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Feature Articles
June Issue 1999
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- 20 Years of Weaving... Basketry of Greg & Carla
Filippelli at Asheville's Grovewood Gallery
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- Grovewood Gallery, located at the Grove Park Inn complex
in Asheville, NC, is highlighting the Filippellis' latest works
in a solo show entitled Twenty Years of Weaving... Carla and
Greg Filippelli through June 20.
Carla and Greg Filippelli are self-taught basket makers who have
taken the art of basketry to brave new heights. In the early
80's, their work was reminiscent of the traditional Appalachian
style of ribbed baskets. Grapevine, honeysuckle, wild vines and
natural dyed reed in earthy colors made from rhododendron leaves,
black walnut hulls and lichens were used to weave their own adaptation
of egg baskets and other shapes.
Although they were influenced by their surroundings of Appalachian
culture, the couple's basketry always had a unique and distinctive
look. Mixing traditional techniques with new color combinations,
wild vines and sculptural shapes, it was late into 1989 when
they transcended all traditional techniques and developed a unique
weaving style called "random weave." Holding onto key
elements of functionality and texture, their weaving was freed
to produce new shapes and styles. Bowls, platters, organic nesting
shapes, and pockets for the wall have all been reinvented by
the Filippellis. Using hand dyed reed in their distinctive color
combinations that compliment new contemporary interiors, color
seems to be a driving force in their work.
"My early days in fabric design prepared me to create colors
and textures that have become useful elements in our baskets.
Color really excites me... and putting them together in subtle
and sometimes exciting ways has always been the fun part,"
Carla says of her work. Working together as a team for over twenty
years, the Filippelli's newest creations are sculptural wall
pieces. Multi-dimensional and colorful shapes that express movement
and fluidity is difficult to achieve in framed work, and these
renegade basket makers have achieved just that - an alternative
to conventional wall decor.
Focusing on color and texture in its myriad combinations, Carla
and Greg are now incorporating large wisteria vines, negative
spaces and custom colors to create wall pieces that enhance residences
and offices alike. They delight in working with clients, architects,
and designers to create personalized interiors that reflect a
sense of harmony and beauty.
For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings
or call the gallery at 828/253-7651.
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Copyright© 1999 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston
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