L. SUSAN STARK

(SILK DUPIONI & ORGANZA/FABRIC)

EXHIBITION DATES

April 14 - May 8, 2010

Artist Statement

          Nature is the basic inspiration for my art work.  Seeing the sunrise and sunset, the trunks of trees, the marshes, the fields of wheat, corn, sunflowers, grapes, and floral bushes all inspire my work with nature’s shapes and my own sense of color.

          The main media used in my fiber artwork is dupioni silk and silk organza.  These fabrics are cut, mixed for color depth, and sewn onto a backing.  The material and process parallels my longtime fascination with fabrics. 

Biography

          With a BS in apparel design from University of Illinois, an MS in clothing and textiles from Pennsylvania State University, and a PH D in design of historic textiles from New York University, I have always had an interest in creating with fabrics.  The shine, the versatility, the large color palette, especially in silks, fit into my personal aesthetics.  Of special interest to me is the spontaneous manner in which fabric flows and seems to float.  It is controlled without being contrived.

           For the past 20 years I have been a Professor at San Francisco State University teaching apparel design.  In that capacity I have had constant contact with students, faculty, and colleagues; constant discussions and critique of design; and constant experimentation with manipulating textiles.  Fabrics are my love.