of Magazines in Los Angeles, VoyageLA, West Side

Arte Realizzata Artist Spotlight!!

December 12, 2022 By Debra Disman

Many thanks to Uzomah Ugwu for this artist spotlight in her wondrous magazine Arte Realizzata and also for our FRUITFUL CONVERSATION.

Artist Spotlight on Debra Disman

Dec 5

Debra Disman is a Los Angeles-based artist known for her work inspired by the book, which traverses tapestry, installation, and sculpture to push familiar forms into works that arrest and baffle while simultaneously offering places of contemplation and solace. As a maker and teaching artist, she invites altered ways of viewing the world and how we inhabit it.

Disman was the featured artist for the Big Read in LA in 2016; is the recipient of a 2016-17 WORD Artist Grant / Bruce Geller Memorial Prize to create “The Sheltering Book,” a life-sized book structure designed as a catalyst for community creativity; and was commissioned by LA’s Craft Contemporary Museum to create an interactive book for their 2017 exhibition, “Chapters: Book Arts in Southern California.”

She was a 2018 Studio Resident at the Camera Obscura Art Lab in Santa Monica and has served as an Artist-in-Residence for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs since 2017. A Santa Monica Artist Fellow in 2021-22, she continues projects, research, and teaching efforts across Los Angeles County and the world, contributing to 18th Street Arts Center as a local artist-in-residence.

Disman’s recent Santa Monica Artist Fellowship project, “Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse: Genius, Trauma and the Invention of New Forms of Visual Art in Response to the Holocaust,” shown at 18th Street Arts Center in June 2022, in the form of an open studio explored the concurrencies between the two artists and her response to them. Involving three essential components: Research, Artistic Production, and Public Engagement/Exhibition, the year-long project investigated, compared, and linked the lives and the groundbreaking work of Jewish women artists Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse based on their shared experience of trauma and loss; and their invention of new artistic forms through which Disman feels they respond to and attempt to cope with these traumas. Themes of the project include the relationship between internal and external turbulence and the creative act; the transformative power of the creative process: the triumph of the imagination as opposed to the triumph of the will; and how trauma can elicit the creation of new forms, voices, and materials that outlast their makers and continue to reverberate throughout the time, inspiring posterity.

“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” encapsulates the resistance we may have to our destiny and our calling and the indomitable spirit that keeps all artists exploring, investigating, experimenting, and achieving.

“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”, 2022, 13 x 71.5″, cotton table runner, linen thread

“Excavation of the Interior”, (detail), 2021, 12 x 28 x 12.5″, wood, mulberry and watercolor papers, canvas, muslin, linen thread, hemp cord

“Concurrencies I: Charlotte Salomon Eva Hesse”, 2022, 58 x 19.5″, denim, hemp cord, linen thread, metallic thread

“Finally And Just For A Minute”, 2022, 46 x 58.5”, canvas, burlap, hemp cord, acrylic paint, ribbon

“It’s Not Black and White” (interior/open), 2021, 9 x 22 x 7.5″, book board, mulberry paper, used typewriter ribbon, canvas, hemp cord.

For more information about Debra’s artwork, please visit her site. Also, follow and like her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Arte Realizzata Magazine, Artist Conversation, Artist Spotlight, Fruitful Conversation, Uzomah Ugwu

Picasso-Inspired Shape Shifting

December 12, 2022 By Debra Disman

In our “Making Art Inspired by Great Artists” CREST Enrichment class,
Students in grades TK- 5th are inspired by Pablo Picasso…learning about Cubism, creating and exploring shapes through line, color and collage, and creating their own Picasso-inspired portraits!

For a different take and to enhance their experience of color relationships and expression, we used black paper as a background!
Students drew their portraits, used colored pencils and crayons to identify and add shapes, and finally cut and added more shapes out of colored paper, taking care not to obscure what they had already done!


Adding a crown


Using a loose line to add color


Abstract and Representational takes on the project


“Hear Me Roar…”


Framing…adding a border



Self-portrait?


Strong, clear shapes

Creativity abounds with these kindergarteners through fifth-graders.
Each created their own vision through the project, as they will continue to do through their lives.

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Teaching Artist Tagged With: After School Arts programs, Art and Craft Community Programs, City of Santa Monica, City of Santa Monica Youth Office, CREST, Cubism, Drawing, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Picasso, Portraits, Santa Monica Malibu Public School System, Shapes, Shapes and Colors

“Yarn/Rope/String” at the New Bedford Art Museum

December 6, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in:

YARN/ROPE/STRING:
An exhibition at the New Bedford Museum of Art showing selected work from the Fiber Art Now magazine’s juried exhibitions in 2021 and 2022.

The exhibition opening reception is:
December 8th, 2022 6pm – 8pm

I am showing “PROFUSION”, 2018, 8.5 x 24.5 x 7.75, Book board, mulberry paper, watercolor paper, canvas, hemp cord

Filed Under: Artists' Books, Exhibitions Tagged With: "YARN/ROPE/STRING", Fiber, Fiber Art, FIBER ART NOW, Fiber Artists, Group Show, Juried Exhibition, Michael F. Rohde, New Bedford Museum of Art, Textile Art

Up the Down Road of Surrealism with Dali!

November 21, 2022 By Debra Disman

In our “Making Art Inspired by Great Artists” CREST Enrichment class,
students are inspired by the Surealist Artist Salvador Dalí!

Students in grades TK- 5th learned about Surrealism, and how to use perspective, scale,
horizon lines and vanishing points to show space and distance, then developed their compositions into surrealistic scenes adding images from magazines to create focal points and a sense of layering.

Creativity abounds with these kindergarteners through fifth-graders!
Each travelled their own road through the project, as they will continue to do in Life.

         

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: After School Art Classes, Art Enrichment, Building, Cityscape, Collage, CREST, CREST Enrichment, Dia de los Muertos, Horizon Line, K-5 Students, Landscape, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Ofrenda, Perspecitve Drawing, Perspective, Salvador Dali, Santa Monica Art Classes, Santa Monica Public School, Santa Monica Public School After School Enrichment, Santa Monica School System, Scale, Surrealism, Surrealistic, Vanishing Point

Southwest Surfaces at Tubac Center of the Arts

November 14, 2022 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to be part of:
Surface Design Association’s  Southwest Regional Exhibition at Tubac Center of the Arts!

Annie Lopez, Juror

 


Exhibiting Artists

Elizabeth Abaravich, Amie Adelman, Lisa Jean Allswede, Jim Barry, Keri Bas, Julie Bates, Daiva Bergman Harris, Blair Cahill, Jan Caldwell, Cael Chappell, Claudia Cocco, Vicki Conley, Sue Conner, Beth Cunningham, Debra Disman, Diana Fox, Dellis Frank, Amelia Greco-Welden, Michele Hardy, Jackie Heupel, Stephanie Hilvitz, Dong Kyu Kim, Molly Koehn, Julie Kornblum, Mary-Ellen Latino, Karon Leigh, Nancy Lemke, Christine LoFaso, Viviana Lombrozo, Jeannie Mehl, Christine Miller, Jaya Miller, Kathy Nida, Marty Ornish, Nancy Peterson, Michael Rohde, Connie Rohman, Tamara Scott-Anderson, Danielle Shelley, Asher Sinclaire, Bonnie Smith, Karen Smith, Nancy Jo Smith, Karin Soderholm, Meredith Strauss, Sheila Tymon, Shelly White,Peggy Wiedemann, Emily Yarborough

I showed:
Excavation of the Interior”, 2021, 12 x 28 x 12.5″, wood, mulberry paper, watercolor paper, hemp cord, canvas, muslin

Annie Lopez, Juror
Annie Lopez creates narrative work presenting a dialogue about racism, stereotypes, the local art world, personal relationships and family. Most known for cyanotype work, she’s based in Phoenix, AZ.

Juror’s Statement

I was privileged to see some incredible art and had many “why didn’t I think of that?” moments.

Selecting work was challenging. My approach was for the exhibition to have a personality, not a theme. The final selections resonated with me; made a statement or displayed unusual approaches with words, design, or techniques. These works showcase the artist’s imagination through a variety of technical skills, and each provide insight into the maker

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Annie Lopez, Carrue Burckle, Conceptual artist books, Fiber, Fiber Artists, Group Show, Sculptural, Sculptural Artist book, SDA, SDA: Southwest Regional Exhibition, Southwest, Southwest Regional Exhibition, Surface Design, Surface Design Association, Tactile, Tactile Artworks, Textile, TEXTILE ARTISTS, Tubac Center for theArts

Dancing with Dali: Perspective, Scale and Surrealism!

November 9, 2022 By Debra Disman

In our “Making Art Inspired by Great Artists” CREST Enrichment class,
students are inspired by the Surealist Artist Salvador Dalí!

Students in grades TK- 5th learned about Surrealism, and how to use perspective, scale,
horizon lines and vanishing points to show space and distance, the developed their compositions into surrealistic scenes!

The Dia De Los Muertos OFRENDA provided an inspirational backdrop to their creative endeavors!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: After School Art Classes, Art Enrichment, Building, Cityscape, Collage, CREST, CREST Enrichment, Dia de los Muertos, Horizon Line, K-5 Students, Landscape, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Ofrenda, Perspecitve Drawing, Perspective, Salvador Dali, Santa Monica Art Classes, Santa Monica Public School, Santa Monica Public School After School Enrichment, Santa Monica School System, Scale, Surrealism, Surrealistic, Vanishing Point

BOO: Halloween Tunnel Books at the West Valley Regional Branch Library

October 25, 2022 By Debra Disman

In July I started a new Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

October 20th, 2022, we had a blast learning to create “TUNNEL BOOKS” in celebration of upcoming Halloween!
See a VIDEO of an engaged mom and her creative son and  their experience of the workshop.
BOO!

  

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "We Write The Book", Accordion Fold, Artist Residency, Book Structures, book with pockets, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Community Artmaking, DCA LA, DCA-funded artist residency, Fal Bookmaking, Flag Book, Folded and glued Books, folded and sewn books, Folded Books, Handmade Books, LAPL, LAPL Summer Reading, Librarians, Los Angeles Public Library, Making Books Together, PAMPHLET STITCH, Self-expression, Sigantures, SIGNATURE, Teen Council, Teen Librarian, Teens, The Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles, three hole Pamphlet Stitch, West Valley Regional Branch Library

Crafty Craft Lab Tunnel Books at Craft Contemporary!!!

October 18, 2022 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to lead a Tunnel Bookmaking  Craft Lab Family Workshop for one of my favorite venues in Los Angeles: Craft Contemporary.
The participants turned out fabulous, innovative and outstandingly creative projects!
Perla enjoyed the project!!!

 
Enjoy the participants’ enjoyment HERE!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Billie Vinson, Community Arts, Craft Contemporary, Craft lab, Debra Disman, Diorama, Family Craft Lab, Family Workshop, Folded and glued Books, Handmade Books, Lesley Saar, Making Books By Hand, Making Books Togehter, Museum Education, Teaching Artist, Three-dimensional Storytelling, TUNNEL BOOK, Tunnel Books

Sharing Shows: Arizona, California, Texas

October 14, 2022 By Debra Disman


Excavation of the Interior, 2021, 12 x 28 x 12.5″ (wood, mulberry paper, hemp cord, canvas, muslin)

 


Chromatic Interactions: The Golden Thread, 2020, 76 x 90 x 1.5″, mixed media installation utilizing file cards written and drawn upon by Craft Contemporary Museum patrons participating in my commissioned interactive artists’ book project: Chromatic Interactions, (File cards, gold thread, pencil and crayon)

 


Rent Wound Tear, Mend Heal Repair, 2022, 64 x 68″ (dimensions variable), Triptych Installation, (canvas, acrylic paint, hemp cord, lace, string)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2022 Exhbitions, Artist Book, Book as Sculpture, Exhibitions, FASA, Fiber, Fiber Artists of San Antonio, Fifty Years if Fiber, Group Shows, Handmade Book, Hangings, Sculptural Book, SDA: Southwest Regional Exhibition, Sharing Work, Shoebox Arts, Shoebox Projects, Shows, Surface Design Association, Tapestry, Telling Stories, Textiles, Tubac Center of the Arts

Keeping the Faith…at the De Young Museum

October 1, 2022 By Debra Disman

Fantastic to see retrospective exhibition of the stunning artist Faith Ringgold, at the De Young Museum.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Activist Art, Activist Artist, African American artist, African American Woman Artist, Aftrican American Art, Black Women, Cloth, De Young Museum, Fabric, Faith Ringgold, Faith Ringgold Artist, Female Artist, Feminist Art, Fiber, Fiber Art, Mixed media Artist, Story Quilts, Textiles, Women

More than the Surface: Surface Design Association Southwest Regional Exhibition

September 24, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be participating in this show at the Tubac Center for the Arts,  juried by artist Annie Lopez.

Current SDA members in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Southern California, Texas, and Utah were invited to submit work for the juried SDA Southwest Regional Exhibition. The exhibition was juried by Arizona artist, Annie Lopez who selected 56 works.

I am showing, “Excavation of the Interior”, 2021, 12 x 28 x 12.5″, mixed media (wood, mulberry paper, canvas, watercolor paper, hemp cord, muslin)

September 30-November 13, 2022 at
Tubac Center of the Arts
9 Plaza Road, Tubac, AZ 85646

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Annie Lopez, Craft, Fiber, Group Show, Paper, Southwest, Southwest Regional Exhibition, Surface Design, Surface Design Association, Textile, Tubac Center for theArts, visual art

Teens Raise their Flags at the West Valley Regional Branch Library

September 7, 2022 By Debra Disman

In July I started a new Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency is comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.
I was thrilled to work with the newly forming Teen Council, organized by teen Librarian Roya Rahimi.

Teens and tweens and even a parent or two joined us, and learned to make the fun and fabulous Flag Book!
They folded accordion spines, added covers, and glued in their flag pages to create a pattern as they opened their books. Once they created the structure, they had the pleasure, and  “reward” of adding their own colorful content to their books, using magazines, images, text, origami paper, and more.
A self-expressive, creative time was had by all.
A great kick-off session for the Teen Council, and a pleasure for myself and Roya!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "We Write The Book", ACCORDION SPINE, Artist Residency, Book Structures, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Community Artmaking, DCA LA, DCA-funded artist residency, Flag Book, Folded and glued Books, Folded Books, Handmade Books, LAPL, LAPL Summer Reading, Librarians, Los Angeles Public Library, Making Books Together, Self-expression, Teen Council, Teen Librarian, Teens, The Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles, Tweens, West Valley Regional Branch Library

Stand, Sit, Hang, Lay….Works Exhibited This and That Way (More)

August 31, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am fascinated by the many ways in which works can be shown. Here are a few…



“Finally and Just for a Minute“, 2022, hanging from the ceiling in my studio at 18th Street Art Center (Olympic Campus) in Santa Monica, CA. (Canvas, burlap, hemp cord, acrylic paint, ribbon) (Pictured, the Los Angeles-based artist Randi Matushevitz)


“Rent Wound Tear, Mend Heal Repair”, 2022,  hanging on wall in slight relief, in the exhibition “Collective Acts of Peace” at the 18th Street Art Center Airport Campus  Slipstream Gallery in Santa Monica, CA. (Canvas, string, hemp cord, lace, acrylic paint)



“Womb”
, 2020, hanging from the ceiling in 18th Street Art Center’s Slipstream Gallery, in my studio at 18th Street Art Center’s Olympic Campus, Santa Monica, CA, and in the Arts at Blue Roof Summer Festival,  in the “Please Touch” exhibition at Blue Roof Studios in South Los Angeles. (Plastic hula hoop, raw canvass, jute cord)


“Unfolding Possibilities“, 2021,  on pedestal in the exhibition “Recovery Justice: Being Well“,  at the 18th Street Art Center Airport Campus  Slipstream Gallery
in Santa Monica, CA. (Mulberry paper, sewing thread, gold thread)


“Chromatic Interactions: The Golden Thread“, 2020, hanging on the wall in my studio at 18th Street Art Center (Olympic Campus) in Santa Monica, CA.
(file cards, sewing thread, gold thread,  markers, crayons, pencils)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Arts at Blue Roof Festival, Blue FRoof Arts, Ceiling-hanging artworks, Charlotte Salomon, Concurrencies, Cord, Display, Emma Balda, Eva Hesse, Exhbitions, Exhibition, Exhibition design, Fiber, Golden Thread, Group Shows, Hanging artworks, Hangings, Presentation, Presentation of artworks in exhibitions, Randi Matushevitz, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Shows, Slipstream Galleries, Slipstream Gallery, String, Tabletop artworks, Tapestry, Textiles, Unfolding Possibilities, Venus lau, Wall-hanging artworka, Work, Works

Stand, Sit, Hang, Lay….Works Exhibited This and That Way

August 24, 2022 By Debra Disman

I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of exhibitions this year, and am fascinated by the many ways in which works can be shown…here are a few!

Table Top: my collaboration with artist Luciana Abait: “drift“, an accordion-fold artists’ book shown in the “ALL MEDIA 2022″ exhibition
at the Irvine Fine Arts Center.

“Excavation of the Interior“, shown in the “Fantastic Fibers 2022” exhibition at the Yeiser Art Center on a pedestal.

Two works shown in different ways in the “PULP: Paper and Book Arts” exhibition at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts:
“Prairie” shown on the postcard and website, and on a pedestal in the show,

and, “Before the Fall“, suspended from the ceiling in front of a wall!

