A variety of artistic styles are being reflected in “The Color of Expression” exhibit but common threads among the artwork are silk fabric and immersive colors.
The collection of silk paintings are being displayed from Wednesday, April 8 through Saturday, May 2 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road.
The works were created by novice to professional level artists from throughout San Diego County who are members of the San Diego Silk Guild, said the Guild’s President Natalie Ilarraza.
“There are a lot of different styles, sizes and shapes,” Ilarraza said. “Some are framed and some are wall hangings. It’s very open. A lot of people would find something in the show that resonates with them.”
Just a few examples of themes in the show are horses and other animals, florals and underwater seascapes, she said. Some, but not all of the works will be for sale.
Courtesy San Diego Silk Guild
Ursula Schroter created this piece titled, “Jungle Beauties II.” (Courtesy San Diego Silk Guild)
Members of the San Diego Silk Guild are a creative crew. Their various techniques include quilts, wax batiks, Japanese shibori, collage, botanicals, multimedia work, paintings and garments.
They use high-quality silk fabric and dyes specially formulated for the silk material, according to the organization’s website.
“The fiber is made by the silkworm when it spins its cocoon for its transition to a moth,” the website states. “During the cocoon stage, silk makers will unravel the silk, spin it and transform it into a thread that can be turned into fabrics.”
Ilarraza enjoys creating tropical themes such as bamboo images with her fabric in addition to making abstract art.
Courtesy San Diego Silk Guild
Rachel Perlmutter made this artwork that resembles a beach. (Courtesy San Diego Silk Guild)
She said she got her start in the technique about four years ago through a friend of a friend of hers who hosts a silk workshop on Tuesday mornings at the Spanish Village in Balboa Park.
Artists are welcome to attend the workshops from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., she said, adding that she spent more than a year visiting the workshops before taking classes and creating art on her own.
“It’s a great way to get into the art and learn about the materials and how it works,” Ilarraza said.
Ilarraza said different artists prefer different types of silk with different textures, thicknesses and weights.
The San Diego Silk Guild is an inclusive community, welcoming anyone who creates, explores and designs using silk as an artistic medium, states its website, sdsilkguild.org.
“We provide support, develop opportunities for learning and growth, and promote the use of silk in original art through exhibits, outreach and interaction with local, national and international silk and textile organizations,” the Guild’s mission statement says.
“The Color of Expression” viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parking is free, but parking passes are required on weekdays and can be picked up in the main office within the Poway Center for the Performing Arts’ lobby. For more information, visit PowayCenter.com.
Courtesy San Diego Silk Guild
Nancy Jo Smith made this nature scene. (Courtesy San Diego Silk Guild)