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Medium: Fiber / Mixed Media
All of our pieces begin on our loom and evolve into freestanding sculptures and vessels. The process begins with raw materials, an idea and a large floor loom. Once a flat piece is woven, usually a rectangular shape on the loom, it is then removed. Knots are tied on each end of the piece then formed into freestanding sculptures and vessels by twisting turning and sewing together. After each piece is formed adorning follows. Our adornments are primarily recycled glass which we attain though glass bottles, stained glass scraps, and glass blower tragedies. We tumble to smooth the glass and wire wrap it. This gives color, uniqueness and adds to the intrigue of each piece.
We explore depth, hue and textures to create a piece that seems familiar but is perceptually elusive. We feel more like sculptors than traditional weavers. The form is the challenge. While seagrass and sisal provide the medium for much of our art, we use and experiment with many things on the loom such as bicycle tire innertubes.
Creations of our loom woven sculptures and vessels came together in 1995 as a result of our experiences in many other types of loom weaving. This experience combined with Ben's architecture and Laura's forestry educations gave us the knowledge to mix styles and materials to create a new style innovative in our media in which we are collaborators. As collaborators each artist has the skills necessary to perform any job that is required at any step in the process. Through this synergy our work surpasses what we could do as individuals.
Exhibits
October 2000, Solo Exhibit, The Vale Craft Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
August 1999, "The Inquisitive Object: A Biennial Review of Northwest Art & Craft" Hoffman Gallery, Oregon College of Art & Craft, Portland, Oregon
October 1998, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Craft Show, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 1997, "Anniversary Show" Ryan Gallery, Lincoln City, Oregon
October 1996, "Function Junction" University of Oregon, Eugene. Oregon
November 1995, "Fibers" Coyote Mountain Gallery, Oakridge, Oregon
Galleries
Vale Craft Gallery,
230 W. Superior St.
Chicago, Illinois 60610
P: 312.337.3525
Wow Art Gallery,
529 E. Buffalo Street
New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
P:616.469.1938
Awards
2001 Best of Show, Fibers, Bayou City Art Festival, Houston, Texas
2000 Honorable Mention, Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City, Missouri
2000 Award of Excellence, Oakbrook Craft Invitational, Oak Brook, Illinois
2000 Award of Merit, Fountain Square Arts Festival, Evanston, Illinois
2000 Award of Excellence, National Craft Festival at Northbrook, Northbrook, Illinois
1999 Award of Excellence, Oakbrook Craft Invitational, Oak Brook, Illinois
1998 Best of Show, Fibers, Art in the Pearl, Portland, Oregon
1998 Best of Show, Utah Arts Festival, Salt Lake City, Utah
1998 Second Place, Mixed Media Three Dimensional, Waterfront Artfest, Sacramento, CA
1998 Collectorıs Award, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Coconut Grove, Florida
1997 Best of Category, Fibers, Crested Butte Arts Festival, Crested Butte, Colorado
1997 Best of Show, Fibers, Capital Hill Peoples Fair, Denver, Colorado
1997 Second Place, Fibers, Scottsdale Arts Festival, Scottsdale, Arizona
1996 Peoples Choice, Art & the Vineyard, Eugene, Oregon
Laura & Benjamin Beamer
Post Office Box 804
Oakridge, Oregon 97463
541-782-4529
or 541-912-5255
info@beamerarts.com
"Webpage", "Graphical Elements" and "All Photos" İ 2001
Laura and Benjamin Beamer
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