Finally, “Burning Bush” displayed on a pedestal, on a stand, and under glass in the
“34th Annual McNeese National Works On Paper Exhibition” at McNeese State University.

More to come…the sky…is the limit?!?!?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 34th Annual McNeese National Works On Paper Exhibition, All Media 2022, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Display, Exhbitions, Exhibition, Exhibition design, FANTASTIC FIBERS 2022, Group Shows, Irvine Fine Arts Center, Luciana Abait, McNeese State University, Presentation, Presentation of artworks in exhibitions, PULP: Paper and Book Arts, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Shows, Work, Works, Yeiser Art Center

PAPERWORKS 2022

August 13, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in
PAPERWORKS 2022
an international, juried exhibition featuring  artists creating work on, with, or about paper,
presented by the  B.J. Spokes Gallery

August 1 – August 31 2022 online

I am showing:  

“Throes of the Body”

 

Juror: Kiko Aebi is a Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Drawings and Prints at The Museum of Modern Art, a position which she has held since 2019. In this role, she has provided exhibition and acquisition support on various projects. Most recently, she worked with Senior Curator Jodi Hauptman and Associate Curator Samantha Friedman on Cézanne Drawing (2021) and contributed texts to the associated exhibition catalogue. She is the recipient of a Fulbright Research Grant and holds an M.A. in Contemporary Art History from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and a B.A. in Art History and Environmental Studies from Amherst College.

Works by the winners of the international Paperworks 2022 competition will be on display on the Gallery website from August 1 – 31, 2022. There will be a Zoom reception on Saturday, August 13th. Meet and chat with the artists online and meet juror Kiko Aebi, Museum of Modern Art, NY.

Join us for the ZOOM RECEPTION for Paperworks!
Saturday, August 13th, 7 pm EST / 4PM PST!
Meet the artists! Meet the juror! Ask Questions!
Register with this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIoc-iuqzsoGNdKqDWGnJeAKSIa8RuCl204

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "Profusion", B.J. Spokes Gallery, BOOK STRUCTURE, Form of the Book, Group Exhibition, International Exhibition, International Group Exhibition, Kiko Aebi, Paperworks 2022, Works using paper

ALL MEDIA 2022

August 13, 2022 By Debra Disman

All Media 2022

Exhibition: July 9–October 8

The Irvine Fine Arts Center is proud to announce the opening of All Media 2022, an exhibition featuring 56 local and regional artists whose artworks engage historic and contemporaneous themes. The exhibition will be on view July 9–October 8, with a free opening reception scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2–4 p.m.

Works selected for this year’s All Media exhibition span painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, fiber, video, and mixed media. Awards were announced at the opening reception for three outstanding artworks and three honorable mentions, all of which were chosen by guest juror Joseph Daniel Valencia.

Exhibiting artists: Luciana Abait and Debra Disman, Eslam Abdelrahman, Debbie Abrames, Estefania Ajcip, Mary Allan, Stephen Anderson, Sheryl Ball, Ryan Bautista, Scout Bender, Danielle Bewer, Barbara Boissevain, Rachel Bunteman, Ruben Cantoran, Dennis Carrie, Michael Chesler, Ashoke Chhabra, Kat De Guzman, Jorg Dubin, Roland Escalona, Dede Lucia Falcone, Silvia Faris, Richard Ferncase, Karen Fiorito, John Flores, Gabriel Gonzalez, Audrey Hernandez Peterson, Gina Herrera, Lua Kobayashi, Joe Lee, Michael Lopez, Kiara Aileen Machado, Kai Mao, Tamara Martin, Jared Millar, Dorsadaf Moinzad, Skip Mueller, Melody Nunez, Francisco Palomares, Sho Peng, Gianni Pham, Alkaid Ramirez, May Roded, Isabella Salvatierra, Deanna Sanches da Silva, Chanchala Singh, Meriel Stern, Todd Swart, Hedy Torres, Noriho Uriu, Michael Usher, Kurt Theodore Weston, John White, Michael Wicks, and Rob Williams.

Guest juror Joseph Daniel Valencia is the associate curator of the Vincent Price Art Museum. In addition to his work as a historian, writer, and curator, Valencia has previously worked for the City of Irvine, as well as the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, and UCR ARTSblock.

“drift”, a collaborative work created by myself and artist Luciana Abait is included in the exhibition!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alkaid Ramirez, All Media 2022, Ashoke Chhabra, Audrey Hernandez Peterson, Barbara Boissevain, Chanchala Singh, Collaboration, Collaborative Art Work, Collaborative Artist Book, Danielle Bewer, Deanna Sanches da Silva, Debbie Abrames, Dede Lucia Falcone, Dennis Carrie, Dorsadaf Moinzad, Eslam Abdelrahman, Estefania Ajcip, Exhibition, Francisco Palomares, Gabriel Gonzalez, Gianni Pham, Gina Herrera, Group Show, Hedy Torres, Irvine Fine Arts Center, Isabella Salvatierra, Jared Millar, Joe Lee, John Flores, John White, Jorg Dubin, Joseph Daniel Valencia, Kai Mao, Karen Fiorito, Kat De Guzman, Kiara Aileen Machado, Kurt Theodore Weston, Lua Kobayashi, Luciana Abait, Mary Allan, May Roded, Melody Nunez, Meriel Stern, Michael Chesler, Michael Lopez, Michael Usher, Michael Wicks, Noriho Uriu, Rachel Bunteman, Richard Ferncase, Roland Escalona, Ruben Cantoran, Ryan Bautista, Sanches, Scout Bender, Sheryl Ball, Sho Peng, Silvia Faris, Skip Mueller, Stephen Anderson, Tamara Martin, Todd Swart

CONCURRENCIES: Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse: The Visitors

August 13, 2022 By Debra Disman

On June 25th, 2022 I held an open studio to share works created for my 2021-22 Santa Monica Artist Project Fellowship:

Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse: Genius, Trauma and the Invention of New Forms of Visual Art in Response to the Holocaust

Employing research, artistic production, public engagement, the project investigates, compares and links the lives and the groundbreaking work of Jewish women artists Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse on the basis of their shared experience of trauma and loss through the Jewish Holocaust, the remarkably similar intimate traumas of their families (both lost their mothers to suicide), their invention of new forms of visual art through which I posit they respond to and attempt to cope with these traumas,  their early deaths, and the emotional involvement of each with a charismatic and powerful male artist who proved to be influential, even pivotal in the development of their work and artistic/creative breakthroughs.

Themes of the project include being a woman artist, being a Jewish women artist, being an artist during or affected by a profoundly turbulent time in history, the relationship between internal and external turbulence and the creative act and the transformative power of the creative process:  the triumph of the imagination as opposed to the triumph of the will.

On a broader scale, the project examines, through these two geniuses, ways in which the creative process can transform traumatic pasts, and how trauma can elicit the creation of new forms, voices and materials that outlast their makers and continue to reverberate throughout the ages, inspiring posterity.

As part of my Fellowship project commitment, I created a series of works responding to these artists: their oeuvre, their lives, their concurrencies. I was thrilled to welcome friends, colleagues and students to share the works and say hello!  (All images by Steve Hankins Photography)

 




Thank you all, and thank you Steve Hankins, for your beautiful photography and capturing of the event.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, Artists" Book, Charlotte Salomon, colleagues, Concurrencies, Debra Disman, Eva Hesse, Fellowship, friends, Hangings, Material, Materiality, Open Studio, SANTA MONICA, Santa Monica Artist Fellow, Santa Monica Artist Fellowship, Sculptural Book, Scyulpture, Steve Hankins Photography, students, Tactile, tactility, Tapestry, Texture

Arte Realizzata INTERVIEW with Uzomah Ugwu

August 9, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am honored to have been interviewed by Uzomah Ugwu for her magazine, Arte Realizzata.

Please see and read the interview below!

A Fruitful Conversation with Debra Disman
Thank you UZOMAH for your efforts on behalf of all!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Art Realized, Arte Realizzata Magazine, Arte Realizzatata, Conversation, Fruitful Conversation, Interview, magazine, Online Magazine, Uzomah Ugwu

CONCURRENCIES: Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse: The Works

August 8, 2022 By Debra Disman

On June 25th, 2022 I held an open studio to share works created for my 2021-22 Santa Monica Artist Project Fellowship:

Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse: Genius, Trauma and the Invention of New Forms of Visual Art in Response to the Holocaust

Employing research, artistic production, public engagement, the project investigates, compares and links the lives and the groundbreaking work of Jewish women artists Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse on the basis of their shared experience of trauma and loss through the Jewish Holocaust, the remarkably similar intimate traumas of their families (both lost their mothers to suicide), their invention of new forms of visual art through which I posit they respond to and attempt to cope with these traumas,  their early deaths, and the emotional involvement of each with a charismatic and powerful male artist who proved to be influential, even pivotal in the development of their work and artistic/creative breakthroughs.

Themes of the project include being a woman artist, being a Jewish women artist, being an artist during or affected by a profoundly turbulent time in history, the relationship between internal and external turbulence and the creative act and the transformative power of the creative process:  the triumph of the imagination as opposed to the triumph of the will.

On a broader scale, the project examines, through these two geniuses, ways in which the creative process can transform traumatic pasts, and how trauma can elicit the creation of new forms, voices and materials that outlast their makers and continue to reverberate throughout the ages, inspiring posterity.

As part of my Fellowship project commitment, I created a series of works responding to these artists: their oeuvre, their lives, their concurrencies, some of which I share here: (All images by Steve Hankins Photography)

Working title: “Concurrencies I“, 2022, repurposed denim, linen thread, gold thread, hemp cord, varnish


Working title: “Concurrencies II“, begun, 2022 (unfinished), repurposed denim, linen thread, gold thread, varnish , to be developed


Working title, “Finally“, 2022, canvas, burlap, acrylic paint, hemp cord


Working title, “Finally“, 2022, canvas, burlap, acrylic paint, hemp cord, (details)


“I Can’t I Won’t I will I Do“, 2022, repurposed cotton table runner, hemp cord, acrylic paint


“It’s Not Black and White“, 2021, Bookboard, mulberry paper, repurposed typewriter tape, canvas, hemp cord, (exterior)


“It’s Not Black and White“, 2021, Bookboard, mulberry paper, repurposed typewriter tape, canvas, hemp cord, (exterior/interior)


“Forest Through The Trees“, 2021, bookboard, hemp cord, watercolor paper, acrylic paint, wood, canvas, repurposed typewriter tape, lace, (exterior)


“Forest Through The Trees“, 2021, bookboard, hemp cord, watercolor paper, acrylic paint, wood, canvas, repurposed typewriter tape, lace, (detail)


Working title: “Charlotte Salomon-Eva Hesse: Concurrencies“, 2022, repurposed family album, burlap, linen thread, collage/paper,  (exterior)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, Artists" Book, Charlotte Salomon, Concurrencies, Debra Disman, Eva Hesse, Fellowship, Hangings, Material, Materiality, Open Studio, SANTA MONICA, Santa Monica Artist Fellow, Santa Monica Artist Fellowship, Sculptural Book, Scyulpture, Steve Hankins Photography, Tactile, tactility, Tapestry, Texture

“PULP- Book and Paper Arts” at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts

August 3, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in “PULP- Book and Paper Arts” at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts!
I have two works in the show, “Prairie”, pictured below on the exhibition announcement, and “Before the Fall”.

“PULP- Book and Paper Arts” runs July 30 to Sept 4, 2022.

“This show will feature innovative and traditional explorations of book arts, paper arts, and paper sculptures, including paper objects, book-art-related objects, altered books, and sculptural and wall-mounted pieces, as well as more traditional artists’ books, letterpress printing and bookbinding.”

Show coordinators are Renee Owen and Jennylynn Hall.

Jurors are Alicia Bailey and Helen Hiebert.

Alicia Bailey, curator and artist, is currently the director of Abecedarian Books. She has been working with book forms since the mid-nineties, has owned and run a successful gallery dedicated to book arts, and is the visionary and curator behind the annual Artists’ Book Cornucopia.

Helen Hiebert is a Colorado artist who constructs installations, sculptures, films, and artists’ books and works in paper using handmade paper as her primary medium. She teaches, lectures and exhibits her work internationally and online, and is the author of several how-to books about papermaking and paper crafts.

Please see the list of Pulp artists on SCA’s current and upcoming exhibitions page.

My work, “Before the Fall” pictured above next to a beautiful modular piece.

And…Enjoy the Show!!!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Abecedarian Book, Alicia Bailey, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Book and Paper Arts, Book Arts, Books made by Hand, Group Show, Handmade Books, Helen Hiebert, Jennylynne Hall, North Bay Bay Area, Paper Arts, PULP, Renee Owen, Sebastapol, Sebastopol Center for the Arts

Wood Work: Inspired by Louise Nevelson

July 30, 2022 By Debra Disman


Planning process.


Working drawing!


Painting is part of our process.


Creating side by side.


Building together.


Building up from a flat surface and working with shapes.


Creating a maze.


Building upwards.


Three working in very different ways.


The purple “Clutter House on Clutter Street”…

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 3-d art, Assemblage, Buildng, children art classes, Inspired by Louise Nevelson, Louise Nevelson, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Making Art Together, Painting wood sculpture, Sculpture, Sumer art program, Three-dimensional art, Wood sculpture, wood work

Express Yourself, Do YOU at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

July 25, 2022 By Debra Disman

I just started a new Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Working with families, I led a  bookmaking workshop (called a “program” in Library parlance) for a group of 20 in which they created handmade accordion fold books with pockets, which fit perfectly into the LAPL Summer Reading theme of “Express Yourself”.

Makers focused on themes of  identity, relationships and of course, self-expression!
The results were heart-warming and impressive, and a good time was had by all, as well as the learning of new skills, and a whole lot of self-expression!


Materials galore!


Creating together.


Families attended as a group.


Moms get into the act!


Dad gets into the act!



Library Children’s Librarian Sky, and teen volunteer.


An opportunity to express emotions.


Creativity abounds.


Pockets hold handmade treasures.



The beautiful results!
Proud bookmakers!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "Express Yourself" Self-expression, "We Write The Book", Accordion Fold Book, Accordion Fold Book with pockets, Artist Residency, Book Structures, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Books with Pockets, Community Artmaking, DCA LA, DCA-funded artist residency, Folded and glued Books, Folded Books, Handmade Books, LAPL, LAPL Summer Reading, Los Angeles Public Library, Making Books Together, The Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles, West Valley Regional Branch Library

Color Color Color: 5 and 6 year-olds Explore, Learn, DO!

July 16, 2022 By Debra Disman

Working with paint color samples….collage!

Learning tints…adding white paint to primary and mixed colors.

Making Paintings!




Absolutely Stunning

Filed Under: Uncategorized

PLEASE TOUCH: The Community Participates

June 26, 2022 By Debra Disman


Preparing to write a special message to add to Monica’s “tree”!


Lauren with young potholder makers!


The hands that weave. Potholders.


Adding to what might be the longest potholder in existence!


Lauren guides the young makers.


Mother and daughter…


Dancers and movers relax with with Liz’s works.


Taking a moment…

Filed Under: Uncategorized

PLEASE TOUCH Invites You to Do Just That!

June 26, 2022 By Debra Disman

See a video of perhaps the world’s largest potholder HERE!


Julie O’Sullivan


Cathy Engel-Marder


Monica Marks


Liz Nurenberg


Laurel Paley and Liz Nurenberg


Robyn Sanford with Lisa Diane Wedgeworth and Sheli Silverio


Beautiful participants Mom and Daughter

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "Please Touch", Arts at Blue Roof, Arts at Blue Roof 2022 Summer Festival, Blue Roof Studios, Cathy Engel-Marder, Debra Disman, Exhbitions, Fiber, Installation, Julie O'Sullivan, Kristine Schomaker, Laurel Paley, Lisa Diane Wedgeworth, Liz Nurenberg, Monica Marks, Participatory  art works, Participatory Sculpture, Robyn Sanford, Sculpture, Sheli Silverio, Tactile Artworks, Textiles, The Womb, touch, Touchable works of art, Womb

“Please Touch” Invites YOU to Enter the Womb…

June 19, 2022 By Debra Disman

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220604_163906.mp4

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220604_163718.mp4

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220604_163749.mp4

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VID_252250819_073954_665.mp4

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VID_252260827_220947_667.mp4

 

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VID_156241004_203827_529.mp4

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220604_163814.mp4

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "Please Touch", Arts at Blue Roof, Arts at Blue Roof 2022 Summer Festival, Blue Roof Studios, Cathy Engel-Marder, Debra Disman, Exhbitions, Fiber, Installation, Julie O'Sullivan, Kristine Schomaker, Laurel Paley, Lisa Diane Wedgeworth, Liz Nurenberg, Monica Marks, Participatory  art works, Participatory Sculpture, Robyn Sanford, Sculpture, Sheli Silverio, Tactile Artworks, Textiles, The Womb, touch, Touchable works of art, Womb

Book/Art/Artifact on VIEW!

June 11, 2022 By Debra Disman

GBW CALIFORNIA CHAPTERS 3RD MEMBER EXHIBITION: The Info!



Book / Art / Artifact will be open to the public starting Saturday, June 11 and runs thru Sunday, August 28th, 2022.  Please check their website for operating days and times.

The opening reception will take place at San Francisco Center for the Book on Friday, June 17th from 6-8 pm. This event is free to attend. Light refreshments will be served on the back patio; remarks will be at 7 pm. Masks are required while viewing the exhibition indoors; we are encouraging people to register for the opening reception at the following link: SFCB.org

WORKSHOP – Exhibition related

SFCB and CA Chapter of GBW are offering a one day workshop Leather Surface Decoration in-person workshop with Coleen Curry to accompany the exhibition on July 2, 2022

https://sfcb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=4332

This link is live now and is offered to CA chapter members first until June 15 and then will be open to public.

