Crooked Path Textures
Lisa Garrison  ~   Fiber Poet

A long and crooked path has led me to this place.

Fiber, texture and color have always drawn me.  Fiber study was not offered at Bradley University where I received my art degree.  Not until three years later, when I met my first loom and learned to weave in Nova Scotia, was my true passion ignited. 

For 24 years I have thrown the shuttle and handled the threads.

Over  these years ideas evolved and skills were honed, always with  the thought of  ‘someday’…..

In the year 2000 God granted me a fresh look at my life and priorities.  It was a time of healing and renewal.  As a result, I wish to use my talents and skills to glorify and acknowledge His presence in my life.  My goal is to use my talents and produce works that give comfort, soothe and nurture the body in hopes that He may soothe and nourish the spirit.  I seek to produce functional items that call to be touched and handled, and with the handling, reward the senses with pleasure.

Weaving.  I love the play of color as the weft crosses the warp. The possibilities are endless as variations on a theme occur when different colors, fibers and weave textures are explored.   Shawls, scarves and  purses from my looms are created from rayon and silk yarns that have been hand-dyed or hand painted. These vibrant, radiant yarns are sett and woven to produce light, yet embracing fabrics with a fine hand.  Table linens and other functional items are woven from predominately cotton or cotton blend fibers for durable use while continuing to please the eye and touch.  It is with pleasure that I produce wovens for commission and for sale that are collected by patrons through the States and in Canada.

Juried Shows  of the past two years

2005

Wearable Art Fashion Show and Marketplace  -  Springfield,  IL

3rd Annual  eureka! Lilac Festival and Fine Arts Faire  -  Eureka, IL

Lakeside Music & Arts Festival   -  Decatur, IL

Imagine 2005  -  Chillicothe, IL

2005 Eagle Landing Fine Art Festival  (Illinois Art League)  -  East Peoria, IL

2nd Annual Midsummer Arts Faire  -  Quincy, IL

2005 Sangamon River Arts Festival  -  Mahomet, IL

Arts in Central Park   -  Decatur, IL    

Folklife Festival  -  Hannibal, MO

4 Artists 4 Days  -  Eureka, IL

2004

1st Annual Spring Bloom Arts Festival   -  Bloomington , IL

2004 Wearable Art Fashion Show and Marketplace -  Springfield, IL

2nd Annual  eureka! Lilac Festival and Fine Arts Faire  -  Eureka, IL

Illinois Art League  -  Art Fest 2004

1st Annual Midsummer Arts Faire  -  Quincy , IL

16th Annual Edwards Place Fine Crafts Fair

Arts in Central Park  -  Decatur, IL

Jingle All the Way  -  Peoria Art Guild’s Holiday Trunk Show (one of eight artists invited to participate)

Awards

2005  Patrons Purchase Award

          Arts in Central Park  -  Decatur, IL

   Quincy Artists Guild Award

          1st Annual Midsummer Arts Faire  -  Quincy, IL

     Award of Excellence

          Patrons Purchase Award

          Arts in Central Park  -  Decatur, IL

2003  Patrons Purchase Award

          Arts in Central Park   -  Decatur, IL

1993  Winner  -  “Woven Lunchbag Contest”

          Midwest Weaver’s Conference

          “Let Your Imagination Soar”

Exhibits

2005  4 Artists 4 Days  Exhibit & Sale  -  Eureka, IL

2005  Gallery 510  -  FiveTen on Prairie -  Decatur, IL

2002  Solo Exhibit         Washington Public Library ,  Washington , IL