Rachel Beckman » Weaver & Textile Designer

Needles. Don’t Lose Them.

The above astute observation is from my nearest and dearest oldest friend upon my announcement that I was at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. In fact, I almost did lose several needles through the many cracks in the sprawling deck outside the fiber studio where I worked, but no harm was done.

I decided to go to Haystack for several reasons, among them the chance to learn from artist Warren Seelig and to give myself a chance to think after graduation. I don’t think I’m going to ramble or talk too much about my artistic journey in Maine- there are many things I could say that anyone else could voice about such an experience. Maybe those things will work themselves into a story some day. It is a truly inspirational and life changing place in the most unexpected ways. It was difficult; it was a challenge forcing myself to work off the loom without any preconceived ideas. It was difficult to trust my hands and my instincts with the materials I stuffed into my suitcase. Working in the studio all day proved to be exhausting but rewarding- a luxury I never had in undergrad because I had to work and because I chose to be involved in many things. I’m excited about the results; pictures of my work will follow this post.

What I’m more excited about are the things that came to me unrelated to my studio work. For example, the friends that I made. The inspiration to continue to perform. Affirmation that I am a writer. The memory of walking through the woods by myself to find the small beach in the midst of high tide, the great glacial boulders swallowed by the rising waters, the iciness of the bay beating at the backs of my knees, and the bird of prey circling me high above. Then walking back in my bare feet. Contrary to that, of walking down the winding road, arms swinging, long shirts tied around our waists the sound of girls’ feet against the pavement, finding the small path between the pile of lobster traps and rubble, and emerging out of the forest into a meadow, with the sparkling water beyond (see picture at top of post).

I promise to read everything. Everything I can get my hands on.

To laugh more.

To study fabric structure until my brain is half fabric structure.

To make puppets, and puppet shows. (And to really learn my camera, seriously!)

To practice piano once a week, at least, at first, and then find time every day no matter what.

To continue to write, even if it’s only for Nicole. The nearest dearest oldest friend.

To make without knowing, to trust myself, and my hands, to be patient and wait. To understand that sometimes the work makes itself, and I can’t control everything. It’s okay to just do what I want. That there is nothing that I’m supposed to be doing, nothing that I have to do, that I can just do and make and make and the good work will come, the work that is supposed to happen will happen. Not that I shouldn’t be thinking about my work in a critical way, but not everything has to be so big and important. I never wanted that anyways. As long as I keep having fun, and stop stressing out (all the time!) and keep a clear enough head. It will happen. It will all happen.

I know Nichole thinks that needles comment is silly and ridiculous, but to me it’s a perfect fit, it’s poetic. It’s going in my pocket, and I’m carrying it with me, holding on, holding on tight.

Business Card and Postcard Designs

New business card design, featuring my Juggler’s Scarves set and one of the original sketches.

The front of my postcard for my thesis show boasts a detail of one of my Turkey weavings:

And the back:

As always, thanks goes to my wonderful boyfriend Bryan Connor for his super computer skills. And enduring patience.

February News!

Holy Fiber Gods folks, February is going to rock, and I’m definitely going to get the most out of the shortest month of the year. Most of the really cool stuff is happening next week, so let’s get to it!

Sweet Soundsuits!

On Tuesday, February 8th, artist Nick Cave is coming to MICA. As his talk is sponsored by the Fiber and Interdisciplinary Sculpture Departments, I’m going to have a chance to have lunch with him on the day of his lecture. My work will accompany other senior fiber work in a slideshow that will be presented during this time. I didn’t win the lottery to have a studio visit with him, but I think the people who did totally deserve it.

Bread and Puppets- All You Need!

The Bread and Puppet Theater is coming through MICA on Friday, February 11th to teach a workshop with the Multi Media Event class as well as the Puppets and Prosthetics class. While I’m not in either of these classes, I was nominated to participate and my interest got me into the workshop! This is the description as was sent to me:

1. Learning how to perform a cantastoria / Becoming familiar with this tradition

2. Developing ‘Kasper’ skits (using large masks to create and perfom short acts)

3. Finding, producing and ‘orchestrating’ sounds using garbage (or may they could bring garbage with them to the workshop)

I am in heaven!

Shows, Shows, Shows

First things first. Many of you know that I did a summer study abroad program in Turkey last year, and I then had to make work in response to my travels. Back in December, I submitted my work to a show that will feature work from all study abroad programs at MICA, and my pieces were accepted. The opening for the show is Friday, February 11th from 5-7 pm in MICA’s Brown Center.

If you’re in Baltimore, come on out to see these guys all close and personal:

Another event that is very dear to my heart is the production of The Vagina Monologues. This year the production highlights women in Haiti, and I feel honored to be delivering the spotlight monologue, a letter from Eve Ensler to activist Myriam Merlet. You can check out MICA’s production Thursday, February 10th and Friday, February 11th at 8pm, and Saturday, February 12th at Midnight. All performances will take place in MICA’s BBOX Theatre. Ticketsare $5 for MICA students and $10 for the general public, available at the school store on Mt. Royal. Limited tickets available at the door.

Finding a Needle in a…

I made an impulsive decision today to apply to the Haystack craft school in Maine. I’m currently deciding what workshop I actually want to take, and convincing people to write letters of recommendation to me (I’m feeling so much love- I have the best support!) in hopes of a full scholarship which I would need to actually attend the program. Wish me luck!

Etsy Update

Art Market is over, and with my copious amounts of left over inventory I have set up my Etsy shop again. I will be adding stuff gradually (there’s a lot!) so keep checking back if nothing strikes your fancy just yet. Click the image to go straight to my shop!

Art Market 2010

The time is upon us! This week is MICA’s fourth annual Art Market and you know I’m going to be there selling all manner of handwoven goods. This is only my second year as a vendor but I had a blast last year working the fiber table and talking to the super wonderful Baltimore crowd that came out to shop. Here’s a sneak peek at what I’ll be selling, with lots more to choose from starting this Wednesday!

Handwoven twill wall hangings in cotton, tencel, and bamboo

Reed baskets in all shapes and sizes

Handwoven bookmarks for every reader

I hope to see you there!