When Isla Corbett picks up a thick swatch of wool and places it under her sewing machine needle, I believe this Scottish woman also reaches back through the ages.  Sewing connects her with an ancient line of mothers, grandmothers, tailors, and seamstresses who also used their hands to work with wool and thread.  While Isla shared it was her granny her taught her to love fibers through knitting, I’d suggest there is an even deeper bloodline connection.  I see hints of ancestral momentum in her tiny perfect stitches, flawless cutting, and ability to mix colors and textures.  And how else to explain her driving passion that calls Isla to create even while balancing the demands of mothering and modern life?

In another time, Isla would have been a member of a “guild” or recognized and organized group of craft or tradespeople who took oaths to support the efforts of their fellow artisans.  The mysteries and art of her skills as a guild member would have been revered by local folk.  Her work would be valued by payment that recognized the years of history, training, and talent incorporated into each of her pieces.

However, today, Isla and many other local craftspeople, produce and sell their works on their own.  It is much more difficult to feel connected, appreciated, and to earn payment that equates your time and skill.

How can we rediscover the significance of craft and honor craftspeople today? Find an opportunity through the Sono-Ma Soiree on October 27, 2011.

Celebrating Craft at the Soirees

“Have you ever thought about bringing all the artists you write about together?” asked Leslie Fiorella, textile artist, in early 2010.  ”I adore the feeling of community I glean from the stories of other people like me carving out time for their craft.  But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could meet each other?  Share our inspirations and struggles live?  We could be like the Impressionist Artists who would gather to redefine their arts and propel each other forward…”

Why hand’t I thought of that?  The idea of hosting “Soirees” was born, and a few months later we had our first gathering of local artists at the Cast Away Yarn Shop.   There we decided it would be wonderful to gather in local artists’ studios where we could see a craftspersons tools, workspace, current works in progress, and full collections.    Not long later we gathered at Monica Ashley’s adorable studio.

It was incredible to see Monica’s tiffany blue and ocean themed workspace.  And truly an experience to touch and feel her soft cashmere puppets and wooley sculptures.

Even more wonderful?  The overwhelming support of fellow artists who also contributed to the gathering.  Local chocolate artisan Doug Peters served up free chocolates, nutriontist and chef Maria Balme served gluten-free, organic cupcakes, and Mariah Smith (professional photographer) captured the evening on film.

The forumula of feature artist showing and fellow artists sampling became the basis for the next three soirees – each a very special showing of the abundant talent of the artisan crafters in our community.

Upcoming Crafters

On October 27, 2011, Sono-Ma will host the final soiree gathering for 2011.  Our event features Sharon Eisley, fine artist, with a gallery presentation of her recent works showcased at the Share Exchange.  Speaking of Impressionist gatherings, recognize the famous painting that served as Sharon’s inspiraiton for this “animeople” piece?

(More on Sharon Eisley here and in a future Sono-Ma article!)

Sharon’s show is enhanced by the additional participation of local craftspeople such as Dawn Zaft and Paul Kaiser.  Dawn will be serving complimetary herbal Italian sodas and teas, and Paul will be donating one of his special wood working pieces as part of our free raffle.

Dawn Zaft plans presenting you with two tasty examples of her life’s passion. Drink the tea and Italian soda and imbibe Dawn’s message that herbs are a vital part of our health. Foundress of Herban Ecology, Dawn lists these as just a few of her company’s goals:  1.) Encourage interface between herbalists, artists, and activists, 2.) Support guerilla medicine and farming efforts 3.) Support herbalists, growers, harvesters & allied practitioners… And she’s made it her life’s work to bring these goals to fruition.  From working at the Elephant Pharmacy, to Oliver’s Supplement Department, to c0-founding the Songbird Healing Center in Cotati, to studying under Gail Julian, her every step is to reconnect people and herbs.   Dawn could trace the roots of her passion to the medicine women in her own family history.

Soiree attendees will also enjoy the chance to win one of Paul Kaiser’s fine wood items as part of our evening raffle.

Who could question the presence of momentum in Paul Kaiser’s blood?  This man is father to two young children, spends most of his waking hours farming his bee-yond orgranic farm (farming inspired by his own father’s life’s work), and still finds time to create incredible salvaged wood pieces.  Paul’s unique furniture and home accessories take stunning form in their second life – each piece is crafted from salvaged heritage or exotic woods. Apartment Therapy San Francisco immediately picked up on our local boy’s talent, featuring Paul’s custom furniture in 2008.  Today Paul wields his sander alongside his young son (who works at the workbench his daddy built for him) when time allows him to break away from managing Singing Frogs Farm.  Visit Night Heron Woodworks to see more samples of Paul’s work.

October 27, 2011 Soiree

I hope to inpsire you to come out and meet your local craftspeople.  Their work will awe and inspire you, and add a richness to your life should you honor their trade by taking a bit of it home.  Please join us!

Be sure to RSVP as our exclusive guest list is open to just fifty people who respond.

Or email us directly to RSVP.  Then hang this flyer on your fridge and tell yourself your blissful moment is coming soon!