EXHIBITION CATALOGS 

The catalog is available to order online through Lulu:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/rebecca-chamlee/gbw-ca-chapter-catalog-2022/paperback/product-m97542.html?q=GBW&page=1&pageSize=4

$9.68 plus shipping. (At cost)

Those exhibiting will receive a complementary copy in the mail.

All exhibition information can be found on https://sfcb.org/bookartartifact and on our chapter website  https://gbwcaliforniachapter.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ARTIST'S BOOKS, Book, Book / Art / Artifact, Book as Art, Books made by Hand, California Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers, GBW, Group Exhibitions, Group Shows, Guild of Book Workers, Guild Show, Handmade Books, The San Francisco Center for the Book

“Please Touch” Invites YOU to Do Just That: INSTALL DAY!

June 7, 2022 By Debra Disman

June 4, 12-5pm PST
On view through June 18th by appt.
Arts at Blue Roof
7329 S. Broadway Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90003
https://www.artsatblueroof.org/

Curated by Kristine Schomaker and Sheli Silverio

Featuring: Debra Disman, Cathy Engel-Marder, Monica Marks, Liz Nurenberg, Julie O’Sullivan, Laurel Paley, Robyn Sanford

Arts at Blue Roof Summer Festival, “A Celebration of Creativity and Joy celebrates the summer solstice while highlighting the richness and diversity of the arts in South Los Angeles and beyond. It reflects Blue Roof Studios’ commitment to fostering and amplifying creativity, connection, and inclusion within the community.

The festival is produced by Arts at Blue Roof Studios, Lisa Diane Wedgeworth, Director


YES WE DO.


CURATORS SHELI AND KRISTINE SURVEY THE SCENE.


SHELI CONTEMPLATES.


SHELI AND THE WORK OF LIZ NURENBERG

CATHY ENGEL-MARDER…WORKS. AND PLAYS.


LAUREN PALEY INSTALS HER COMMUNITY-COLLABORATIVE “THE WORLD’S LONGEST POTHOLDER”


KRISTINE…SHELI…CATHY TAKE A MOMENT.


“WOMB”  INSTALLED.


CATHY WITH STARS AND MIRRORS.


PLEASE TOUCH THE WORK OF LIZ NURENBERG.


THE TREASURE CHEST OF LAUREL PALEY.


FURRY FUN WITH JULIE O’SULLIVAN!


I THINK SHELI APPROVES.


LOOK UP…


LOOK IN. AND OUT. CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION…CHANGE YOUR…LIFE.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "Please Touch", Arts at Blue Roof, Arts at Blue Roof 2022 Summer Festival, Blue Roof Studios, Cathy Engel-Marder, Debra Disman, Exhbitions, Fiber, Julie O'Sullivan, Kristine Schomaker, Laurel Paley, Lisa Diane Wedgeworth, Liz Nurenberg, Monica Marks, Participatory  art works, Robyn Sanford, Sheli Silverio, Tactile Artworks, Textiles, touch, Toucha, Touchable works of art

Space and Surrealism through Salvador Dali

May 30, 2022 By Debra Disman

In our “Making Art Inspired by Great Artists” CREST Enrichment class,
students are inspired by the Surealist Artist Salvador Dalí!

Students in grades TK- 5th learned about Surrealism, and how to use perspective, scale,
horizon lines and vanishing points to show space and distance!


They drew out their horizon lines, set their vanishing points, added their roads or other content…

then developed their compositions through drawing and collage techniques using images cut from repurposed magazines,

creating fantastical landscapes or cityscapes employing  perspective, while exploring their own interests in the process.

Students blended techniques of representation and fantasy through use of scale, image, space and color,

to create imaginative and whimsical Surrealistic works which we hope will stand the test of time, and reinforce their learning.

There’s nothing like learning through FUN!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: After School Art Classes, Art Enrichment, Building, Cityscape, Collage, CREST, CREST Enrichment, Horizon Line, K-5 Students, Landscape, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Perspecitve Drawing, Perspective, Salvador Dali, Santa Monica Art Classes, Santa Monica Public School, Santa Monica Public School After School Enrichment, Santa Monica School System, Scale, Surrealism, Surrealistic, Vanishing Point

“Mining Peace in a Troubled World”

May 23, 2022 By Debra Disman

“Mining Peace in a Troubled World and How Artists Survive” Panel Discussion
was held as part of the programming for the 18th Street Arts Center exhibition:


curated by Frida Cano.


Debra Disman, Rent Wound Tear, Mend Heal Repair, 2022. Mixed media: canvas/acrylic paint/hemp cord/string. Exhibition view of “Collective Acts of Peace”
at 18th Street Arts Center’s Airport Campus Slipstream Galleries. March 15 – June 4, 2022. Photo by Marc Walker.

Mining Peace in a Troubled World and How Artists Survive 
Institute of United Minds, Salon #1
Part of Collective Acts of Peace
Sunday, May 22 |  3 pm-5 pm
18th Street Arts Center | Slipstream Galleries
3026 Airport Ave, Santa Monica
ONLINE on ZOOM

 Debra Disman , David McDonald,and Labkhand Olfatmanesh local artists in residence at 18th Street Arts Center who have work in the exhibition were the panelists for this conversation with contributions from Joan Wulf, Susie McKay Krieser and Melinda Smith Altshuler, moderated by writer, digital creator and Founder/Artistic Director/Editor-in-Chief of Installation magazine,  A. Moret!

Please see and hear the discussion HERE!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Cenbter, 18th Street projects, A. Moret, Airport Campus, Alexandra Dillon, Ameeta Nanji, Collective Acts of Peace, Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz, connections among creatives, Crystal Michaelson, Daniela Schweitzer, David macdonald, David McDonald, Debra Disman, Doni Silver Simons, endless global pandemic, Frida Cano, Group Exhibition, Group Shows, Installation Magazine, Joan Abrahamson, Joan Wulf, Julia Michelle Dawson, Labkhand Olfatmanesh, Lola del Fresno, M Susan Broussard, Melinda Smith Altshuler, Mining Peace in a Troubled World and How Artists Survive, Rebecca Youssef, Slipstream Gallery, Susie McKay Krieser

Inspired by the Story Quilts of Faith Ringgold

May 15, 2022 By Debra Disman

Keeping the FAITH through “Story Quilting”!

I am thrilled to be teaching MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS  at Grant and McKinley Elementary Schools in the Santa Monica Public School System through the CREST Enrichment program.

After a span of two years, teaching live and in-person is exciting and energizing. The students are enthusiastic, helpful and creative and IMAGINATIVE and the parents and staff supportive and engaged.

Everyone is working together to make in-person teaching a safe and rewarding experience. Despite the challenges and great energy required, what fun to see these young artists exercise their imaginations, play, learn and create!

Students responded positively to our “Story Quilt” project, inspired by the Great Artist, Faith Ringgold.
Put cloth in their hands, and away they go!

Joyous play and exploration of fabric, cloth scrap, felt (actually made of acrylic- durable!) and tacky glue!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Art and craft, Before and after school art classes, Children's Art Classes, City of Santa Monica, Collage, Community Art, CREST Enrichment, Cut, Fabric, Fabric Collage, Fabric Collage Felt, Faith Ringgold, Fiber, Fiber Art, Glue, Great Women Artists, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Paste, Story Quilt, Tacky glue, Teaching Artist

West Valley Regional Branch Library Artist Residency CULMINATION 2022!!

May 8, 2022 By Debra Disman

I just recently completed my  Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
 
I and the Staff at West Valley would like to share the Residency activities with you, and so I have created a Power Point Presentation  highlighting the workshop projects, themes and events as part of our CULMINATION EVENT!

Please click here:
CULMINATION_WVRBL_2021-22
You may also view the video version of this presentation on You Tube by clicking here.  ENJOY.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Artmaking Online, Book Structures, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Community Artmaking, Culmination Event, Handmade Books, LAPL, Los Angeles Public Library, making books online, Making Books Together, Online Art Workshops, Online Bookmaking, The Los ANgeles Department of Cultural Affairs, West Valley Regional Branch Library

Artist Residency CULMINATION 2022!!

May 2, 2022 By Debra Disman

I just recently completed my  Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
 
I and the Staff at West Valley would like to share the Residency activities with you, and so I have created a short PowerPoint video highlighting the workshop projects, themes and events as part of our CULMINATION EVENT!
Please click on the arrow key below and enjoy seeing the bookmaking projects our marvelously creative participants have learned and created!  You may also view the video on You Tube by clicking here.  ENJOY.

 

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CULMINATION_WVRBL_2021-22.mp4

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Artmaking Online, Book Structures, BOOKBINDING, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, Community Artmaking, Culmination Event, Handmade Books, LAPL, Los Angeles Public Library, making books online, Making Books Together, Online Art Workshops, Online Bookmaking, The Los ANgeles Department of Cultural Affairs, West Valley Regional Branch Library

Six of the Best Interview Questions: Interviewed on Philip Hartigan’s PRAETERIA blog

April 26, 2022 By Debra Disman

Today I share my interview with artist and writer Philip Hartigan, a  regular contributor to Hyperallergic for 7 years. on his blog,

PRAETERITA

where he talks about art, interviews other artists, and more.

“Part 42 of an interview series in which artists reply to the same six questions. Debra Disman makes sculptural objects from a combination of materials that can be read as fiber art, yet also imply book forms. Her work is  a mesmerizing combination of materials, textures, and forms that are combined with exceptional skill. You can see more of her work here.”

https://philiphartiganpraeterita.blogspot.com/2022/04/six-of-best-debra-disman.html

This was fun!

Check out Philip’s work on his insta and site!

Thank you Philip!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Artist interview, Artist to artist, Blog, Interview, Philip Hartigan, PRAETERITA, Six of the Best Interview Questions

Studio Notes: Texture Tactility Tactile Textile

April 18, 2022 By Debra Disman

Today I am sharing some explorations into “tactile textiles,”, a term coined, as  understand it, by Anni Albers, tactile textile artist/weaver!

Such works and materials become spaces, places, rooms, lands, terrain, forests…tactile explorations into the unknown, guided by, among other things, the sense of touch, a tactile sensibility.

 

Detail of “Forest Through The Trees”, book board, hemp cord, wood, canvas, acrylic paint, used typewriter ribbon, ribbon

Test piece/sample, paper, jute cord

Detail of “It’s Not Black or White”,  book board, mulberry paper, used typewriter ribbon

Detail of “FruitFull” (in process), textile samples, hemp cord

Stacked pieces of “to the trade” folded textile samples


Stacked pieces of repurposed and folded denim cut from jeans

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anni Albers, Bind, BOOK BOARD, Cord, Fiber, Glue, hemp, HEMP CORD, In the Studio, Jute, jute cord, Knot, Layer, Materiality, Materials, Sew, Spiral, Stitich, String, Studio, Studio notes, Studio shots, Tactile textile, tactility, Textile, Texture, touch, typewriter ribbon, Wrap

“Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz” at 18th Street Art Center

April 11, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in: Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz, an exhibition of 18th Street Arts Center in the Slipstream Gallery, at the Airport Campus. curated by Frida Cano.

“Artists in residence at 18th Street Arts Center are pleased to present Collective Acts of Peace, a selection of 18th Street projects with the aim of exploring different embraces of the creative mind in the midst of an endless global pandemic. Featuring the work of Alexandra Dillon, Ameeta Nanji, Crystal Michaelson, Daniela Schweitzer, David McDonald,  Debra Disman, Doni Silver Simons, Joan Abrahamson, Joan Wulf,  Julia Michelle Dawson, Labkhand Olfatmanesh, Lola del Fresno, M Susan Broussard, Melinda Smith Altshuler, Rebecca Youssef, and Susie McKay Krieser,  this artist-led project is on view in the Slipstream Galleries 18th Street Arts Center’s Airport Campus (3026 Airport Ave, Santa Monica) from March 14 – June 4, 2022. The exhibition highlights the connections among creatives who strive to make this a better world for all living beings, humans and non-humans alike.”

I am showing my triptych: “RENT WOUND TEAR, MEND HEAL REPAIR” in dialogue with artist Joan Wulf‘s works on view from her “Ruminations” series.


Debra Disman, “Rent Wound Tear, Mend Heal Repair”, 2022. Mixed media: canvas/acrylic paint/hemp cord/string. Exhibition view of “Collective Acts of Peace” at 18th Street Arts Center’s Airport Campus Slipstream Galleries. March 15 – June 4, 2022. Photo by Marc Walker.

Explore the show and accompanying events here!

I will be participating on this panel, with artist David McDonald on May 22nd!

JOIN US!!!!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Cenbter, 18th Street projects, Airport Campus, Alexandra Dillon, Ameeta Nanji, Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz, connections among creatives, Crystal Michaelson, Daniela Schweitzer, David McDonald, Debra Disman, Doni Silver Simons, endless global pandemic, Frida Cano, Group Exhibition, Group Shows, Joan Abrahamson, Joan Wulf, Julia Michelle Dawson, Labkhand Olfatmanesh, Lola del Fresno, M Susan Broussard, Melinda Smith Altshuler, Rebecca Youssef, Slipstream Gallery, Susie McKay Krieser

Celebrate Poetry Month and Honor Earth Day through Bookmaking!

April 5, 2022 By Debra Disman

Please join us online for our final Artist Residency  event of the season!

I will help you create a special handmade “closed spine” accordion book with simple pop-ups  honoring Earth Day and celebrating National Poetry Month!

 

When you sign up you will not only receive the supplies necessary to participate in the program, but a special artmaking materials good bag and Los Angeles Public Library SWAG!
This is an online program.

PLEASE  sign up using the link that we’ve set up: tinyurl.com/34a8nam9  so that we can provide you with the info we’re gathering using the form and also to minimize any questions about supply packets.so that we can provide you with the info we’re gathering using the form and also to minimize any questions about supply packets.

 For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento.

I Hope To See You There!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Accordion Fold, Accordion Fold Book, Art By Women, Art of Women, Artmaking Online, Books made by Hand, Closed Accordion Book Structure, Closed spine, Closed Spine Accordion Book, Community Artmaking, Earth Day, Eco-poetry, Ecology, Environment, Folded and glued Books, Folded Books, LAPL, Los Angeles Public Library, making books online, Making Books Together, National Poetry Month, Nature, Nature Poetry, Online Art Workshops, Poetry, Poetry Month, POP-UPS, West Valley Regional Branch Library

Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz

April 1, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am happy to be part of a unique exhibition:

Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz

March 14, 2022 – June 4, 2022
at:
18th Street Arts Center (Airport Campus)

“Artists in residence at 18th Street Arts Center are pleased to present Collective Acts of Peace, a selection of 18th Street projects with the aim of exploring different embraces of the creative mind in the midst of an endless global pandemic. Featuring the work of Alexandra Dillon, Ameeta Nanji, Crystal Michaelson, Daniela Schweitzer, David McDonald,  Debra Disman, Doni Silver Simons, Joan Abrahamson, Joan Wulf,  Julia Michelle Dawson, Labkhand Olfatmanesh, Lola del Fresno, M Susan Broussard, Melinda Smith Altshuler, Rebecca Youssef, and Susie McKay Krieser,  this artist-led project is on view in the Slipstream Galleries 18th Street Arts Center’s Airport Campus (3026 Airport Ave, Santa Monica) from March 14 – June 4, 2022. The exhibition highlights the connections among creatives who strive to make this a better world for all living beings, humans and non-humans alike.”

Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 12-5pm

Participating artists:
Institute of United Minds, a manifesto-driven project: Ameeta Nanji, David McDonald, Doni Silver Simons, Joan Abrahamson,  Melinda Smith Altshuler, and Susie McKay Krieser.: Alexandra Dillon: Crystal Michaelson + Rebecca Youssef, Daniela Schweitzer; Debra Disman + Joan Wulf, Julia Michelle Dawson, Labkhand Olfatmanesh, Lola del Fresno, M Susan Broussard

I am showing “RENT WOUND TEAR, MEND HEAL REPAIR“, 2022, a triptych made of canvas, acrylic paint, hemp cord and string.

My work is in dialogue with artist Joan Wulf’s three pieces made of cut-up and repurposed journals: Ruminations 2, 4 and 5

“Our submitted works engage processes of dissembling and weaving together repurposed materials, text and experience in an effort to reconfigure and make meaning of the past and present, find a way through trauma, and achieve clarity in the confusing banality of everyday life.
Through exploring new forms of artmaking we seek transcendence and deeper understanding for ourselves and the viewer. In this way, the proposed dialogue between our works becomes a collaboration of the spirit as well as the material, as we work to imagine and achieve what seems impossible within and without, and invite others to do the same.” — Debra Disman and Joan Wulf

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Cenbter, 18th Street projects, Airport Campus, Alexandra Dillon, Ameeta Nanji, Collective Acts of Peace / Actos colectivos de paz, connections among creatives, Crystal Michaelson, Daniela Schweitzer, David McDonald, Debra Disman, Doni Silver Simons, endless global pandemic, Frida Cano, Group Exhibition, Group Shows, Joan Abrahamson, Joan Wulf, Julia Michelle Dawson, Labkhand Olfatmanesh, Lola del Fresno, M Susan Broussard, Melinda Smith Altshuler, Rebecca Youssef, Slipstream Gallery, Susie McKay Krieser, triptych

Fantastical….2022!

