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Artist Information
STUDIO MISSION STATEMENT
Arpana Aneesha Studio creates tapestries that enhance beauty in the world, spacious designs for dignified living. The art expressions are a dialog, a communion with all that is beautiful and invite viewers into their own creative, spacious heart. The vision of capacious color welcomes all.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“In our life there is a single color, as on an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love.” Marc Chagall
My work is an expression of my intuition. Nature inspires with her vast panorama of diversity. The challenges of interpretations and reflections on nature are endless; and, like Chagall claims, “...there is a single color... It is the color of love.”
The creative dialog with my environment is intended to include and draw in the viewer. Rather than a static statement, I am intrigued with a connectivity that is vibrant and that enlivens our holy ordinariness. Transformation, for me, is an ongoing process of discovery and delight. Colors and textures of the landscape are great allies for me on the canvas of the loom. Inspired by the feel of the wind and vast skyscapes against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, I enjoy exploring how the texture of a thread relates to the grace of the scenery I hold in my visual field. My tapestries are often an improvisation of experience; connections are discovered along the way. I love the dialog of colors, textures and themes. Sometimes, even the red Colorado sandstone/slate is begging to be part of a tapestry. I love to oblige and experiment. It is exciting to relate to the creative process in this way. The heart is the beginning of each weaving and the conduit after a piece is completed. It is a landscape of Truth, and the language is Love.
Artist Bio
I have been a weaver/fiber artist since 1977, when I was selected by the North Carolina Arts Council as a Third Century Artist. Furthering my creative weaving techniques, I studied weaving at Barton College. From the beginning, weaving has been intuitive. Inspiration, for me, is not defined within the parameters of fibers or even the visual arts. I have found stimulation from innovative thinkers and artists of Black Mountain College, such a John Cage, Merce Cunningham, poets Denise Levertov and MC Richards, Joseph and Annie Albers. Early in my career I found I was intrigued with the courage of Polish weaver, Abalina Abekonowieckz. I began to experiment with pulling warp threads and embellishing with such materials as sandstone, copper screen, gemstones. Further explorations at Penland School of Crafts, with Rudy Kovacs, as well as paper making with Beverly Plummer, and Haystacks School of Crafts with Albertja Koopman, introduced me to new techniques, as well as connecting me to artistic excellence first hand. In addition, in 1979 I served as apprentice to North Carolina master weaver, Jane Weir. I began to exhibit throughout the state of North Carolina and nationally, and then, internationally, expressing a unique style that reflected on my natural surroundings.
Enthralled with artists who dialog with nature, such as Andy Goldworthyand Martha Dunigan, I find my own tapestries connect in an internal dialog as well as with the world of nature. My work is a visceral expression of my inspirations. Nature instills an inner perception with her vast panorama of diversity. The challenges of interpretations and reflections on nature are endless; and, like Marc Chagall claims, “…there is a single color… It is the color of love.” The creative dialog with my environment is intended to include and draw in the viewer. Rather than a static statement, I am intrigued with a connectivity that is vibrant and that enlivens our holy ordinariness. Transformation, for me, is an ongoing process of discovery and delight. Celebrating and creating beauty within myself, I give validation and support to the creative expression of a peaceful world.
Writing has been a constant companion in my fibers studio; and in 1987, I implemented both weaving and writing into my graduate work at Goddard College. I reflect on expressions of the heart, meditations, literature, nature, music, memories, even conversations. Therefore, each work of art is unique. My weavings are the result of contemplation and integration of ideas. Ultimately, even I cannot replicate a piece.
My work, "The Door of Refuge" was published in Best of NC Artists and Artisans, 2006. In addition, two of my pieces, "Fallen Angels" and "Waterfall Retreat" were selected for the book Best in America Artists and Artisans, Mixed Media, 2007. “Converging Conversations,” “Door” and “Window of Opportunity” were selected for publication in Best of Worldwid Mixed Media, 2012. I was also selected as participating artist in the Florenza Biennial.
