Combining a gallery exhibit with four live events, Sliding Parameters: Fiber Art and Fashion by Judy Bales features fashion creations and sculptural works by the Fairfield artist, through July 12 at ICON Gallery at 58 N. Main St. in Fairfield.
Judy Bales is one of the most uniquely creative artists living in Fairfield. Having established a successful art career making sculpture and public art, she has in the last 15 years ventured into the world of wearable art, combining sculpture and the human body. The result is a dynamic and beautiful art form.
This exhibition showcases her fashion art, which is part of a larger body of fiber art works, many of which are abstract sculptures. The fashion and sculptural works are interrelated, and the structural techniques and surface treatments are often the same.
The groupings in the exhibit show both the evolution of Judy’s work and the range of materials, mood, forms, and silhouettes she has explored in fashion design.
Bales, who received both her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Georgia, majored in painting as an undergraduate and completed her post-graduate work in fiber art. This combination of distinct disciplines has served her well. While closer to a fiber artist in her choice of materials, she approaches her art more like an abstract painter, relying on improvisation and intuitive choices, rather than the more precise, controlled approach traditionally favored by fiber artists.
On Thursday, May 22, 8 p.m., Judy will a slide presentations describing the history of fashion photography as an art form and the jaw-dropping work that is done throughout the world in the field of fashion.
On June 7, 8 p.m., “Moving in all Directions” is a runway show in the gallery, with models emerging from the mezzanine area and descending the stairs, featuring works by Judy Bales and Gyan and Kathy Shrosbree.
On June 12, ICON director Bill Teeple will join Judy Bales for a reception and walk-through in the gallery. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m.
ICON Gallery is located at 58 N. Main Street. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Contact Bill at iconbillteeple@gmail.com or (641) 919-6252.