March 29, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am honored to be participating in FANTASTIC FIBERS, (2022), an international juried exhibition that seeks to showcase a wide range of outstanding works related to the fiber medium. It was a wonderful experience to be a part of FANTASTIC FIBERS 2021, and i very much look forward to seeing (albeit online) all the works in this year’s show!

One of Yeiser Art Center’s most engaging, innovative & colorful international exhibits, Fantastic Fibers is an inspirational must-see for fine artists, quilters and textile art enthusiasts across the globe. The exhibition is comprised of contemporary and innovative works created with fiber as the primary medium or concept

The show began in 1987 as a wearable art show but has evolved over the years to include a compelling mix of traditional and non-traditional works created from natural or synthetic fibers, and work that addresses the subject or medium of fiber.

View a video of the show here!

JUROR: Matt Collinsworth
Matt Collinsworth became the new CEO of the National Quilt Museum during the summer of 2021.  Matt attended Georgetown College in central Kentucky and received his MFA from Ohio State.  He has been directing nonprofit organizations since 1998 and museum’s and other cultural organizations since 2003.  Matt has served as Director of the Kentucky Folk Art Center, Senior Director of Cultural Outreach at Morehead State University, Interim Director of the Lexington Art League, and Director of the National Music Museum.  Matt has curated and co-curated dozens of exhibitions that have appeared at museums and galleries across the country, including national and international traveling shows. He also produced numerous major exhibition catalogs, overseen large cultural events, and led several facility renovation projects. Matt lives in Paducah’s Lowertown Arts District with his wife, Kelly, his son, Eli, and (when she’s home from college) his daughter, Brynn.

I am especially thrilled to be showing “Excavation of the Interior”, a work completed in 2021, made of wood, mulberry paper, watercolor paper, muslin, canvas, hemp cord and linen thread.



Artist Amy Usdin photographs the show!


Exterior/Closed


Interior/Open


Interior/Detail


Exterior/Closed


Exterior/Spine-Back

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Amy Usdin, ARTIST BOOKS, Book as Art, Books as Sculpture, Contemporary and innovative works created with fiber, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Contemporary Artist, FANTASTIC FIBERS 2022, Fiber, Fiber Art, Group Show, International Exhibition, Juried Shows, Matt Collinsworth, Sculptural Book, Textile, Textile Art, Textiles, Textles, Yeiser Art Center

35th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper

March 23, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be part of this exciting SHOW!

I am honored to have two pieces in the 35th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper exhibition, opening Thursday March 24, 2022 juried by Jennifer Dasal, creator and host of ArtCurious Podcast, a podcast about art history, and previously Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, North Carolina Museum of Art.

Stop by if you are in the area!

I am showing:

Prairie, 10.25″ x 47″ x 15.25″, Mixed Media: Book Board, Paper Board, Watercolor Paper, Tissue Paper, Jute Cord

(Exterior/Front Cover)
(Interior/Open)
(Exterior/Open)

Burning Bush,  7.5 x 11 x 5.5″, Mixed Media: Repurposed Journal (board), Mulberry Paper, Linen Thread, Sewing Thread

(Interior/Open)

(Exterior/Open)

(Interior Detail)

Listen to juror Jennifer Dasal’s talk HERE!
“Walk” through the show HERE!
View all the wonderful works in the show HERE!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: :Burning Bush", 35th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper, ArtCurious Podcast, Book, Book as Art, Group Shows, https://www.artcuriouspodcast.com/, Jennifer Dasal, Juried Exhbition, McNeese State University/Dept. of Visual Arts, Paper, Prairie, Rosemary Jesionowski, The Book As Art, Works on paper, Works using paper

EXPO 41 at B.J. Spokes Gallery

March 18, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be included in:


a virtual exhibition of the b.j. spoke gallery

The show was juried by Sewon Kang, Archivist at The Easton/Bourgeois Archive, formerly Curatorial Assistant at the Museum of Modern Art, in New York City, who selected the work of 15 artists. I am honored to be included in this roster of stunning creative makers.

Artists and their selected works can be viewed below. Enjoy

David Acquistapace, Saint Louis, MO
Kat Alyst, Austin, TX
Neville Barbour, Silver Spring, MD
Matthew Barton, New Orleans, LA
Kimberlyn Bloise, Edinboro, PA
Stephen Delaney, Middleton, MA
Debra Disman, Los Angeles, CA
Eriko Kobayashi, Carbondale, IL
Anthony Adonis Lewis, Ashland, OR
Kambel Smith, Philadelphia, PA
Karen Theisen, Santa Fe, NM
Amy Usdin, Mendota Heights, MN
Jae Yun Yi, Seoul Korea
Dier Zhang, Brooklyn, NY
Foad Seyed Mohammadi, Gainesville FL

I am showing:
Excavation of the Interior, 2021, 12 x 28 x 12.5″, mixed media (wood, canvas, muslin, mulberry paper, hemp cord, linen thread, watercolor paper)

and
Forest Through The Trees, 2021, 15 x 42 x 12″, mixed media (book board, acrylic paint, hemp cord, wood, canvas, typewriter tape, lace, watercolor paper)

ARTIST STATEMENT                                              
 I work in the form of the book, in forms evoked by the book, and in multidimensional media of my own devising. Both as a solo practitioner and in the public sphere of community engagement I push the body and boundaries of the book into new media, materials and meanings to invite altered ways of viewing the world and how we inhabit it. Although much of the work continues to relate to loose definitions of the book as structure, it is moving into other sculptural and conceptual realms where devotion to material labor and a passion for the haptic become powerful motivators and themes. I am fascinated by the parallels between books and buildings in terms of architecture, meaning and utility. Each constructs public and private spaces where stories are “read” on many levels, often revealing more than their makers ever intended. My work seeks to offer places of contemplation, solace and bafflement, while instigating exploration, investigation and examination of what we think we know, and are.

.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ARTIST'S BOOKS, B.J. Spokes Gallery, Conceptual Art, Conceptual Artist, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Artist, EXPO 42, Fiber, Fiber Artist, Group Shows, Juried Shows, Los Angeles Contemporary Artist, Sculptural Books, Sculpture, Sewon Kang, Textile, Textile Artist, The Easton Foundation

Material III at the D’Art Center

March 11, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be showing in MATERIAL III at the D’Art Center, “an exhibition of original fiber artworks from across the country highlighting the quality and variety of artworks utilizing fiber as a major component, including non-functional, 2D, 3D, fine art, and fine craft in fiber including mixed media works, in a variety of styles, co-curated by gallery manager Amanda Bradley and exhibition juror, Ryan Lytle.”
Kudos to Amanda for hanging my piece, “Before the Fall”  in such a great way!

I am honored to be honorably mentioned!

Congratulations to our award winners:
Honorable Mentions
Debra Disman from Los Angeles, CA for her fiber art sculptural book, Before the Fall.
Statement: Inspired by the book, my work has evolved into a focused material exploration driven by a visceral relationship with cloth, thread, cord and string. I engage the actions of folding, stitching, tearing, cutting and gluing in a continual effort to build and create, tear and break down, heal and repair, as a way of navigating the tension of opposites. While referencing the book as structure, the work has moved progressively into other conceptual realms where devotion to material labor and a passion for the haptic become powerful motivators and themes.

See the Live, In-Person AWARDS EVENT HERE!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "Before the Fall", Amanda Bradley, Conceptual Books, d’Art Center, Fiber, Fiber Art, Group Exhbition, Hangoing Books, Juried Show, Kinetic Books, Material, Material III, Materiality, National Exhibition, national Fiber Arts Exhibition, Neon District, Norfolk Virginia, Norfolk’s Art District., original fiber artworks, Ryan Lytle, Textile, Textile Art

Inspired by SALVADOR DALI!

March 7, 2022 By Debra Disman

In our “Making Art Inspired by Great Artists” CREST Enrichment class,
students are inspired by the Surealist Artist Salvador Dalí!

Students in grades TK- 5th learned about Surrealism, and how to use perspective, scale, horizon lines and vanishing points to show space and distance!

They drew out their horizon lines, set their vanishing points, added their roads,

and developed their compositions through drawing and collage techniques using images cut from repurposed magazines.

They created fantastical landscapes in which perspective can be clearly seen.

Despite having to wear face masks throughout, students inspired themselves and each other.

Students blended techniques of representation and fantasy through use of scale, image, space and color

to create fantastical, imaginative and whimsical Surrealistic works which hopefully, will stand the test of time, and reinforce their learning.

Bravo!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: After School Art Classes, Art Enrichment, Building, Collage, CREST, CREST Enrichment, Horizon Line, K-5 Students, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Perspecitve Drawing, Perspective, Salvador Dali, Santa Monica Art Classes, Santa Monica Public School, Santa Monica Public School After School Enrichment, Santa Monica School System, Scale, Surrealism, Vanishing Point

Inspired by Louise Nevelson

February 27, 2022 By Debra Disman

In our “Making Art Inspired by Great Artists” class,
Students are inspired by the wood assemblage sculptures of Louise Nevelson….

Putting together all manner of wood shapes…

Playing, arranging, stacking, balancing, building,  gluing…


Creating.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: After School Art Classes, Art Enrichment, Assemblage, Building, Celelbrate Women Artists, CREST, CREST Enrichment, Louise Nevelson, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, March Women's History Month, Santa Monica Public Schools, Santa monica School District, Sculpture, Women Artists, Women Sculptors, Wood sculpture

ALL SHE MAKES…from the Magazine

February 24, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be featured in ALL SHE MAKES  Magazineand the ALL SHE MAKES Artist Directory!

The Magazine is a must-see/read for anyone interested in the work of female artists and the art world in general.

 Sviltana Martynjuk, founder of All SHE Makes champions Women Artists through this publication and organization/venture she has spearheaded.

The incredible Christina Massey of  WoArt and creator of the amazing and beloved WoArt Blog, also promoting and celebrating women artists, and an artist in her own right, curated the selection of artists featured in this WINTER Issue IV of ALL SHE MAKES.

I am aprreciative of  this opportunity to be featured alongside so many outstanding women artists!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: All She makes magazine, Art By Women, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Artists, Buy Women's Art, C Massey Art . WoArt Blog, Christina Massey, Curated Work, Magazine Vesature, New Work, Support Women Artists!, Sviltana Martynjuk, WoArt Blog, Women Artists, Women's Art, Womenj's Art magazine, Work Tagged With: All She Makes

ALL SHE MAKES : first look

February 19, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be featured in all SHE makes Magazineand the all She makes Artist Directory!

 Sviltana Martynjuk, founder of All SHE Makes champions Women Artists through this publication and organization/venture she has spearheaded.

The incredible Christina Massey of  WoArt and creator of the amazing and beloved WoArt Blog, also promoting and celebrating women artists, and an artist in her own right, curated the selection of artists featured in this WINTER Issue IV of ALL SHE MAKES.

Thank you for this opportunity to be featured alongside so many outstanding women artists!

(Another post with more images from the magazine to follow).

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, C Massey Art . WoArt Blog, New Work, Women Artists, Womenj's Art magazine, Work Tagged With: All She Makes, All She makes magazine, Art By Women, Buy Women's Art, Christina Massey, Magazine Vesature, Support Women Artists!, Svetlana, Sviltana Martynjuk, WoArt Blog, Women Artists, Women's Art

MATERIAL III: An Investigation of Materiality through Fiber

February 7, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be showing in MATERIAL III, a national exhibition at d’Art Center of original fiber artworks from across the country highlighting the quality and variety of artworks utilizing fiber as a major component, including non-functional, 2D, 3D, fine art, and fine craft in fiber including mixed media works, in a variety of styles.

The show is co-curated by gallery manager Amanda Bradley, and exhibition juror, Ryan Lytle.

I am showing “Before the Fall” 11 x (up to) 23 x 7.5″, mixed media (book board, mulberry paper, hemp cord, canvas),  a work inspired by the form of the book, and hung from the ceiling, in essence a hanging sculpture, and installation.

I am looking forward to the opening, and seeing what other works are included, always a treat!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sharing the words of Juri Koll

February 1, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am honored to share the words of the artist, curator, filmmaker and fonder/director of Venice Institute of Contemporary Art, Juri Koll:

Thank you Juri, for your time, your care, and your comprehension of my work.

It means a great deal.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: :Burning Bush", Art organizations, Beyond Baroque, Book as Art, Books, Codices, Constructions, Handmade Books, Juri koll, Labor, Los Angeles Art organizations, Materiality, Scrolls, Sculptural Books, Sculpture, Story, Venice Institute of Contemporary Art, Vica

Keeping the Faith…Making Art Inspired by Great Artist Faith Ringgold

January 24, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be teaching MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS  at Franklin and Roosevelt Schools in the Santa Monica Public School System through the CREST Enrichment program.

After a span of two years, teaching live and in-person is exciting and energizing. The students are enthusiastic, helpful and creative and IMAGINATIVE and the parents and staff supportive and engaged.

Everyone is working together to make in-person teaching a safe and rewarding experience. Despite the challenges and great energy required, what fun to see these young artists exercise their imaginations, play, learn and create!

Students responded positively to our “Story Quilt” project, inspired by the Great Artist, Faith Ringgold.
Put cloth in their hands, and away they go!
Students draw an idea for their fabric “story, then begin working on felt with cloth pieces that are glued into place.


Imaginative use of the materials is the intuitive order of the day.


The stories begin to emerge.


Joyous play and exploration of fabrics, cloth scrap and tactile textiles!

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: Art and craft, Before and after school art classes, Children's Art Classes, City of Santa Monica, Community Art, CREST Enrichment, Fabric Collage Felt, Faith Ringgold, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, Story Quilt, Teaching Artist

The Center for Contemporary Art 2022 International Juried Show

January 18, 2022 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in the Center for Contemporary Art’s 

International Juried Exhibition

showing “Maximum Security”
made of Book Board, Wood, Mulberry Paper, Paint, Canvas, Watercolor Paper, Hemp Cord

EXHIBITION DATES: January 14, 2022 – February 26, 2022
Opening: Friday, January 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom

JUROR: Erin Jenoa Gilbert
Erin Jenoa Gilbert is a New York based curator and art advisor, specializing in Modern and Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora. Exploring the relationship between art, power and politics, her curatorial practice examines the physical and psychological connection to land, the trauma of displacement and the Black female body as contested terrain. Gilbert’s intersectional critical analysis exposes the fault lines in the aesthetic regimes that dominate visual culture, specifically by presenting artists whose contributions to the canon have been overlooked, particularly women artists from the “Deep South” and the “Global South”. Most recently the Curator of African American Manuscripts at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, she has also held positions at The Art Institute of Chicago and The Studio Museum in Harlem.

Over the course of her career she has addressed audiences at The Studio Museum in Harlem, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Howard University, Fashion Institute of Technology and Swann Auction House. Figure and Force, a conversation she moderated between Barbara Chase Riboud and Ilyasah Shabbaz for Solange’s Saint Heron, exemplifies her commitment to expanding the audience for modern and contemporary art.

In July 2021, Gilbert curated A Force For Change, an exhibition presenting 26 contemporary women artists of African descent in New York benefiting UN Women. She is the co-curator of Mary Lovelace O’Neal: Whales Fucking which will open at MoAD in San Francisco, California in November 2022. Since 2015 she has curated several museum and gallery exhibitions in the US and UK including Zohra Opoku: Draped Histories/Beyond Visage, Sienna Shields: Invisible Woman and In The Eye of the Beholder.

Gilbert holds a BA in Political Science and a BA in African and African American Studies from the University of Michigan, and a MA in Contemporary Art from the University of Manchester.  She has published catalog essays on several prominent artists, including Deborah Roberts (Spelman University, 2018); Alma Thomas (Mnuchin Gallery, 2019); Chakaia Booker (ICA Miami, 2021) and Mary Lovelace O’Neal (MoAD, 2022).

Click Here to Read Erin Jenoa Gilbert’s Juror Statement

I am honored to be in the company of wonderful EXHIBITING ARTISTS: Joan Appel, Claude Beller, Bill Brookover, Monica J. Brown, Lionel Carre, Arden Cone, Steven Daiber, Tracy DiTolla, Marvin Eans, Steven Epstein, Tracy Finn, Sandy Furst, Anita Gladstone, Gregory Hennen, Valerie Huhn, Pat Kelly, Karen L. Kirshner, Jack Knight, Shawn Marshall, Monica Mendes, Edward Mills, Myra Joyce Nowlin, David Z. Orban, Clare Parry, Sandi Pfeifer, Robert Reid, Lilly Saywitz, Alireza Vaziri Rahimi, Mark Vogel, Chrissy Wallace

Click Here for Exhibition Price List

ENJOY THE SHOW HERE!

 

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions Tagged With: 2022 International Juried Exhbition, Contemporary Art, d’Art Center, Erin Jenoa Gilbert, Group Show, Group Shows, Inrernational Exhibitions, International Shows, Juried Shows, The Center for Contemporary Art

Teaching Artistry Live and In-Person!

January 11, 2022 By Debra Disman

Even in these times, it is wonderful to get back to live, in-person teaching!

Teaching classes outside at Santa Monica Public Schools, through the CREST Enrichment program, after a span of two years, is exciting and energizing. The students are enthusiastic, helpful and creative, the parents and staff supportive and engaged.

Everyone is working together to make in-person teaching a safe and rewarding experience.

I am teaching MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT Artists at Franklin and Roosevelt Schools in the afternoon, and MAKE YOUR OWN BOOKS! at ROOSEVELT SCHOOL first thing in the morning. Despite the challenges and great energy required, what fun to see these young artists exercise their imaginations, play, learn and create!


