Debra Disman

Artist

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Textile Art

In Reflection: “Three Sisters And Their Mother” and more

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I was thrilled to have a solo exhibition last winter at ReflectSpace Gallery, part of Glendale Arts and Culture, in the Glendale Central Library which opened Saturday January 28th and was 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 and founders of the gallery..

I was fortunate to have master photographer Gene Ogami document the show.

I share here two images featuring a work entitled, “Three Sisters And Their Mother”, which  engages a concept and presentation I am still exploring.

“Three Sisters and Their Mother” (2022),  made of canvas, acrylic paint, hemp cord, sunlight and gravity, is approximately 30” x 72”. Its dimensions are variable depending on how it is installed, the intervals of space between the components or sections, the way its ever-tangling cord/string wanders across each section, how high or low to the ceiling or the floor it is positioned, and how much in relief from the wall it is hung. As Eva Hesse once said about a work or works of hers… Can it be different every time…? (paraphrase). Naomi Spector writes beautifully about these ideas as regards to Hesse’s work.

Also pictured are: (below and clockwise from “Three Sisters And Their Mother”)
“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”, (The titular work in the show), 2022,13 x 71.5”, repurposed table runner, acrylic paint, linen thread
“Finally”, (can hang on wall in slight relief), 2022, 48 x 19.5”, canvas, lace, hemp cord, sewing thread
“Excavation of the Interior”, 2021, 12″ x 28″ x 12.5″, wood, mulberry paper, canvas, muslin, watercolor paper, hemp cord, linen thread
Our human connections, gossamer though they may seem, form a tangled web that is always changing, and in some ways unfathomable, but there and always mysterious.

 

“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”, Revisited

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Gene Ogami photographs

EXHIBITIONISTA: “From Fiber…”

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The exhibition “From Fiber” will present contemporary art that utilize and showcase fibers. The works reflect a wide range of works related to the fiber medium, from raw fibers to high fashion and everything in-between. The goal of the exhibition is to showcase innovative work that explores both traditional materials and processes as well as those that expand the use of fiber with other media, processes, and disciplines.

The show will run from Friday, September 1 through Saturday, September 30. A reception and awards ceremony will be held Friday, September 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. A total of $1,200 in prizes will be awarded.
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Juror:  Ann B. Coddington. Ann utilizes a variety of traditional and innovative fiber techniques including twining, looping, lashing and netting in her sculptural forms. 

Sharing Shows: Summer 2023

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I am honored to participate in several shows this summer, and share a bit about them below.


SAFEKEEPING 
SAFEKEEPING Artist Talk


Text/Message

Brand 51


Engulfed
About Engulfed


Contemplating Boundaries


Fiber Art international


Material World: A Contemporary Fiber Exhibition

From Fiber…

EXHIBITIONISTA: “INTERNATIONAL FIBER ARTS XI” at Sebastopol Center for the Arts

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I am thrilled to be a part of International Fiber Arts XI!

The 11th Biennial Fiber Art juried exhibition is held every two years at Sebastopol Center for the Arts. This outstanding celebration of fiber arts presents the work of artists from all over the world. Over 3,000 attend this well publicized and reviewed exhibit. This show is held in the SCA gallery and available virtually online on the SCA website. The exhibition is co-sponsored by Sebastopol Center for the Arts and Surface Design Association.

International Fiber Arts XI is a juried exhibition presenting a distinct approach to innovative and traditional fiber techniques, and contemporary concepts for the
use of traditional and unusual materials. The selected two and three-dimensional works invite the viewer to experience the many facets of fiber art.

Jurors are distinguished fiber artists Judith Content and Ann Johnston.

 

 

Walking Through “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”

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Photographer Gene Ogami documented my 2023 solo show, “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” at ReflectSpace Gallery in the Glendale Central Library.
The ten images below provide a virtual walk-through of the exhibition, which was, as I shared with the curators, Ara and Anahid Oshagan, a dream come true that I did not even know I had.

Gratitude to them, to Gene, and to so many others who supported this realization.


Walking into the meditative gallery space from the main library.


Catching some of the larger pieces through the vitrine reflections.


Capturing exhibition signage, the “Concurrencies” artists’ book, the two Concurrencies hangings, and “Throes of the Body” in the vitrine.


A favorite corner of the Curators, Installers and myself!


“Three Sisters and Their Mother” on the wall, hanging over the titular work, “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” on shelf.


“Finally, and Just For A Minute” suspended. Black on black on black is challenging to photograph.


A shot that manages to include over half the pieces in the show.


Gene was able to present me surrounded and supported by my works.


We were able to employ the hallway to present other works, and enlargements of the images featured in my artists’ book, “Concurrencies”, comparing the lives and works of artists Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse.


The Journey Continues.
In gratitude and appreciation.