February Artist of the Month

Judy Fisher is a fiber artist whose primary medium is handwoven material. She is intrigued by fibers, yarns and fabrics and how they can be manipulated. She enjoys the process of weaving, but feels that the cloth produced isn't, nor should it be the end product.

The question she asks herself is,"how can I make this fabric look even better?" Searching for answers is the fun and creative part for Judy. To this end, she cuts up her hand woven fabrics and combines it with other textiles. She uses commercial fabrics as well as coordinating hand wovens. She may layer , embellish and/or distort her fabric to add a new dimension.

Since many of her pieces are wearable and functional, Judy works hard to make sure they are solidly constructed to withstand the stress of being used.

February Artist of the Month

Carol Sklar has been tying tiny knots that transform nylon cord into incredibly beautiful necklaces and earrings for seventeen years. Prior to that, Carol was an artist who painted. However, a move to Sonoma County, a need to find employment and a chance meeting with an artist already doing knotted jewelery changed her focus.

The artist Carol met was looking for an apprentice/assistant to help make her pieces and Carol was eager to take on the position and learn how to manipulate cord into the intricate designs of high end jewelry .

After a few years, Carol decided to move on, developing her own line of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pins using the intricate knotting technique she had perfected as an assistant. Her pieces are beautifully done and incorporate semi-precious stones for accent. She even dyes the cord if she can't find the exact color she needs for a piece.

The Artisans' Co-op always has a selection of her work for sale. To see more, go to Carol's web site: Indivijewelry.etsy.com