The final issue of 2017 and the final issue for the current Editor-in-Chief.  The theme of the magazine is "Windows to the World," and spotlights the work of David Higgins, the outstanding artist who hails from Australia.  David attended and taught at the SPIN 2016 Festival in Tennessee and shared his work and insights with SPIN members as the Festival's Keynote Speaker.  This issue also spotlights the Festival Art Show, Silk in Transition which explores the changing face of silk painting.  The Festival Art Show is a time for members of SPIN to showcase their work for all to see.  A special treat at the Festival was the presentation of a lifetime achievement award.  The award was given to Susan Louise Moyer for her efforts at spreading the art of silk painting to the world through books, education and art.  The honor is much deserved.

Happy New Year and enjoy!

In This Issue

Susan Louise Moyer at Festival 2016

Lifetime Achievment Award
with Susan Louise Moyer

Susan Louise Moyer was nominated by the SPIN Distinguished Silk Artists for the first Lifetime Achievement Award. Can you think of anyone who deserves it more?  Below is the acceptance speech which Susan Louise delivered at the SPIN Festival 2016 in Gatlinburg.

Thank you, Kaki, and the members of the SPIN Board of Directors for voting to give me this very special award. It never crossed my mind that I would receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. I am truly honored. Thank You.

I also want to thank those who have a SPIN Master Silk Painters (MSP/DSA) designation for their recognition and for initiating this honor. In particular, I would like to thank my students Merridee Joan Smith, Joyce Estes and my longtime friend and colleague, Suzanne Punch for their support.

SPIN was created so that we would have a place to share, inspire and celebrate our common interest. With that said, it is important for all of us to recognize the founders, Diane Tuckman and Jan Janas and the many individuals that have dedicated their time and expertise to build this organization.

(To read more, go to Vol. 24, Issue No. 4.)

David Higgins Standing in Front
of His Work

David Higgins: Technical Meets Flexible And Makes Beautiful
by Élan Young

In the gallery at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, colourful silk paintings create a vibrant mood where silk painters from around the globe have gathered for the October 2016 Silk in Transition SPIN Festival. Featured guest and keynote speaker at the festival, David Higgins, has a shock of curly, greyish white hair that springs happily in all directions. His face holds an easy smile.  He is friendly and approachable as he and Gail, his wife of 40 years, mingle with the other guests, talking about all aspects of the craft, as well as their visit to America.

In his keynote address, Higgins remained calm and easy-going despite a technical issue with the slideshow. Instead of the prepared presentation, he improvised and shared dozens of images of his work over the years, including illustrations, large-scale sculptures, paintings and textile work.

In the darkened room, gentle sounds of awe could be heard from festival attendees while he shared his images with the room. It was clear that people were drinking it in, learning and appreciating the talent and hard work that has served to help David make a name for himself in the art world.  Of great interest to the painters who had come to hear him speak were the images and discussion he shared about his process of working with silk from beginning to end.
 

(To read more, go to Vol. 24, Issue No. 4.)

Silk Festival Art Show at Arrowmont

Silk in Transition - Festival Art Show

The SPIN Festival 2016, Silk In Transition, Art Show ran in Gatlinburg, TN at the Geoffrey A. Wolpert Gallery, one of the galleries of Arrowmont Arts & Crafts Center, where the Festival occurred. The show ran from October 1 through November 5, 2016, so the general public and other Arrowmont artists got to view the delight that is silk painting.  The reception was held October 8, 2016.

(To view more of the art show, go to Vol. 24, Issue No. 4.)