Students work outdoors to create personal frames for their  Frida Kahlo-inspired self-portrait projects.


How they design the frames may communicate as much about them as their self-portraits inside them will.


Even the backpacks are works of art!

In our MAKE YOUR OWN BOOKS! class students learn the accordion fold book structure,

and begin developing their books with visual art and writing right away!

It is fantastic, watching the masterpieces unfold!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: Children's Art Classes, City of Santa Monica, Community Arts, CREST Enrichment, Frida Kahlo, MAKING ART INSPIRED BY GREAT ARTISTS, MAKING YOUR OWN BOOKS!, Outside Art Classes, SANTA MONICA, Teaching Artist, Teaching Artistry in the time of Pandemic

Visioning the New Year with the Panorama Branch Library

January 6, 2022 By Debra Disman

In December, 2021, we completed our  2021-22 Artist Residency in bookmaking  at the the Panorama City Branch Library, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

I say “we” rather than “I”, as this was a team effort with the Library Staff, and of course, the DCA, always supportive!

During our residency “CULMINATION EVENT” participants created “Vision Journals” to welcome the New Year, and help them set intentions and goals for 2022.

Our online event was well-attended, fun and inspiring.
A wonderful way to complete the Residency, the year, and gather our strength, resiliency, hope, imagination and creativity to move into 2022!

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Presentations, Student Work, Teaching Artist, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2022, AIR Program, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, Autumn, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, City Department of Cultural Affairs, Culmination, Culmination Workshop, Family Bookmaking, Handmade Books, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, Los Angeles Public Library System, Make Your Own Book, New Year, Online Art programs, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online Library Programs, Online program, Pamphlet Stitich, Panorama City Branch Library, Public Event, Sewn Books, SIGNATURE, Vision Journal, Visioning the Future

MOON BOOK: Bookmaking for the Winter Solstice!

December 28, 2021 By Debra Disman

Moon, Luna, Lunar
It was an honor to lead a special bookmaking workshop through my Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs artist residency at the West Valley Regional Branch Library to welcome and celebrate the Winter Solstice on December 21st, 2021!
We focused on the MOON.

Our participants of assorted ages, cultural backgrounds and experience levels created “Moon Books”, exploring the meaning, metaphor and movement (or phases) of the Moon, inspired by this rich theme, their materials, and the fun and  comfort of creating in community!

The results were inspiring too, investigating, celebrating and exploring the moon in (her) many facets through science/astronomy, story and the elements and materials of visual art: line, shape, color; collaged together into (folded and glued) book form.

 

An inspiring time had by all, including the participating Library staff and myself, teaching and supporting this program! We are always inspired by our participating makers, learners and sharers!

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: 2022, AIR Program, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, Astrology, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, City Department of Cultural Affairs, Collage, COLOR, Concertina fold, Culminating Event, Culmination Event, Fall, Folded and glued Books, Full Moon, Handmade Books, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, Line, line shape color, Los Angeles Public Library System, Luna, m Lunar, Make Your Own Book, Memories'Holiday, Moon, Moon Phases, New Moon, New Year, Online Art programs, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online Library Programs, Shape, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Winter Holidays, Winter Solstice

NEW WORK in 2021: “Forest Through The Trees”

December 20, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was happy to finally be able to have Elon Schoenholz Photography in to photograph works completed during 2021… fast away the old year passes…

Here I share “Forest through The Trees“, 15 x 42 x 12”, made of book board, canvas, hemp cord, ribbon, typewriter ribbon, acrylic paint, wood.
It is part of a monochrome series in black, through the colors of “black” are infinite, and change with light, material, juxtaposition, and how the viewer engages with the piece.

Comprised of two accordion-folded “spines”, the “book”, becomes a “box”, with a “door” that opens, expandable “walls”, and  painted canvas “pages” held up precariously with wooden dowels. The piece can be presented and contemplated in numerous ways, and begs a tactile connection, through all of us working in book, and perhaps sculptural forms in general grapple with how to do this.  How to have viewers engage with the work, participate in it, without having it worn away over time in the process…

We are seekers.
The Journey continues.

Happy New Year.

(exterior, closed)

(exterior, ajar)

(interior/exterior, open)

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, New Work, Work Tagged With: 2021 Work, Accordion Fold, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Black, Books To Boxes, Boxes, Canvas, COLOR, Conceptual Works, Constructions, Contemporary Artist, Covers, Elon Schoenholz Photography, Fiber, HEMP CORD, Labor, Los Angles Artists, minimalist, Mixed media, Monochrome, New Work, Repetition, Sculpture, Spiral, Stitch, Stitching, Textiles, Three-dimensional works, Work

Unfolding Possibilities: Something to Ponder for the New Year

December 15, 2021 By Debra Disman

What do we seek, yearn for, want, crave, need, are motivated to strive for, for this New Year coming up?

What is Possible?
And

How do we Achieve it?

What are the Possibilities, and how do we Realize them, in this day and age, in this present moment, under our current circumstances, confronted by challenges seemingly too numerous to count, much less take in?


Unfolding Possibilities, (front cover) 2021, 6+ x 78″ x 6+”, mixed media artists’ book

We have to somehow move forward in a positive way, keep on truckin’, keep on trying, keep at it, continue, keep on keeping on.
We have to try, each in our own way. Hopefully, something will line up.


Unfolding Possibilities, (closed) 2021, 6+ x 78″ x 6+”, mixed media artists’ book

An initiative of the Los Angeles Count Department of Mental Health, Why We Rise LA took place in May 2021, supporting hundreds of Community Arts & Culture Projects which took place across all Los Angeles County neighborhoods, in partnership with more than 100 community groups, artists, grassroots leaders, healers and other LA County Departments. These projects and collaborations included mural making, ancestral healing workshops, a Countywide public literary art project, a Countywide chalk art program and more to celebrate the remarkable resources and communities in LA County and used arts-based strategies for healing and wellbeing.

I was honored to teach a workshop as part of Why We Rise LA 2021 in coordination with 18th Street Art Center’sArts Learning Lab @ Home: called: Bookmaking with Self-Compassion.
See the workshop HERE!

Nearly 70 online participants learned to create the “Flower Fold” book structure, then added embellishment, images, and words expressing their experience of the pandemic, where they are at now, what they learned, what they wanted to share, their hopes, wishes, dreams, cares , fears, realizations, trauma, expressing the full gamut of human emotions.

The range of words submitted was wide-ranging, thought-provoking and evocative….including opposite emotions and experiences and bits of truth-telling, realizations and wisdom participants seemed eager to pass on to others in other words, humanness in its multiplicity.

I took the words generated by this workshop, and requested from the community at large, and stitched them into an Artists’ Book I made as a community collaboration, entitled, “Unfolding Possibilities“.  (“Unfolding Possibilities – Possibilities Unfolding”).  Videographer Jeny Amaya created a video of the project which was screened during the 18th Street Art Center event, “Left/Right/Here“

Unfolding Possibilities, Possibilities Unfolding: the making of above.

Unfolding Possibilities, (interior) 2021, 6+ x 78″ x 6+”, mixed media artists’ book
Unfolding Possibilities, (interior detail) 2021, 6+ x 78″ x 6+”, mixed media artists’ book

When confronted with what seems like overwhelming odds, and not in your/our, favor, try making something, try creating. Here is a workshop to show you how to do it, just one of countless, infinite ways you can make something (out of almost nothing-), create something, experience working with your hands and heart and imagination, craft something, fashion something, and perhaps share this with others. Relax your heart and soul and play. Just see, if you do not emerge, like the butterfly, stronger for the effort. Enjoy. See what happens.

Wishing You the absolute best, healthiest, most creative, most supportive, safest, and imaginative, New Year, now and ever.

Here. We . Go.

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, Presentations, Teaching Artist, Work Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, 18th Street Arts Center (Airport Campus), 18th Street Arts Center Campus, 18th Street Arts Center exhbitions, Art in the time of pandemic, Artist Book, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Artists' Book/s, Arts Learning Lab, Awl, Bookmaking, Bookmaking With Self-COmpassion, Community Art Projects, Community Arts, Community Collaboration, Film, Flower Fold, Flower Fold Book, Flower Fold Structure, Folded Books, Frida Cano, Handmade Books, Left/Right/Here, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Making Books By Hand, Mulberry paper, Online Art Workshops, Pandemic, Pandemic Art projects, RECOVERY JUSTICE: Being Well, Respending to the Pandemic, Sara Delaiden, Screening, Unfolding Possibilities, Use Your Words, Video, We Rise, We Rise LA

December Brings FREE ONLINE Bookmaking Workshops!!!

December 9, 2021 By Debra Disman

Celebrate the holidays and welcome the New Year by making your own handmade books!

Please see the fliers below, each holds sign-up information, or all the phone number listed!

You  can also email me, Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs Artist in Residence Debra Disman, at debra@artifactorystudio.com,  for further information!

We hope to “see” you there!

 

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: 2022, Accordion Fold Book, AIR Program, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, Astrology, Autumn, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, City Department of Cultural Affairs, Concertina fold, Culminating Event, Culmination Event, Fall, Fall Holidays, Family Bookmaking, Folded and glued Books, Full Moon, Handmade Books, Journal, journaling, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, Los Angeles Public Library System, Make Your Own Book, Make Your Own Journal, Memories'Holiday, Memory, Moon, Moon Phases, New Moon, New Year, Online Art programs, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online Library Programs, Panorama City Branch Library, Sewn Books, SIGNATURE, SINGLE SIGNATURE BOOK, Single Signature bookmaking, The Phases of the Moon, Vision Journal, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Winter Holidays, Winter Solstice

Treasured Memories and The Art of the Book

December 3, 2021 By Debra Disman

Through my Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs artist residencies at the Panorama City and West Valley Regional Branch Libraries, participants have created handmade books to hold treasured memories, including recipes, photos and more.

Especially during these time, to create a repository such as this, can become a vision for the future, as well as a shrine to the past, and preservation of cultural, family and community memories, rituals, experiences and guides.

I am honored to do this work!

 

 

 

Seasons Greetings, Peace on Earth and in Our Hearts, and May You Enjoy Treasured Memories and Currents Events Now and Ever.

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Teaching Artist Tagged With: Accordion Fold Book, AIR Program, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, Autumn, Bookmaking, Books made by Hand, City Department of Cultural Affairs, Concertina fold, Fall, Fall Holidays, Family Bookmaking, Folded and glued Books, Handmade Books, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, Los Angeles Public Library System, Make Your Own Book, Memories'Holiday, Memory, Online Art programs, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online Library Programs, Panorama City Branch Library, reasured memories, Recipe Book, West Valley Regional Branch Library

“MOSTLY MONOCHROME” from WoArt!

November 26, 2021 By Debra Disman

I have been thrilled to be included in the exhibition, Mostly Monochrome, presented online by the loved and respected  WoArt Blog, and curated by WoArtBlog founder,  Christina Massey, offering a strong platform for Women Artists.

November 1 – 30th, 2021

www.woartblog.com.

“Mostly Monochrome” is an online exhibition featuring artists using a mostly monochromatic approach to the creation of their work. Artworks with the reduced variant of color grab their viewers attention instead through their process, materials, composition and tonality.

As one scrolls through the exhibition, you’ll be visually transitioning through subtle shifts in the monochromatic palette and visually stimulated through the juxtaposition of works from minimal color field paintings to extremely detailed and laborious drawings and sculptures.

Viewers are invited to scroll through the wide range of artistic styles and explore the work in the virtual gallery slideshow. Click on the images to get further details and make any purchases of Artworks.

Support the work of Women Artists, shop the online store!

Featuring Artists:

Laura Ahola-Young, Lois Bender, Laurey Bennett-Levy, Angelica Bergamini, Carol Bouyoucos, Clare Burson, Ai Campbell, Jaynie Crimmins, Marianne DeAngelis, Debra Disman, Pauline Galiana, Veronika Golova, Carolynn Haydu, Erin Juliana, Rachel Kohn, Parvathi Kumar, Barbara Laube, Bonny Leibowitz, Seren Morey, Jane Nodine, Judith Ornstein, Dara Oshin, Barbara Owen, Lily Prince, Eve Provost Chartrand, Robin Roi, Andra Samelson, Amy Sands, Mary Shah, Barbara Sherman, Christina Smith, Lauren Smith, Judi Tavill, Jessica Tawczynski, Shira Toren, Ellen Weider, Odeta Xheka, Emna Zghal, Tamar Zinn

I am honored to have two works presented in the show, “Before the Fall”, and “Profusion”, pictured below.

Hear our discussion on Clubhouse!
Artists
 Who AND…, ”Artists…giving back to the creative community”:  Debra Disman/Lois Bender/Laurey Bender-Levy, Clubhouse, November 17, 2021

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Presentations, Work Tagged With: Ai Campbell, Amy Sands, Andra Samelson, Angelica Bergamini, Barbara Laube, Barbara Owen, Barbara Sherman, Bonny Leibowitz, Carol Bouyoucos, Carolynn Haydu, Christina Massey, Christina Smith, Clare Burson, Contemporary Female Artists, Dara Oshin, Debra Disman, Ellen Weider, Emna Zghal, Erin Juliana, Eve Provost Chartrand, EXHBITION, Jane Nodine, Jaynie Crimmins, Jessica Tawczynski, Judi Tavill, Judith Ornstein, Laura Ahola-Young, Lauren Smith, Laurey Bennett-Levy, Lily Prince, Lois Bender, Marianne DeAngelis, Mary Shah, Monochrome, Mostly Monochrome, Odeta Xheka, Online Exhibitions, Online Shows, Parvathi Kumar, Pauline Galiana, Rachel Kohn, Robin Roi, Seren Morey, Shira Toren, Support Women Artists!, Tamar Zinn, Veronika Golova, Whoa: Women Artists, WoArt, WoArtBlog, Women Artists

2021 INTERNATIONAL ART OF THE BOOK: In Living Color

November 24, 2021 By Debra Disman

THE 2021 ART OF THE BOOK & PAPER SCULPTURE!


“In 2011, we held the first Art of the Book exhibit in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library. At the time, we wanted to celebrate what has been at the core of libraries for centuries–the book. We marveled over the intricate interpretations of this humble format, and we were thrilled with the response to the exhibit from the community.”

“In subsequent years, the exhibit has grown to include entries from all over the world, featuring well-known artists for their exquisite work. We have built a reputation worldwide among book artists, and we are so pleased to see that reputation upheld.

Books continue to ensnare the imagination, both for their form and content. Artists manipulate those two components to create breathtaking, mind-bending works of art that tease and cajole people to consider the intricacies of paper, ink, words, and meaning.

In commemoration of the 10th Anniversary, we are adding Paper Sculpture as a new category. This new category will celebrate the extraordinary use of paper, in an art form that combines or shapes papers.”

View the CATALOGUE!

View the show!!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: 2021 ART OF THE BOOK & PAPER SCULPTURE, Altered Books, Book Arts, Exhibition Catalogue, Exhibitions, Groups Shows, Handmade Books, INTERNATIONAL ART OF THE BOOK Show, Library, PAPER SCULPTURE, Paper Sculptures, Public Library, Rochester Public Library, The Art of the Book, The Book As Art, The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

NEW WORK in 2021: Red Notebook (“Here’s To The Red, White and Blue”)

November 15, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was happy to finally be able to have Elon Schoenholz Photography in to photographs works completed/created during 2021, which continues to race by.

Part of an ensemble, suite, or installation of works entitled, “Here’s To The Red, White and Blue”, Red Notebook is structured as a “traditional” codex, with covers that open and pages that turn.  Moderately, “red” (hence the “red” element of the “Red, White and Blue” theme-meme-trope?) it contains a great deal of black as well.
In the immortal words of  Mark Rothko, “There is only one thing I fear in life, my friend;  One day, the black will swallow the red.”

Made from a repurposed placemat, hemp cord, linen thread, canvas, and lace, it is 8.5″ high, 12.5″ when opened in full, and 6.5″ at greatest depth and opens left to right, from cover through pages to cover, bound together through a single signature.


The red and back play off each other in all their associations


Sewing, stitching, gluing, knotting, coiling, massing


Amassing, accumulation, the RED in


Up next.

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, New Work, Work Tagged With: 2021 Work, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Black, Book as Art, Codex, Coil, COLOR, Conceptual Book, Conceptual Works, Constructions, Contemporary Artist, Covers, Elon Schoenholz Photography, Fiber, HEMP CORD, Los Angles Artists, Mark Rothko, Mixed media, New Work, Pages, Red, Rothko, Sculpture, SIGNATURE, SINGLE SIGNATURE BOOK, Spiral, Stitch, Stitching, Textiles, Three-dimensional works, White and Blue, Work

LIMINAL: The Book

November 5, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to be included in  the exhibition LIMINAL, at Verum Ultimum Gallery in which artists were invited to explore the theme of liminality in any interpretation, media and form of visual art.

“Liminal is the space between. What significance does transition (or the “space between“) have in your work or your artistic voice? Does your work reflect the liminal aspects of our pandemic-impacted world and the adaptation to a post pandemic existence? Does your work represent and or challenge the threshold to a more equitable society? Or, perhaps it reflects a vehicle for expression through pure abstraction.” Curator Jennifer Gillia Cutshall

As with all Verum Ultimum’s calls for art, the curator never seeks to drive the work, the only hope is to unveil unique visions. All mediums and modes of expression have been welcomed from low brow, pop surrealism, realism, abstraction, and more. The term Liminal may be interpreted in many ways, and is not necessarily meant to be a literal elucidation.

