November 2011

Charleston Crafts Gallery in Charleston, SC, Features Works by Marty Biernbaum and Dorinda Harmon

Charleston Crafts Gallery in Charleston, SC, will present, A Collaborative: Playing with the Basket Cases, featuring recent works by Marty Biernbaum and Dorinda Harmon, on view from Nov. 11 - 30, 2011. A reception will be held on Nov. 11, from 5-7:30pm.

The two artists collaborated on creating vessels and forms that use clay and fibers interwoven together into individual works. The synthesis of the clay forms and the traditional basketry techniques have produced exceptional pieces of decorative work.

Biernbaum and Harmon have been holding creative brainstorming sessions to make decisions about shapes, color, images, styles, and adornments. Even their spouses joined in by collecting and suggesting yard trash, driftwood, and other found objects that might enhance the artwork. Both bring a lifetime of creative energies to the project. “Sometimes it takes a couple of tries and some back-and-forth discussions for the final pieces to emerge. Half-waking dreams have provided both artists with ideas, resolutions, and inspirations throughout this creative endeavor.”

Biernbaum works in clay as well as two-dimensional painting, and mixed media art. Her themes often include female forms, bold colors, and found objects. She has spent a lifetime as a professional artist, often exhibiting humor and whimsy in her work. As her talents have matured, Biernbaum enjoys incorporating the tongue-in cheek side of being human and enjoys seeing and sharing the outcomes.

Harmon has been weaving baskets and teaching the craft for almost thirty years. She often incorporates items found both at roadsides, on beaches, and in the natural world. Her background also includes other fiber arts in quilting, marbling, and a variety of needlework. From traditional basket forms to mermaids Harmon likes to start with a general concept of where she wants the piece to ends up and adds materials and colors as the work progresses, often with a surprise result.

Both women have been long-time juried members of the crafts cooperative that began in 1987.

For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listing, call the gallery at 843/723.2938, 843/723-2938 or visit (www.CharlestonCrafts.org).

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