A Visit to the St. Meinrad Archabbey Library Gallery

In October, the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Library Gallery featured wall hangings made by textile artist Joanne Weis of Louisville, KY. Her work features hand dyed fabric and intricate surface design and has been exhibited in invitational and juried shows in Louisville and across the region. This series of work is called "Holy Ground." It explores man-made spaces and activities that heighten spiritual awareness. It is work from Joanne's graduate thesis show. Much of the work is for sale. Let me know if you are interested in something, and I'll contact Joanne for you.
I got pictures of some of the pieces in the exhibit. Enjoy...

"Mayan Creation Story"

(silk, hand dyed, appliqued, and embroidered)

 "Holocaust Remembered"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, and embroidered)

"Hagia Sophia, Istanbul"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

 "Copic Swatch #1"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

 "Eucharist"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

 "Bunya Gathering"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

 "Green Corn Ceremony"

(silk, hand dyed, appliqued, embroidered)

 "Incan Temples of the Sun"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

 "Japanese Tea Ceremony"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

 "Newgrange at Winter Solstice"

(silk, hand dyed, screenprinted, embroidered)

I am so inspired by the layers in the cloth from which these wall hangings are made. Each layer adds to the complexity of the pieces and draws the viewer deep into the work. These pictures, in no way, do the pieces justice. There is beading and hand embroidery (among other things) that just don't show up on the original photographs, so be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge them and see more detail. I think you can click again to get an even closer look. If you ever get a chance to see Joanne's pieces in person, please take the opportunity to do so. You'll be inspired too.