Liminal is defined as
1. relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.
2. occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.

​One could argue that artists are conditioned to occupy the liminal state. And a successful studio is a space in flux, poised for adaptation (to projects, challenges, and materials). The focus of the artist is the creative process or the place between the 2 boundaries of “the beginning” and “the outcome or result.”

A gallery benefits from maintaining that liminal state, too (adaptation is a constant).

Verum Ultimum is celebrating it’s eighth year and this exhibition served to herald the artists unique vision…especially during these challenging times!

View the LIMINAL Exhibition

Read LIMINAL Artist Insights

Please see the LIMINAL Exhibition Book


Above: Curator and Verum Ultimum Gallery Founder, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall‘s LIMINAL exhibition statement.


Pictured above is my work in the show:   The Gates, (interior), 2019, 7.5 x 20 x 10.25”, mixed media/sculptural artists’ book.

View the Show!!!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: ARTIST'S BOOKS, Book as Sculpture, Catalog, Exhibition Book, Exhibition Catalogue, Exhibitions, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Liminal, LIMINAL exhibition, Liminality, Linimality, Portland Art Galleries, Verum Ultimum Art Gallery

Mostly Monochrome: Limiting the Palette

November 2, 2021 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in the show  Mostly Monochrome,
November 1 – 30th, 2021, presented by www.woartblog.com and curated by Christina Massey, founder and force of nature behind and in front of WoArt!

“Mostly Monochrome” is an online exhibition featuring artists using a mostly monochromatic approach to the creation of their work. Artworks with the reduced variant of color grab their viewers attention instead through their process, materials, composition and tonality.

Christina says,
“As one scrolls through the exhibition, you’ll be visually transitioning through subtle shifts in the monochromatic palette and visually stimulated through the juxtaposition of works from minimal color field paintings to extremely detailed and laborious drawings and sculptures.”

Viewers are invited to scroll through the wide range of artistic styles and explore the work in the virtual gallery slideshow. Click on the images to get further details and make any purchases of Artworks.

I am honored to be showing “Before the Fall”

and
“Profusion”

Support the work of Women Artists, shop the online store!

Featuring Artists:

Laura Ahola-Young, Lois Bender, Laurey Bennett-Levy, Angelica Bergamini, Carol Bouyoucos, Clare Burson, Ai Campbell, Jaynie Crimmins, Marianne DeAngelis, Debra Disman, Pauline Galiana, Veronika Golova, Carolynn Haydu, Erin Juliana, Rachel Kohn, Parvathi Kumar, Barbara Laube, Bonny Leibowitz, Seren Morey, Jane Nodine, Judith Ornstein, Dara Oshin, Barbara Owen, Lily Prince, Eve Provost Chartrand, Robin Roi, Andra Samelson, Amy Sands, Mary Shah, Barbara Sherman, Christina Smith, Lauren Smith, Judi Tavill, Jessica Tawczynski, Shira Toren, Ellen Weider, Odeta Xheka, Emna Zghal, Tamar Zinn

 

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: Ai Campbell, Amy Sands, Andra Samelson, Angelica Bergamini, Barbara Laube, Barbara Owen, Barbara Sherman, Bonny Leibowitz, Carol Bouyoucos, Carolynn Haydu, Christina Massey, Christina Smith, Clare Burson, Contemporary Female Artists, Dara Oshin, Debra Disman, Ellen Weider, Emna Zghal, Erin Juliana, Eve Provost Chartrand, Exhibition, Jane Nodine, Jaynie Crimmins, Jessica Tawczynski, Judi Tavill, Judith Ornstein, Laura Ahola-Young, Lauren Smith, Laurey Bennett-Levy, Lily Prince, Lois Bender, Marianne DeAngelis, Mary Shah, Monochrome, Mostly Monochrome, Odeta Xheka, Online Exhibitions, Online Shows, Parvathi Kumar, Pauline Galiana, Rachel Kohn, Robin Roi, Seren Morey, Shira Toren, Support Women Artists!, Tamar Zinn, Veronika Golova, Whoa: Women Artists, WoArt, WoArtBlog, Women Artists

Celebrating Día de Muertos with Papel Picado!

October 29, 2021 By Debra Disman

In celebration of  Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), I led a bookmaking workshop that featured Papel Picado (The art and craft of decorative cut paper) as part of my artist residency in bookmaking  at the the Panorama City Branch Library, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Participants learned the Accordion Fold  technique, and used it to create 11″ high  Accordion Fold Books.

They then created simple Papel Picado  designs, exploring paper cutting techniques using tissue paper sheets, and added these  colorful (or black-) works to our books in various ways.

All of the techniques and materials demonstrated online, through Zoom.

The participants were adventurous, good-humored, and supportive of each other as they moved through the process, and created the  beautiful works pictured below.

BRAVO!

This is truly teaching artistry, and learning,  for the 21st Century!

 


Using the simplest techniques, participants used color and cutting to create wondrous designs, which they layered onto to and into their Accordion Fold Books.


Paper cutting using the thin sheets of tissue paper can be demanding under the best of circumstances,. I marveled at what our participants were able to accomplish guided by an online workshop!


Here, black tissue paper is employed to magical and mysterious effect.


Participants also used origami paper to create their Papel Picado designs.


Participants joined the workshop from Arizona, Montreal, and across Los Angeles County, some with grandchildren, demonstrating the potential of the internet and its global reach.


Photographing through a computer screen can be challenging, but the brilliance of these colors and repeated cut-out designs cannot be denied!

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Presentations, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: "We Write The Book", Accordion Binding, Accordion Book, Accordion Fold, Accordion Fold Book, AIR Program, All purpose book!, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Bookmaking online, Books made by Hand, Branch Libraries, CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS, Día de Muertos, Fall Holidays, Handmade Books, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, latin American Folk Arts, Library Programs, Los Angeles Public Library System, Make Your Own Journal, Making Art through Zoom, Mexican Folk Arts, Online Art programs, Online Art Workshops, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online bookmaking workshops, Online Library Programs, Panorama City Branch Library, Papel Picado, paper Cits, Paper Cutting, Paper Engineering, The Art of paper Cutting, Zoom

The Art of Ethics: Bookmaking at the Silverlake Independent JCC

October 22, 2021 By Debra Disman

 

I had the opportunity to teach the  FLAG BOOK structure to fifth-graders at the  Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center  in their
The Art of Ethics class focusing on Shalom Bayit – Peace in the Home.

This was my first IN PERSON teaching artist experience in over a year and a half!

It was wonderful….

Here are some of the results, as well as the process…


Developing content


“The Future” is a theme


No Rules (!)


Designing the book


Looking to the future, celebrating the now


Highly engaged


A positive approach


Innovation


Cover Design


Completing the structure


The wonderful teacher, Marnina.

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: 5th Grade Class, Bookmaking, Books By hand, Ethics, Fifth Graders, Flag Book, Folded Books, Handmade Books, Jewish Education, Peace in the Home, Shalom Bayit, Silverlake, Silverlake Independent JCC

“CRAFTING MEMORIES”

October 11, 2021 By Debra Disman

“Crafting Memories: An Online Bookmaking Workshop Series is specifically designed by Craft Contemporary and artist Debra Disman for adults over the age of 55. This program is made possible by funding from Aroha Philanthropies and is part of a nationwide campaign to bring thoughtful and specialized programs to a valuable population that is often undeserved by arts institutions. 

For this special program, participants learned a variety of basic and experimental bookmaking techniques used to tell their own stories through materials and the handmade. The goal of this workshop series was to create a space to explore our stories through book forms and to express our creativity by bringing together an extensive number of materials, mementos, and memories collected through our lives.”

It has been my great joy to teach the AROHA Bookmaking classes for Seniors through Craft Contemporary. I have been so moved to hear and see our participants’ stories expressed through their book projects, and to witness their extraordinary creativity with materials, expression, and craft. The opportunity for these students to come together, share about their lives, and weave their personal histories into their projects has been so meaningful, not only for the students, but for myself and the Craft Contemporary Staff. I have been continually amazed at the richness and depth of our participants’ life experiences and their hunger to share them with others.

See the fabulous website page on the Craft Contemporary website featuring the amazing works of our talented participants HERE!

See their handmade books and read about what gathering online to learn new skills and create together meant to each of them!

You won’t forget your visit!

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Presentations, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: Adults over age 55, Aging and Creativity, Andres Payan, Andres Payan Estrada, Aroha Philanthropies, Art Programs for Seniors, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Bookmaking, Bookmaking online, Craft Contemporary, Craft Contemporary Museum, Creative Aging, Distance learning, Handmade Books, Older Adults, Online Art programs, Online learning, Russ Haan, Seniors, Suzanne Iksen, Teaching Artist, Teaching Artists, Vitlity Arts

Tunneling Through: Tunnel Bookmaking with the Panorama City Branch Library!

October 5, 2021 By Debra Disman

Through my Artist Residency with the Los Angles Department of Cultural Affairs Artist in Residence   I had the opportunity to offer an online program/workshop via the Panorama Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library in which participants learned how to make “Tunnel Books“, and thus how to create their own three-dimensional stories!

Participants learned the accordion fold technique, and how to attach a background/backdrop sheet, and connective strips to create their books, reminiscent of a diorama, or stage. They then went to down developing their stories or scenes, learning a bit of pop-up magic in the process.

 

One motivated participant motivated by opera remade her book after the program, and emailed these images to share with us!

We look forward to more inspiring, educational, creative and FUN online bookmaking programs presented through the Panorama City Branch Library!

All workshops, programs, classes and events will be listed HERE!

Stay tuned, and join us!

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: AIR Program, All purpose book!, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Bookmaking online, Books made by Hand, Branch Libraries, Handmade Books, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, Library Programs, Los Angeles Public Library System, Make Your Own Journal, Online Art programs, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online Library Programs, Panorama City Branch Library, Paper Engineering, Pop-Up, Pop-up Books, POP-UPS, Theater Books, Theatrical Books, Three-d story, Three-dimensional Story, Tunnel Bookmaking, Tunnel Books

We Invited the Community to “Make Your Own Journal” at the Panorama City Branch Library, And They Did!

September 28, 2021 By Debra Disman

Through my Artist Residency with the Los Angles Department of Cultural Affairs Artist in Residence   I had the opportunity to offer a program/workshop via the Panorama Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library in which participants created  “single signature” bound books they could use for writing, drawing, note-keeping, poetry, homework, lists, photographs, recipes and more!


People of all ages were welcomed into the program, creating books that reflected their interests, their needs, and their feelings.

Some books were focused on theme and utility, others on design, color, texture and shapes.
All expressed the makers and served as a form of sharing with the group as well.

We look forward to more!

All workshops, programs, classes and events will be listed HERE!

Stay tuned, and join us!

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Student Work, Teaching Artist Tagged With: AIR Program, All purpose book!, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Bookmaking online, Books made by Hand, Branch Libraries, Handmade Books, Handmade Journal, Journal, Journal-making, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, LAPL, Library Programs, Los Angeles Public Library System, Make Your Own Journal, Online Art programs, Online Bookmaking Programs, Online Library Programs, Panorama City Branch Library, Sewn Books, SINGLE SIGNATURE, Single Signature Books

Tricksters and Transformation…What could be better?

September 22, 2021 By Debra Disman

There’s a cool new show in town, transforming not through trickery, but with an Open Heart, and wondrous “soft” materials.

“Textiles have the universally demonstrated capacity for holding meaning, establishing connections, and creating healing. As we emerge, on many levels, from the darkness into the light of awareness of isolation and injustice we have an opportunity and obligation to examine the status quo. This exhibition will allow the artist to step into the now and make work that opens doors within themselves, thereby acting as a portal to a collective resurgence into a renewed relationship with the world. This awakening inspires transformation.

There is a deep potential for the artist to act as trickster, agent of change, or boundary crosser. After the pandemic and the social upheaval of the past eighteen months, the artist has gained renewed agency for creating more enlightened definitions of meaning and new ways of seeing.

The pandemic can be a portal, serving as a provocation to transformation.”

I am honored to be showing “Torrent and Tangle: Keep Your House In Order”, in a new, open configuration!





This work begs the question: with all the torrent and inevitable tangle, how DO we “keep our house in order” or keep our house at all?
Also a play on “keeping house” a sort of 1950’s housewifery term to my mind, , which eerily reverbs with the growing rate of homelessness across LA Counbty, the US and the globe.

In the words of revered and beloved LA-based artist Kim Abeles:
“I followed the thread like a stream to find balance.
Textile Arts Los Angeles has presented a rich exhibit juried by Carol Shaw-Sutton at the Helms Bakery space in Culver City. “Tricksters & Transformation” is the show, an artist-in-residency with Carmen Mardonez, and a zoom presentation with Beverly Naidus who provided an inspiring history of some of her many audience-engaged artworks.
It was tempting to photograph every piece because the exhibition is divine with art that offers detail and a tactile emotion. Speaking with hands and care. The title comes in part because of the multiple ways that the artists transform the materials, including post-production remnants and those that would have gone overlooked except for the poetics of art.

And here is a link to the show details: https://textileartsla.org/tricksters-exhibit-1” 

Join us for the
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: TRICKSTERS & TRANSFORMATION

  • Sunday, September 26, 20214:00 PM 

    Sunday, October 10, 20217:00 PM

Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd. Studio E
Culver City, CA 90232 United States 
+ Google Map
Website:https://textileartsla.org/tricksters-exhibit-1

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: Art Carrie Burckle Lesley Roberts ley Roberts, Carfrie Burkcle, Carman Mardonez, Carol Shaw-Sutton, Fiber, Fiber Art, Gwen Samuels, Helms Design Center, Textile, Textile Art, Textile Arts Los Angeles, Textiles, Trextile works, Tricksters and Transformation, Victoria May

Musings…THE BOOK AS ART v. 9: MUSE

September 22, 2021 By Debra Disman

Artist books take many forms – from handmade and lusciously tactile to linear and informative, abstract and questioning to sculptural and monumental.

The Decatur Arts Alliance presents the ninth edition of the juried exhibition of artists’ books, The Book as Art v.9: Muse, August 13–October 3, 2021.
This show celebrates the book with a wildly varied collection of inventive and spectacular work that challenges expectations. The exhibition will be installed once again at the Decatur Branch of the DeKalb County Public Library.

This year, the exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy “Dot” Davis Moye (1941-2021).

Brought to you by Decatur Arts Alliance, Georgia Center for the Book, the DeKalb Co. Public Library, DeKalb Library Foundation and Keep it Indie-catur.

I am thrilled to be showing, “WINDOW TREATMENT”;


13 x 38 x 9.25″, mixed media

To see a video of this work, please see VIDEO below!


Watch Video HERE

To see and hear three artists including myself discuss their works in the show, please go  HERE or click the link below.

 

Experience the talk HERE

Please see the online version of the Show, Opening Night Tour, and all other information HERE!

If you can experience the show in person:

Gallery Hours
Aug. 13-Oct.3
The Periodicals Gallery of the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, Ga. 

The gallery will be open for limited, in-person viewing hours. Registration required.

Book An Appointment

Decatur Library
215 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030 United States 
+ Google Map
Phone:404.370.3070Website:https://dekalblibrary.org/branches/deca

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: Ally Wright, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Book Arts, Books as Sculpture, Books made by Hand, Decatur Arts Alliance, DeKalb Library Foundation, Dorothy “Dot” Davis Moye (, Georgia Center for the Book, Joe Davich, Keep it Indie-catur, Sculptural Books, The Art of the Book, The Book As Art, The Book As Art v9: MUSE, the DeKalb Co. Public Library

The Art of the Book, and then some….

September 22, 2021 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be showing “Burning Bush”


7.5 x 11 x 5.5″, mixed media

IN
THE 2021 ART OF THE BOOK & PAPER SCULPTURE

Exhibition at the Rochester Public Library through October 30, 2021.

“In 2011, we held the first Art of the Book exhibit in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library. At the time, we wanted to celebrate what has been at the core of libraries for centuries–the book. We marveled over the intricate interpretations of this humble format, and we were thrilled with the response to the exhibit from the community.”

“In subsequent years, the exhibit has grown to include entries from all over the world, featuring well-known artists for their exquisite work. We have built a reputation worldwide among book artists, and we are so pleased to see that reputation upheld.

Books continue to ensnare the imagination, both for their form and content. Artists manipulate those two components to create breathtaking, mind-bending works of art that tease and cajole people to consider the intricacies of paper, ink, words, and meaning.

In commemoration of the 10th Anniversary, Paper Sculpture has been added as a new category, to  celebrate the extraordinary use of paper, in any art form that combines or shapes papers.”

Artist Books are…

works of art realized in the form of a book. They are often published in small editions, though sometimes they are produced as one-of-a-kind objects referred to as ‘unique.’ Artist Books have employed a wide range of forms including scrolls, fold-outs, concertinas, or loose items contained in a box, as well as bound printed sheets. Artists have been active in printing and book production for centuries, but the artist book is primarily a late 20th century art form.

Altered Books are…
any book, old or new, that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned…and yes, it is legal. They can also be composed entirely of unique materials.

Paper Sculptures are…
artworks created as sculptures using paper in some form as the predominant medium. These sculptures are three-dimensional and can be either free-standing or bas relief and would be considered art forms in themselves.  Paper sculpture can be functional or non-functional with attention to pushing the limits of how paper can be used and explores paper in inventive and unique ways.

