CH artist's ancient technique is showcased in Judson exhibition

Untitled, by Pam McKee.

Through July 27, the Howson Gallery at Judson Park is featuring shibori artwork by Cleveland Heights artist Pam McKee.

Shibori—from the Japanese verb shiboru, which means to wring, squeeze, press—is an ancient shape-resist dyeing technique in which cloth or paper is bound, sewn, clamped, folded, or twisted and then dyed. The part that is protected resists the dye. When opened, the material retains the memory of the process, and texture is created, thus a two dimensional piece can become three dimensional.

McKee has been influenced by the shibori work of Yoshika Wada and Joan Morris, and inspired by the work of Dutch artist Marian Bijlenga. She has a master’s degree in English literature, and taught English for 25 years. While teaching, she developed her art through classes and workshops at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cuyahoga Community College and Morgan Conservatory.

Rob Lucarelli

Rob Lucarelli is director of communications for Judson Services Inc.

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Volume 7, Issue 7, Posted 6:41 PM, 07.01.2014