In addition to learning from master weavers, I have participated in visual arts programs offered by internationally acclaimed visual and performing artists. I have learned the art of raku pottery from Toshio Ohi, 11th generation potter from Japan; puppetry from Hoby Ford, student of Jim Henson; participated in Shakespearean workshops from the NC Shakespeare Festival. I was also selected to serve as educator/coordinator for the international project sponsored by NHK TV/Japan: "Superteacher, James Turell." The integrity of excellence these artists live is integrated into each of my works of art; thus, the essence of all my experiences are woven into my tapestries and writing.
About
Curriculum Vitae:
Aneesha Parrone
303-304-9606
EDUCATION
Weaving:
Intensive Study: Weaving; Albertja Koopman, NY designer.
Private Instructor for special needs student. Haystacks School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine. 1982.
Weaving Apprenticeship: Jane Weir, Master Weaver.Raleigh, NC. 1979.
Intensive study: WeavinglPapermaking; Rudy Kovacs/Beverty
Plummer, Instructors; Penland School for Crafts, Penland, NC. 1978.
The Arts:
Intensive study: Hands-on Shakespeare, NC Shakespeare Festival, July, 2003, 2004
Intensive Study: Shadow Puppet Workshop with Hoby Ford, student of Jim Hensen, 2002
MA Candidate: Fiber Arts/Weaving/Writing. Goddard College, Plainfield, VT. 1986.
Raku Workshop; Sharon, MA; Toshio Ohi, instructor. Mr. Ohi is the 11 h generation potter of the Ohi
family of Japan. His grandfather is a Living Treasure of Japan. 1985.
Education:
Intensive Study: The Gifted Child; Davie County Schools, High Point University, June, 2003
Intensive Study: Integrating Technology into Instruction, NC Teacher Academy, 2002
Intensive Study: Quantum Learning, NLP Training, Paradise Valley, AZ, Mark Reardon, Instructor,
1997/98
Intensive Study: Marketing. Long Island University, Long Island, N.Y.
1985.
BS Education, magna cum laude. Phi Beta Kappa. Barton College, Wilson, NC. 1973-77.
Special Projects:
EducatorlFacilitator: NHKITV, Japan; James Turrell: Super Teacher. Flagstaff, AZ. Responsibilities:
Coordinate and facilitate classroom preparation and response activities for Super Teacher,
James Turrell Project. 2001.
Personal Interests:
Choral Singing:
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorale; Chancel Choir, Winston-Salem, NC; Cherry Creek
Chorale, Colorado; Mahler Festival, Boulder Colorado; Lucerne International Music
Festival, Lucerne, Switzerland, Too Hot to Handel, Denver, CO, Marin Alsop, Conductor
Celtic Harp Society
Tapestry Weaving:
British Tapestry Group, Boulder Handweavers Guild, Fine Art America,
Art in Context, Arpana Aneesha Studio, llc: www.arpanaaneeshastudio.com
Exhibitions
1977-79 Wilson Arts Council, Wilson, NC
Rowan Arts Council, Salisbury, NC
Barton College, Wilson, NC
First Christian Church, Wilson, NC
People's Bank, Wilson, NC
1981 Morning Glory, Brunswick, ME
1982-84 Center and Main Gallery, Gloucester, ME
Wali's Gloucester, MA
Montserrat School of Art, Beverly, MA
1987 Horn of the Moon Cafe, Montpelier, VT
Goddard College, Plainfield, VT
1992 Lighter Bite Cafe, Mount Dora, FL
1993 Mount Dora Art Festival, Mount Dora, FL
2006 Davie Arts Council, Mocksville, NC
One Way Art Show, Mocksville, NC
2007 Davies Arts Council, Mocksville, NC
One Way Art Show, Mocksville, NC
Concentric Healing Institute, Boulder, CO
Shuttles Showcase, Boulder, CO
Art in Bloom, Shambhala Center, Boulder, CO
HGB Members Showcase
Juried exhibition at Boulder Fairgrounds
2008 Artist's Nook, Ft. Collins, CO
Weaving Demonstrations, Niwot, CO
Nostalgia Days, Niwot, CO
Shambhala, Boulder, CO
2009 Weaving Demonstrations, Niwot, CO
Nostalgia Days, Niwot, CO
First Fridays, Niwot, CO
People House Pendleton Gallery, Denver , CO
Harvest Festival, Shephard Valley Waldorf School, Niwot, CO