July 9, 2021: Show opens
October 30, 2021: Exhibition closes

Join us for the virtual and in-person reception:
 Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 5:30 Pm – 7 PM, and invite you to join us either in person or virtually via Zoom.

If you would like to join us virtually, we will start at 5:45 PM with a tour of the exhibit and presentation of awards, Zoom invite below.
Topic: Art of the Book Reception
Time: Sep 29, 2021 05:45 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81326994757?pwd=aTVlY2NPZ3dab1hXU0lvSUJEaGQ2Zz09

Meeting ID: 813 2699 4757
Passcode: 133584
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For further information contact: Alicia Gunther at (585) 428-8053

View the show online:  AOB_2021_Program (1)

View the show IN PERSON:

Rochester Public Library
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604 United States + Google Map
Phone: 585- 428-8053
Website: https://roccitylibrary.org/artofthebook/

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: 2021 ART OF THE BOOK & PAPER SCULPTURE, Altered Books, Book Arts, Exhibitions, Groups Shows, Handmade Books, INTERNATIONAL ART OF THE BOOK Show, Library, PAPER SCULPTURE, Paper Sculptures, Public Library, Rochester Public Library, The Art of the Book, The Book As Art, The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

“The Fine Art of Denim”

September 22, 2021 By Debra Disman

I has thrilled to be included in

at Monmouth University Center for the Arts Pollak Gallery
June 17 – October 14 , 2021

I am showing two Artists’ Books of which denim is a primary material:


Reading Color I   (outside) 8.75 x 13.25 x 6.25″, mixed media/artists’ book 


Reading Color VI   (outside)7.5 x 17 x 8″, mixed media/artists’ book

These works utilize denim, which is altered through painting, cutting and gluing to form coverings and pages for the books.   

Denim, with all its symbols and dualities, is a common item of clothing that unites many around the globe. Dad Jeans, skinny jeans, low riders, bell bottoms, boot leg, wide leg, no leg, 501s, 504s, button fly, stretch jeans, the American dress code writ large across centuries. With so many styles available and ways to accessorize/manipulate the fabric, denim has historically allowed for a freedom of expression representing both individuality and shifts in cultural movements. Denim comes in a wide range of blues and other colors, washes, fades and textures making it a perfect, but not obvious, medium to create fine artwork. Join us now, for a re-imagining of the meaning of denim. Denim that was discarded can open up a new way of looking, a startling way of seeing past the everyday. What we have abandoned, will be presented again, re-purposed from the lives we lived, to moments we experience together “forever in blue jeans.”

Monmouth University’s Center for the Art is exhibiting the work of artists  who use recycled denim in new and creative ways in paintings, sculpture, collages, small constructions and wall hangings, etc. from June 17 – October 14 , 2021 in the Pollak Gallery. Works shown use denim as the principal medium of the piece and the fabric are reconstructed from its original form in some way. 

See The Show Here!

Extended to October 14th!

Pollak Gallery, Monmouth University Center for the Arts400 Cedar Ave, 
West Long Branch, NJ 07764 United States 
+ Google Map
Phone:732.263.5715Website:https://www.monmouth.edu/mca/pollak-gallery/

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions Tagged With: Altered denim, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Book Arts, Book as Art, Books made by Hand, Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Denim, Denim as material, Denim transformed, Fiber, Handmade Books, Monmouth University Center for the Arts, Painted Books, Painted denim, Pollak Gallery, Sculptural Books, Textiles, The Fine Art of Denim

“drift” over to the Brand

September 21, 2021 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in the exhibition
Brand 49 Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper,

September 11 – October 30, 2021, showing a  collaborative artist book work created with contemporary  artist Luciana Abait, entitled, “drift“. The piece highlights the effect humans are having on our precious and fragile environment, specifically, the melting of the polar icecaps in Antarctica. 

Juror of Brand 49 is  Marvella Muro, Director of Artistic Programs and Education at Self Help Graphics and Art (SHG) in Los Angeles. From it’s inception in 1973, Self Help Graphics has been nationally known for functioning at the intersection of the arts and social justice. Providing a home that fosters the creativity and development of local artists, it is the pre-eminent center for Latinx printmaking and a resource for young and emerging artists.

Brand 49 is organized by the Associates of Brand Library & Art Center, an all volunteer non-profit that raises funds to support the extensive free and public events at Brand including gallery exhibitions, classical and popular music performances, film screenings, dance performances, and activities for people of all ages.

See a video of

Watch a video of “drift” and see it in detail, then visit it, and see all the wonderful works employing paper at:

The Brand Library and Art Center
1601 West Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91201 United States + Google Map
Phone: (818) 548-2051
Website: https://www.brandlibrary.org/


Thank you for stopping by, we hope seeing “drift” inspired thought, consideration and contemplation. Enjoy the show!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, Work Tagged With: "drift", ARTIST'S BOOKS, Associates of Brand Library & Art Center, Brand 49, Brand Associates Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper, Climate Change, Collaboration, Collaborative Artist Book, Collaborative book sculpture, Collaborative books, Collaborative work, Contemporary Artwork, Environment, Fiber, Iceberg, Icebergs, Icebergs melting, Los Angeles Contemporary Artists, Luciana Abait, Marvella Muro, Paper, Printing, Sculpture, Stitching, The Book As Art, work on paper

Facing REFLECTION at the Korean Cultural Center

August 18, 2021 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be participating in:

REFLECTION at the The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles in partnership with Launch LA  co-juried by Sunook Park and Terrell Tilford

 A reflection may be an image mirrored back to the observer or serious thought and consideration. In the case of this exhibition, it’s both. Launch LA, in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center presents “Reflection”, an open call exhibition. 

Sunook Park is a professor in the CSULB School of Art and Brand Coach at SUNOOKPARK Branding. He is the independent curator and founder of ANDLAB: a motivational retreat center, alternative exhibition space, and education lab of art and design thinking.

Terrell Tilford is an accomplished actor as well as long time collector and curator of contemporary and modern art. He founded Band of Vices in the West Adams area of LA in 2015. The gallery serves as a platform for emerging, mid-career & established Contemporary artists.

LAUNCH LA believes exposure to the arts enhances quality of life and strengthens community through the shared appreciation of creative expression in all its forms and hybrids. LAUNCH LA is passionate about providing artists with quality opportunities to present themselves and their creations that reflect our times to a curious and enthusiastic audience at important happenings throughout Los Angeles.

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles (KCCLA) is the axis of Korean heritage in Los Angeles. KCCLA welcomes the general public to experience Korea’s rich traditions and history through specialized programs, sponsored events, and multiple learning resources. KCCLA will always aspire to promote cultural exchanges in southern California and continue to take initiative in globalizing the excellence of Korean culture.

For more information, contact:
James Panozzo, Executive Director LAUNCH LA
james@launchla.org
www.launchla.org

I am showing, “Maximum Security“, 15 x 18 x 10.25”, mixed media (book board, canvas, wood, hemp cord, watercolor paper, acrylic paint and ink)

Tour the Show!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: "Maximum Security", 2021 Exhibitions, Artists' Book/s, Contemplation, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Moment, Group Exhbition, Group Exhibition, Group Show, James Panozzo, Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles, Launch LA, Los Angeles Artist, Los Angeles Artists, Los Angeles Exhibition, Our Times, Reflect, Reflecting, REFLECTION Exhibition, RELFECTION, Sculptural Book/s, SoCal Artists, Sunook Park, Terrell Tilford, The Korean Culture Center

Eye Opening: The 2021 California Open at TAG Gallery

August 18, 2021 By Debra Disman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am thrilled to participate in the The 2021 California Open  at TAG Gallery!

ABOUT THE SHOW

The 16th Annual 2021 California Open is a national juried competition celebrating contemporary and modern art by US Residents over the age of 18. All medias of fine art were considered by our juror, Gronk Nicandro. Accepted work displays at TAG Gallery from August 4–21, 2021. An opening reception celebrating the selected artists will occur on August 7, from 7-10pm. All awards will be announced at the public opening. (Masks may be required).

Juror Gronk Nicandro

Gronk is the moniker of artist Glugio Nicandro. Along with vast and never-ending self- education, he studied visual art at the East Los Angeles College and California State University, Los Angeles in the 1970s. Gronk is an enduring and influential figure in the Los Angeles and international art scenes — maintaining an active studio in downtown Los Angeles that functions as his live-work space and an epicenter for other artists and community members. Along with a core group of artists, Gronk helped establish Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) in 1978. In 1993, a traveling retrospective of his work, Gronkl: A Living Survey, 1972 – 1993, was organized by the Mexican Museum in San Francisco and traveled to several institutions including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Gronk exhibited at LACMA again in 2011 for the exhibition ASCO: Elite of the Obscure. Gronk’s work is represented in numerous private and museum collections across the country, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.; the San Francisco Museum of modern Art (SFMoMa); the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles. Gronk’s Theater of Paint marks the artist’s first solo museum exhibition in Los Angeles in more than two decades.

I am pleased to be showing “Prairie”,10.25″ x 47″ x 15.25″, mixed media (book board, watercolor paper,  jute cord, paper board, and tissue paper)

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: ARTIST'S BOOKS, Gronk, Gronk Niicandro, Group Exhibitions, Group Show, National Juried Show, Prairie, Sculptural Artists' Books, Sculpture, Tag Gallery, The 16th Annual 2021 California Open, The 2021 California Open Exhibition

“Unfolding Possibilities” for RECOVERY JUSTICE: BEING WELL

August 16, 2021 By Debra Disman

An initiative of the Los Angeles Count Department of Mental Health, Why We Rise LA took place in May 2021, supporting hundreds of Community Arts & Culture Projects which took place across all Los Angeles County neighborhoods, in partnership with more than 100 community groups, artists, grassroots leaders, healers and other LA County Departments. These projects and collaborations included mural making, ancestral healing workshops, a Countywide public literary art project, a Countywide chalk art program and more to celebrate the remarkable resources and communities in LA County and used arts-based strategies for healing and wellbeing.

I was honored to teach a workshop as part of Why We Rise LA 2021 in coordination with 18th Street Art Center’s Arts Learning Lab @ Home: called: Bookmaking with Self-Compassion.
See the workshop HERE!
Nearly 70 online participants learned to create the “Flower Fold” book structure, then added embellishment, images, and words expressing their experience of the pandemic, where they are at now, what they learned, what they wanted to share, their hopes, wishes, dreams, cares , fears, realizations, trauma, expressing the full gamut of human emotions.

The range of words submitted was wide-ranging, thought-provoking and evocative….including opposite emotions and experiences and bits of truth-telling, realizations and wisdom participants seemed eager to pass on to others in other words, humanness in its multiplicity.

I took the words generated by this workshop, and requested from the community at large, and stitched them into an Artists’ Book I made as a community collaboration, entitled, “Unfolding Possibilities“.  (“Unfolding Possibilities – Possibilities Unfolding”).  Videographer Jeny Amaya created a video of the project which was screened during the 18th Street Art Center event, “Left/Right/Here“

“Unfolding Possibilities” is on view  in the Recovery Justice: Being Well exhibition, at 18th Street Art Center‘s Airport Campus Gallery, through September 10, 2021.

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, Presentations, Work Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, 18th Street Arts Center (Airport Campus), 18th Street Arts Center Campus, 18th Street Arts Center exhbitions, Art in the time of pandemic, Artist Book, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Artists' Book/s, Arts Learning Lab, Awl, Bookmaking, Bookmaking With Self-COmpassion, Community Art Projects, Community Arts, Community Collaboration, Film, Flower Fold, Flower Fold Book, Flower Fold Structure, Folded Books, Frida Cano, Handmade Books, Left/Right/Here, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Making Books By Hand, Mulberry paper, Online Art Workshops, Pandemic, Pandemic Art projects, RECOVERY JUSTICE: Being Well, Respending to the Pandemic, Sara Delaiden, Screening, Unfolding Possibilities, Use Your Words, Video, We Rise, We Rise LA

“Unfolding Possibilities”: The Video

August 8, 2021 By Debra Disman

Sharing the video,
“Debra Disman: Unfolding Possibilities”

Jeny Amaya – filmmaker

18th Street Arts Center– host

Why We Rise: supporter

An initiative of the Los Angeles Count Department of Mental Health, Why We Rise LA took place in May 2021, supporting hundreds of Community Arts & Culture Projects which took place across all Los Angeles County neighborhoods, in partnership with more than 100 community groups, artists, grassroots leaders, healers and other LA County Departments. These projects and collaborations included mural making, ancestral healing workshops, a Countywide public literary art project, a Countywide chalk art program and more to celebrate the remarkable resources and communities in LA County and used arts-based strategies for healing and wellbeing.

I was honored to teach a workshop as part of Why We Rise LA 2021 in coordination with 18th Street Art Center’s Arts Learning Lab @ Home: called: Bookmaking with Self-Compassion.

 

See the “Bookmaking with Self-Compassion workshop HERE!

Nearly 70 online participants learned to create the “Flower Fold” book structure, then added embellishment, images, and words expressing their experience of the pandemic, where they are at now, what they learned, what they wanted to share, their hopes, wishes, dreams, cares , fears, realizations, trauma, expressing the full gamut of human emotions.

The range of words submitted was wide-ranging, thought-provoking and evocative….including opposite emotions and experiences and bits of truth-telling, realizations and wisdom participants seemed eager to pass on to others in other words, humanness in its multiplicity.  How to put it all together?

I took the words generated by this workshop, and requested from the community at large, and stitched them into an Artists’ Book I made as a community collaboration, entitled, “Unfolding Possibilities“.  (“Unfolding Possibilities – Possibilities Unfolding”). 

Jeny Amaya of 18th Street Arts Center created a video sharing about the workshop and the making of “Unfolding Possibilities” and it was screened at
LEFT/RIGHT/HERE: An Outdoor Art Experience
a one-night only interactive outdoor and indoor art experience as part of the exhibition Recovery Justice: Being Well. 
on
July 10, 2021 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.

View the film!
“Debra Disman: Unfolding Possibilities”

Thank you, Jeny Amaya, 18th Street Arts Center, and Why We Rise LA for the opportunity to participate in all of these activities, and in collaboration with you and the community at-large, make a collective contribution.

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, Presentations, Teaching Artist Tagged With: 18th Street Airport Gallery, 18th Street Arts Center, Art in the time of pandemic, Artist Book, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Artists' Book/s, Arts Learning Lab, Awl, Bookmaking, Bookmaking With Self-COmpassion, Community Art Projects, Community Arts, Community Collaboration, Film, Filming, Flower Fold, Flower Fold Book, Flower Fold Structure, Folded Books, Handmade Books, Interview, Jeny Amaya, LeftRightHere, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Making Books By Hand, Mulberry paper, Online Art Workshops, Outdoor Screening, Pandemic, Pandemic Art projects, RECOVERY JUSTICE: Being Well, Respending to the Pandemic, Screening, Unfolding Possibilities, Use Your Words, Video, We Rise, We Rise LA

“Unfolding Possibilities”: The Screening

August 2, 2021 By Debra Disman

https://debradisman.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/VID_27721116_190652_719.mp4

An initiative of the Los Angeles Count Department of Mental Health, Why We Rise LA took place in May 2021, supporting hundreds of Community Arts & Culture Projects which took place across all Los Angeles County neighborhoods, in partnership with more than 100 community groups, artists, grassroots leaders, healers and other LA County Departments. These projects and collaborations included mural making, ancestral healing workshops, a Countywide public literary art project, a Countywide chalk art program and more to celebrate the remarkable resources and communities in LA County and used arts-based strategies for healing and wellbeing.

I was honored to teach a workshop as part of Why We Rise LA 2021 in coordination with 18th Street Art Center’s Arts Learning Lab @ Home: called: Bookmaking with Self-Compassion. See the workshop HERE!  Nearly 70 online participants learned to create the “Flower Fold” book structure, then added embellishment, images, and words expressing their experience of the pandemic, where they are at now, what they learned, what they wanted to share, their hopes, wishes, dreams, cares , fears, realizations, trauma, expressing the full gamut of human emotions.

The range of words submitted was wide-ranging, thought-provoking and evocative….including opposite emotions and experiences and bits of truth-telling, realizations and wisdom participants seemed eager to pass on to others in other words, humanness in its multiplicity.  How to put it all together?

I took the words generated by this workshop, and requested from the community at large, and stitched them into an Artists’ Book I made as a community collaboration, entitled, “Unfolding Possibilities“.  (“Unfolding Possibilities – Possibilities Unfolding”). 

Jeny Amaya of 18th Street Arts Center created a video sharing about the workshop and the making of “Unfolding Possibilities” and it was screened at
LEFT/RIGHT/HERE: An Outdoor Art Experience
a one-night only interactive outdoor and indoor art experience as part of the exhibition Recovery Justice: Being Well. 
on
July 10, 2021 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.

Here are some stills from that screening. Such a wonderful experience!


Screened on the side of the Santa Monica Airport Hanger housing the 18th Street Art Center’s Airport Campus, the video came to life as the skies darkened. “Unfolding Possibilities” the artists’ book, was also on view.


A multitude of threads were used to stitch the words into the book.


Jeny did a beautiful job of documenting the process of creating the book,


highlighting the idea of possibility,


and capturing how the flower fold book structure was created.


She showed my 18th Street Arts Center studio,


and the book as a whole, possibilities unfolding.

Always, Possibilities.

Watch the video in full!

