Interlude, interval

Boy howdy, did I learn things

Well it’s been a minute since CIAF ended. Interlude has been deinstalled, packed up and tucked away into my studios at VAPA. She’ll rest there until we figure out how to evolve to the next level.

Honestly, it feels great to be done. Being a Blumenthal Fellow was a master class in everything I wanted to know how to do, and an amazing test for techniques I’ve used for years. I got to prove that given the opportunity, I am indeed capable of building a giant, kick-ass fiber art sculpture for a public art venue. AND the sequins survived Hurricane Helene.

Interlude may have… hmm… evolved…in shape as time went on. And with time, I’ve come to accept and maybe even like it; after sitting under the sequins doing some repairs one day… and damn if it wasn’t really nice in there. (Truer story: I was UPSET for about a week after realizing that I hadn’t accounted for people pulling on the sculpture’s armature). Luckily all materials are reusable, and I’m sure I can rework the structure into new forms in the future.

Lest you think I did EVERYTHING on my own, here’s my list of people who helped make Interlude happen.

• The Blumenthal- host of the festival

• Bree Stallings- A gloriously talented artist AND the Director of Artistic Experience at the Blumenthal, she spearheaded the development and evolution of Blumenthal Fellow program for CIAF.

• Alexis Lorraine- photographed the felt I dyed

• Decor Print- located in Fort Mill, Deedee and her team did a fantastic job printing my fabric for me!

• The McColl Center- their co-op program was my avenue to learning how to weld, and granted access to their tools

• Anna Dean- my steel buddy and welding guide

• Hauler Holler- Jason and his van made moving Interlude on and off site a freaking breeze

• Kristen, Laurie & Lucy- my install dream team

Other resources I feel are often glossed over: I utilized PTO offered by my full-time job to make Interlude happen, seven and a half days, total. I have amazing friends and community who encouraged me, brought snacks, took photos, and gave great hugs.

Thank you, too, for coming along for the CIAF ride! If you were able to visit and have images of Interlude I’d LOVE to see them! Feel free to send them to me on instagram :)

Here are more photos, because what’s a post about a sequin-covered sculpture without photos?