Uniquely Natural Gallery, Lafayette, CO
2010 First Fridays, Niwot, CO
Uniquely Natural Gallery, Lafayette, CO
British Tapestry Group, UK
Ballet Nouveau Colorado, Broomfield, CO
2011 The Retreat Assisted Living, Broomfield, CO
Wynot Gallery and Coffee Shop, Niwot, CO
British Tapestry Group, UK SOLO Exhibition
The Copper Room, The Copper Flame Gallery,Canada
Invitational Acceptance into Florenza Bienniel, Florence, Italy
2012 Seniors and Creative Aging, Curator, Regis University, Denver, CO
Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, NYC,NY
British Tapestry Group, UK
2013 Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, Chelsea, NYC,NY
Regis University Dayton Memorial Library, solo exhibit, Denver
Rescheduled for May 2014
British Tapestry Group, UK
2013-2014 Fate, Destiny and Self-Determination, lnternat’l Tapestry Project,
Ontario, Canada
2014 Solo Exhibition:, Restrospective Terra Firma Intrinsic Reflections;Regis University,
Denver, CO
Outdoor Creations – A 2014 Boulder County Juried Art Show, The
Great Frame Up Gallery, Longmont, CO
Solo Exhibit: Harmony: Companionship of Nature. LouisvilleLibrary, Louisville, CO
Group Show, International Tapestry Project: Fate Destiny, Self- Determination, Regis
University, Dalton Library, Denver, CO
Group Exhibit/Curator Fibers exhibit: Studio Gallery, Frasier Meadows; Boulder, CO
2016 Curator: Congregation Bonai Shalom, Student exhibit, Boulder,CO
2016-2017 Group Exhibit: Fate Destiny Self-Determonation
From Lausanneto BeijingSeptember 10-26 2016http://www.chinafiberart.com/
World of Threads, Oakville Ontario CanadaOctober 29 - November 27 2016
American Tapestry Alliance, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, San
Jose, California January 20 2017 - April 16 2017
Centre D'Action Culturelle de la MRC de Papineau. July 8 - August 27 2017
2018 The Academy Center for the Arts; Lynchburg, VA; Nationally juried show April
2019 Group Exhibit: Fate Destiny Self-Determination: South America, Canada
Solo Exhibit: Inkberry Books, June
Cooperative Ecology Exhibit: Regis University, Contrasting Textures, Nov/Dec
Honorable mention Award for Common GroundCFA, Arts Expo Circle Arts,
NYC December 2019
2020 Honorable Mention Award for Book of Pages CFA, Arts Expo Circle Arts
NYC January 2019
The Academy Center for the Arts; Lynchburg, VA; Nationally juried art
exhibition April-May 2020
Louisville Art Association, Nationally Juried Exhibition, September
2021 Arts In Color Curatorial and Gallery, Washington, D.C., group show,
Grand Opening, February-March
Inkberry Books, Niwot, CO, Solo Exhibit, March
2022 Louisville Art Association: Art in Public Places:
Louisville City Hall;May/June
Dana Music July/august
Cannon Mines Coffee; Sept-October
Market Place Dental; November-December
Frasier: Student works exhibition for National Conference on Aging; October
Publications
2006 Best of NC Artists and Artisans, 2006
2007 Best in America, Artists and Artisans,
Mixed Media, 2007
2010 British Tapestry Group(BTG), Article: Invitation to the Dance
Arttherapyblog Article: Weaving with Seniors
2011 British Tapestry Group, Article: Weaving Grace and the Sublime
BTG, Article: Boulder Falls Inspirational Source
Arttherapyblog: Article: Sublime Community
2012 Arttherapyblog: Article: Finding Meaning Arttherapyblog.com Article: Felting Project
Artists of the Copperflame, Kindle EBOOK: http://spangaloo.com/index.php
Best of Artists: Mixed Media, Worldwide 2012
2013 The Labyrinth Society newsletter, The Collage of Life: Art and Labyrinth
2016 Congregation Bonai Torah Newsletter: Judaism Through Lens of Weaving
2020 An Artist A Day https://www.youtube.com/results?
search_query=an+artist+a+day+aneesha+parrone
Tin Roof Gallery: Featured Artist https://www.thetinroofgallery.com/blog
Professional Memberships
2020 ATA American Tapestry Alliance
Louisville Art Association