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Presentations, Work Tagged With: 18th Street Airport Gallery, 18th Street Arts Center, Art in the time of pandemic, Artist Book, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Artists' Book/s, Arts Learning Lab, Awl, Bookmaking, Bookmaking With Self-COmpassion, Community Art Projects, Community Arts, Community Collaboration, Film, Flower Fold, Flower Fold Book, Flower Fold Structure, Folded Books, Handmade Books, Jeny Amaya, LeftRightHere, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Making Books By Hand, Mulberry paper, Online Art Workshops, Outdoor Screening, Pandemic, Pandemic Art projects, RECOVERY JUSTICE: Being Well, Respending to the Pandemic, Screening, Unfolding Possibilities, Use Your Words, Video, We Rise, We Rise LA

“Unfolding Possibilities – Possibilities Unfolding”: The Artists’ Book

July 28, 2021 By Debra Disman


An initiative of the Los Angeles Count Department of Mental Health, Why We Rise LA took place in May 2021, supporting hundreds of Community Arts & Culture Projects which took place across all Los Angeles County neighborhoods, in partnership with more than 100 community groups, artists, grassroots leaders, healers and other LA County Departments. These projects and collaborations included mural making, ancestral healing workshops, a Countywide public literary art project, a Countywide chalk art program and more to celebrate the remarkable resources and communities in LA County and used arts-based strategies for healing and wellbeing.

I was honored to teach a workshop as part of Why We Rise LA 2021 in coordination with 18th Street Art Center’s Arts Learning Lab @ Home: called: Bookmaking with Self-Compassion. See the workshop HERE!  Nearly 70 online participants learned to create the “Flower Fold” book structure, then added embellishment, images, and words expressing their experience of the pandemic, where they are at now, what they learned, what they wanted to share, their hopes, wishes, dreams, cares , fears, realizations, trauma, expressing the full gamut of human emotions.

I took the words generated by this workshop, and requested from the community at large, and stitched them into an Artists’ Book I made as a community collaboration, entitled, “Unfolding Possibilities“.  (“Unfolding Possibilities – Possibilities Unfolding”). 

The range of words submitted was wide-ranging, thought-provoking and evocative….including opposite emotions and experiences and bits of truth-telling, realizations and wisdom participants seemed eager to pass on to others in other words, humanness in its multiplicity.  How to put it all together?

I had already constructed the flower fold book, comprised of 12 x 12 x 12″ sheets of thick ivory colored  mulberry paper, folded and glued together to create a sequence of repeating unfolding forms.

I began with sketching and jotting down ideas, and my own emotions, as part of my morning writing practice, then developed a petal-like schemata for the words, reflecting the flower fold book structure.

I played around with fonts, settled on one, determined the sizing for the words, and printed them all out, then cut them into strips, so each could be easily seen. Laid out on my work tables, they seemed to call out for attention and consideration. I placed my Mom’s amazing half-century old (at least) sewing box on the table as an inspirational centrifuge, and set to work.

I put together words in a four point petal formation on each section, both front and back, of the structure, using the folds as a guide, and paired some words that related to each other, and others that were opposed, to express the wide range of human emotions and experiences brought forth by the pandemic.
I chose sewing thread from my Mom’s box to reflect the everyday-ness of the activity of sewing  and the healing function of stitching, and mending through sewing.
Using a soft, low-tack tape, I gently adhered each word to the structure, then gave it my awl, to punch the sewing holes for each word.
Soon realizing I would be using up all my Mom’s remaining sewing thread, I invested in a set of brilliantly colored cotton threads, and combined tones and hues of each chosen color to give each word brilliance, depth and complexity, using my study, experience and practice of color associations. It was amazing to see a virtual garden of words, generated by the community, come to life and bloom on the pages of the flower fold book.
Some would find the sewing process tedious, but it is my joy…to see the words unfold and blossom, a colorful array of possibilities.
The front and back covers were stitched in gold to express the golden thread of empathy and humanity that connects us all, in spite of and perhaps amplified by the shared experience of pandemic. A golden thread expressing the silver lining of a crisis. The covers are made of several sheets of mulberry paper glued together to create a pasted paper protector, with a yellow sheet sandwiched within to subtly reflect the gold thread.
Unfolding Possibilities, Possibilities Unfolding, blooming like a flower, and framed in gold.

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, New Work, Presentations, Teaching Artist, Work Tagged With: ("Unfolding Possibilities - Possibilities Unfolding"), 18th Street Arts Center, Art in the time of pandemic, Artist Book, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Artists' Book/s, Arts Learning Lab, Awl, Bookmaking, Bookmaking With Self-COmpassion, Community Art Projects, Community Arts, Community Collaboration, Flower Fold, Flower Fold Book, Flower Fold Structure, Folded Books, Handmade Books, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Making Books By Hand, Mulberry paper, Online Art Workshops, Pandemic, Pandemic Art projects, Respending to the Pandemic, Unfolding Possibilities, Use Your Words, We Rise, We Rise LA

Unfolding the Possibilities: Bookmaking With Self-Compassion 3

July 21, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was honored to teach a workshop as part of Why We Rise LA 2021 in coordination with 18th Street Art Center’s Arts Learning Lab @ Home: called: Bookmaking with Self-Compassion.
An initiative of the Los Angeles Count Department of Mental Health, Why We Rise LA took place in May 2021, supporting hundreds of Community Arts & Culture Projects which took place across all Los Angeles County neighborhoods, in partnership with more than 100 community groups, artists, grassroots leaders, healers and other LA County Departments. These projects and collaborations included mural making, ancestral healing workshops, a Countywide public literary art project, a Countywide chalk art program and more to celebrate the remarkable resources and communities in LA County and used arts-based strategies for healing and wellbeing.

Nearly 70 online participants learned to create the “Flower Fold” book structure, then added embellishment, images, and words expressing their experience of the pandemic, where they are at now, what they learned, what they wanted to share, hopes, wishes, dreams, cares , fears, realizations, trauma, and the full gamut of human emotions.

Individually folded sections could be glued together to create a chain that could be folded back into a square.

Covers were added to present and protect the pieces.

The works created are inspiring!

Watch the workshop HERE!

 

 

Filed Under: Artist in Residence, ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Presentations, Student Work, Teaching Artist, Work Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, Art in the time of pandemic, Artist Book, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Arts Learning Lab, Bookmaking, Bookmaking With Self-COmpassion, Community Art Projects, Community Collaboration, Flower Fold, Flower Fold Book, Flower Fold Structure, Folded Books, Handmade Books, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Making Books By Hand, Online Art Workshops, Pandemic, Pandemic Art projects, Respending to the Pandemic, Use Your Words, We Rise, We Rise LA

Traversing the LIMINAL

July 14, 2021 By Debra Disman

I am honored to participate in:
Liminal
An online exhibition curated by Jennifer Gillia Cutshall  for
Verum Ultimum Art Gallery, Portland, OR
which tasked  artists to define “Liminal” for this first edition of this exhibition.

Liminal is defined as

  1. relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.

  2. occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.

​One could argue that artists are conditioned to occupy the liminal state. And a successful studio is a space in flux, poised for adaptation (to projects, challenges, and materials). The focus of the artist is the creative process or the place between the 2 boundaries of “the beginning” and “the outcome or result.”

A gallery benefits from maintaining that liminal state, too (adaptation is a constant).

Verum Ultimum is celebrating it’s eighth year and this exhibition serves to herald the artists unique vision…especially during these challenging times!

The Gates Debra Disman
 The Gates, (interior), 2019, 7.5 x 20 x 10.25”, mixed media/sculptural artists’ book.

“LIMINAL is the word that came to mind when I considered the past year into now. A time of uncertainty, anxiety, the in-between, and also, of possibility. Transition.” Debra Disman

Read all the Artist Statements on “LIMINAL“

View the Show!!!

 

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, Work Tagged With: Liminal

The Fine Art of Denim

July 9, 2021 By Debra Disman

 

I am excited to be included in the wild and wonderful show, The Fine Art of Denim, Pollak Gallery, Monmouth University Center for the Arts, W. Long Branch, NJ, Juror: Vincent DiMattio  2021

at Monmouth University Center for the Arts Pollak Gallery
running from June 17 to August 14 , 2021.

It is a fascinating show, showing the emotive, expressive and visceral qualities of denim as a material, and its rich potential and capacity to communicate a range of human experiences, ideas, passions and concepts.

I am honored to be showing two works from my “Reading Color” series which are artists’ books featuring denim as the primary material:

Reading Color Reading Color I, 8.75 x 13.25 x 6.25″, mixed media/artists’ book (denim, acrylic paint, board, hemp cord)

Reading Color VI, 7.5 x 17 x 8″, mixed media/artists’ book  (denim, acrylic paint, metal, hemp cord, board, paper)

“Denim, with all its symbols and dualities, is a common item of clothing that unites many around the globe. Dad Jeans, skinny jeans, low riders, bell bottoms, boot leg, wide leg, no leg, 501s, 504s, button fly, stretch jeans, the American dress code writ large across centuries. With so many styles available and ways to accessorize/manipulate the fabric, denim has historically allowed for a freedom of expression representing both individuality and shifts in cultural movements. Denim comes in a wide range of blues and other colors, washes, fades and textures making it a perfect, but not obvious, medium to create fine artwork. Join us now, for a re-imagining of the meaning of denim. Denim that was discarded can open up a new way of looking, a startling way of seeing past the everyday. What we have abandoned, will be presented again, re-purposed from the lives we lived, to moments we experience together “forever in blue jeans.”

Monmouth University’s Center for the Art is exhibiting the work of artists  who use recycled denim in new and creative ways in paintings, sculpture, collages, small constructions and wall hangings, etc. from June 17 – August 14 , 2021 in the Pollak Gallery. Works shown use denim as the principal medium of the piece and the fabric are reconstructed from its original form in some way. “

See The Show Here!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: ARTIST'S BOOKS, Book Arts, Book as Art, Books made by Hand, Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Denim, Denim as material, Denim Books, Handmade Books, Materiality, Monmouth University Center for the Arts, Painted Books, Painted denim, Pollak Gallery, Sculptural Books, The Fine Art of Denim

Art Less Traveled

July 4, 2021 By Debra Disman

“NARROW BRIDGE”, 5.5 x 16 x 3.5″, mixed media Artists’ Book / Flag Book Structure (board, paper, linen thread, tissue, collage, window treatment material)

I am thrilled to be participating in the exhibition:

Backroads: Art, Less-Traveled

(through July 30th, 2021)
at:
Vestige Concept Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA,
Curator: Alexander Sands  2021

This exhibit showcases works of art that venture off the beaten path, especially with regard to travel.   Artwork includes places or experiences involving hidden gems, special or unusual places, wanderings, odd travel, strange encounters, and/or “lost” and fading places.

Featuring work from: Paul Roden, Heather Wendelboe, Julia Scheckel, Bengu Cetinkale, Kent Klaudt, Hannah Ayers, Edward Rossel, Walt Padgett, Majorie and Bob Moskowitz, Mark Dierker, Debra Disman, Kate Snow, Jeffrey Neumann, Paige Kleinfelder, and more!

5417 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
contact@vestigegallery.com
Tel: ‪(412) 532-8969‬

View the show!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Exhibitions, New Work, Presentations, Work Tagged With: Alexander Sands, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Backroads: Art Less Traveled, Book Arts, Book as Art, Books made by Hand, Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Handmade Books, Reid Magette, Sculptural Books, Vestige Concept Gallery

“Torrent and Tangle” in “Turmoil and Transformation”

June 25, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was excited to participate in the “Turmoil and Transformation” show at the Hera Gallery and Educational Foundation, a non-profit, artist-run organization that  has continued to stimulate discussion and challenge perceptions for over 40 years. This creative space has allowed countless artists a place for transformation, exploration, and community with one another,  BRINGING CREATIVITY TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1974

“2020 was a year that was filled with worldwide turmoil. The Pandemic. Another reckoning with racism and police brutality. Climate Change, wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts.  The undermining and politicization of science. The widening political divide. An election with voting rights, healthcare, immigration, paid sick leave, income inequality, living wages, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, our environment and the future of democracy at stake.

This begs the question:
Is this turmoil leading to transformation? And what kind of transformation is it going to be?“


Read about the show here !

Hera Gallery/ Hera Educational Foundation presents work that addresses the current turmoil and visions of our future. What are the emotional, physical and spiritual effects of the turmoil and how might they manifest into the transformation? What does our world look like and what might it look like post-2020. Will transformation reflect the multiplicity of voices of America? How will our future be transformed by the current chaos?

The exhibition juror,  Francine Weiss is the Senior Curator at the Newport Art Museum in Rhode Island where she curates exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and American art. Her recent exhibitions include “Andy Warhol: Big Shot,”  “The Shapes of Birds: Contemporary Art of the Middle East and North Africa,” and “Domestic Affairs” among others. Her past positions include Curator at the Photographic Resource Center (Boston, MA), Acting Assistant Curator in the Department of Photographs at the National Gallery of Art (Washington DC), Curatorial Fellow at the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, and Curatorial Fellow of American art at Harvard University Art Museums (both in MA) among others. She has taught art history at Wellesley College, Simmons College, and Boston University (all in MA) and has taught and advised students in the MFA program at the Institute of Art and Design at New England College. Dr. Weiss has a Ph.D. in American studies, specializing in art and photography, from Boston University and a B.A. from Wellesley College in English. She has received fellowships from the Smithsonian Institution (Washington DC), Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Research Center (NM), Center for Creative Photography (AZ), The Huntington (CA), and Harry Ransom Center (TX). She has published widely on photography and American art.

See the virtual exhibition, and hear the artist talks here!

I was honored to show:
Torrent and Tangle: Keep Your House in Order, (aerial view) 2019, 10.5 x 25 x 18”, mixed media (book board, lace, ribbon, mulberry paper, hemp cord, watercolor paper)

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, New Work, Work Tagged With: Art in the time of pandemic, Art of the Current Moment, Contemporary Art, Exhibitions, Francine Weiss, Juried Shows, Newport Art Museum, Social Practice Art, The Hera Gallery and Educational Foundation, Torrent and Tangle, Transformation, Turmoil, Turmoil and Transformation

2021 Los Angeles Open at TAG

June 24, 2021 By Debra Disman

TAG Gallery Proudly Presented
The 2021 Los Angeles Open, 
May 11 — June 5

This year, TAG celebrated local area artists with a dedicated showcase from May 11-June 5 in our Sky Gallery in the upstairs loft at TAG.
I was honored to be included.

Participating artists included:
Mariko Bird, Milan DelVecchio, L. Aviva Diamond, Debra Disman, David Emmett, Taz Essa, Pat Shafer Falkner, Tony Gangitano, Daniela Garcia, Kyoung Han, Andy Hann, Gina Herrera, Tom Lasley, Nancy Goodman Lawrence, Monica Marks, J.D. Mathes, Nelson Munares, Vojislav Radovanovic, Brian Reynolds, Emily Sunez, & Michael Usher.

Each artist had 48 inches of linear wall space to highlight their work. In a novel concept, artists collaborate with TAG’s in-house team of artist curators and staff to build each display.


Textile, fiber, zipper string


“Steppin'”, “Facing Darkness”, “White Zip” on wall, and “BedTime Story” (on pedestal).


“Ellipse” with the work of L. Aviva Diamond.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Artists' Books, BOOKS, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: "The Poetics of the Handmade" - Alma Ruiz, 2021 LA Open Exhbition, ARTIST BOOKS, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Art Openings, Fiber, Group Exhibition, Group Shows, Handmade, L. Avivia Diamond, LA Art Opening, Local LA Artists, Los Angeles Artists, Sky Gallery, Tag Gallery, Textiles, The handmade

The Fantasticalness of Fiber

June 15, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was honored to participate in FANTASTIC FIBERS 2021 at the Yeiser Art Center.
What a fantastic experience!

“One of  Yeiser Art Center’s most engaging and innovative international exhibitions, FANTASTIC FIBERS is showcasing a wide range of outstanding contemporary works related to the fiber medium.”

HISTORY:
The show began in 1987 as a wearable art show but has evolved over the years to include a compelling mix of traditional and non-traditional works created from natural or synthetic fibers, and work that addresses the subject or medium of fiber.  Paducah becomes a Mecca for quilters and quilt enthusiasts each April as more than 30,000 visitors from across the globe attend AQS QuiltWeek. 

I showed “PROFUSION”  a sculptural Artists’ Book made of book board, mulberry paper, paint, canvas, watercolor paper and hemp cord. It stands upright on a pedestal, shelf, table or another surface parallel to the floor. When opened, it can span up to 24.5″ wide:

JUROR:  Sandra Johnson
“My quilt journey started over 30 years ago and I continue to be inspired by the myriad of fabrics and techniques learned over time. I am a passionate teacher who encourages students to create unique fabric creations, whether the end product is a quilt or garment. Creating what is important to the maker is a joyful experience that I try to pass on in my workshops. Wherever you are in your design process my goal is to inspire your creative “genius” and improve your techniques. 
Hand sewing with my grandmother started it all. From the beginning, the process of transforming fabric into art struck me as magical. Sewing was the foundation that led me into quilting. What started as a hobby turned my passion into an artistic reality.
I love to hand stitch using the traditional Japanese Sashiko and Boro embroidery styles and incorporating them as a decorative feature into my designs. The concrete, repetitive nature of this work frees my imagination provides many opportunities for happy accidents and grace to influence the finished product.
My core materials for quilting are thread and fabric, however, I often employ recycled denim, yarns, dyed fabrics and stamps to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. I hold a B.S. in Clothing, Textiles and Design from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.
Recently, I discovered modern quilting: simple, crayoned patchworks that resonate deeply with my fiber work. Inspired and invigo