Judi krew

The House of Hoard: A Collector’s Collection of Hoard Couture

This ongoing series explores my need to hold on to "things" as a way to preserve memories. I am not a hoarder by any definition, my home is neat and clean and my "things" are organized into bins and boxes and containers for.......why? That question inspired my idea to make some type of art project which can allow me to see what I am holding onto and ask why? I established a set of rules and began making dresses, bin by bin. Only 10% of each collection is allowed to remain unused or it has to be thrown out. Each dress presents a set of problems that are solved along the way, nothing is planned in advance as to how to make the display work, forcing me to make choices about the elements and their value. A list of materials is provided with each piece including the dates of the contents as best as I can remember, but I have yet to really answer the original question. The dresses are not for sale. They can be used for exhibition only because I cannot part with the memories.

Hoard Couture Wearable Fashion

Hoard Couture is an ongoing collection of wearable art garments. The pieces explore social, environmental, behavioral or personal issues with the purpose of starting a conversation. Though my point of view may be discernible, I do not explicitly take a firm position so the message presented can be universally approachable. A necessary first step to finding a solution is awareness of a situation. Hoard Couture creations encourage such recognition. A few garments are interactive so a viewer may explore more in-depth. When allowable, a statement explaining the work is included with the display.

I embrace the mantra of “reuse, re-purpose, reconsider and re-imagine”. I do not however, recycle as that term implies a physical compositional change to an object. The materials with which I work, in essence, are still usable as intended if a garment should subsequently be deconstructed. Rarely do I purchase or outsource my items and textiles. The bulk of my inventory is “stuff” I have personally accumulated over time, things passed down through the family, or items gifted to me by others. Giving a new purpose to our unwanted or discarded detritus, avoids additional waste in our landfills.

Unconventional materials pose multiple challenges in the construction of each piece. These challenges include the weight of the items used, the preservation of vintage items, and the physical functionality for walking a runway.  A goal for any Hoard Couture garment is for it to be worn by a person, not just displayed on a mannequin; hence my tag line “where art meets fashion”.  The majority of each garment is hand-sewn. I find intimate work to be a more meaningful and fulfilling process, especially for pieces that are personal in their message. When a piece does go on exhibition, numerical elements are always updated, especially for social issue works, so all conversations stay current and relevant.

Fascinating Faces from Interesting Places

"Fascinating Faces from Interesting Places" is a series of over-sized soft pastel portraits based upon photographs taken when people are unaware of the camera so as to capture momentary expressions. No laws of privacy are violated. Occasionally I will ask someone for permission if I find their face intriguing. I strive to capture the humanity within each person and not the "photo smile" people put on their face when a camera is near. This series began in the spring of 2010. Known for my more "comic and caricature" style of painting, these drawings allow me to revisit realism in a method more natural to me. This series is intended to honor the traditional values and skills of drawing without the aid of grids, transfers or other devices. I am influenced by the colors of Wayne Thiebaud and the expressions of Norman Rockwell. The process is a layering of colors created by directional lines with minimal blending of the soft pastel so that the layering of fine lines and diverse colors create the detailed form of the facial structure. Officially retired in 2014.

The Women Series - Laugh! Its Good for You!

The women series is an exploration of personalities and identities associated with female stereotypes. From high heels to hiking boots, and matrimony to menopause, along with all the mayhem in-between, every woman's story can be found in this body of work. Sketches made when people are unaware of being observed as well as my personal encounters and interactions with women within my social network provide a wealth of subject matter about the female gender. The use of humor, wit and satire are essential elements of my compositions. It is important to read the title of each work to fully understand the image and its intent. Each piece also has a story or individual statement that explains the meaning and content. Officially retired in 2014.