Summer Was Busy, And Now Fall Is Most Definitely Here . . .

Crafty projects were mostly garden and cooking related this summer. Lots of baking, grains, and recipe collecting. Experimented with the plants and fruits of the growing season in the dye pots and in the oven. Spun up some Alpaca and Perendale, and dyed Jewelweed, Turmeric and Golden Rod. Washed wool, planted seeds, enjoyed views of foreign sheep, and said goodbye to a special lady.

Alpaca, Border Leicester, and Romney 3-ply yarn made this summer.

Loving a Lupine Field

Thrilled to sell Pig Secret, and see it hanging in its new home.

British sheep spied by Zoe and Ru.

Greg Pinto's fish sculpture at Michael Good Gallery in Rockland.

The biggest head of lettuce we've ever seen.

Lyn and Steve saw sheep in a British cemetery.

Beautiful flowers at Tante Louise's funeral.

Sheep at Ru's family property in England.

Tante Louise, doing what she loved to do.

We got very good at baking bread this summer.

Washing a pot of Icelandic Sheep Fleece on the porch.

Now, the colder nights of October have arrived and I find myself stalling to go out and do the final garden chores/cleanup, walk Igby for a longer stretch, and instead turn to the warmth of my wool projects and plans for the future of WalkingWool Studio + Gallery, and our little family.

June 2nd Opening of Home Grown Artist installation at Primo

Once again, thank you to MK, PK, and JR for making this happen. It's up through June 30th. 

http://primorestaurant.squarespace.com/

Bio

Soon after being born in Yonkers NY in 1963, Lori Schafer relocated to farm country in Upstate New York while still in diapers. Surrounded by a menagerie of farm animals,

her love of them continued to grow and eventually found this love running alongside her love of creating art. A few decades later she founded WalkingWool™ Studio & Gallery—a name chosen because her love of sheep transcended all other animals, save for dogs. She spends the majority of her time making photographic portraits, spinning and dyeing wool, and creating wearable objects that celebrate the unique qualities of the “raw stuff.”

A longtime artist, Lori Schafer has worked at iconic NYC art museums and galleries. She is a dedicated vegetarian, and spent many years creatively absorbed with the fruits of her existence. A multiyear series of large scale vegetable drawings were inspired by her involvement with CSA farms. A juried competition sponsored by The Fitchburg Art Museum culminated in having those works displayed in the museum for three months. She has been selected over three decades to exhibit throughout the Northeast United States.

Lori received her BA Cum Laude in Fine Art and German from St. Lawrence University, and studied art history at CUNY Grad School for several years. She has also lived and travelled abroad extensively. She currently resides in Rockland ME with her husband Jeff and dog Igby, and is thrilled to work as a Host on the Primo Team for a third exciting season.

Statement

My approach with farm animals is up close and personal, just as it was with vegetables.  It would not be possible for me to get too near to them, and even take home pieces of their existence (wool fleece) to handle, transform, and celebrate. Even the fiber dyes I work with have a natural origin, whether they grow wild, or are cultivated in my gardens.

Taking the portraits is my way of bringing the animals back to the studio with me so that I can constantly savor the joy I get being near them. How can anyone not adore these beautiful and peaceful creatures? Clearly, I cannot!

WalkingWool™

Celebrating the Divine Ovine©

walkingwool.com ~ 774.345.0838  ~ walkingwool@gmail.com

Home Grown Artist Exhibit at Primo Restaurant in Rockland ME

Thank you so much to Chef Melissa, Price, and Justin for giving me the chance to show my farm animal portraits to the Primo community. The show runs from June 2 - June 30, in the Fireplace Room on the first floor of the restaurant. Here is a peek at the menagerie on view . . .

TRULY A MUST-VIEW! Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Plog Photo Blog

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Plog Photo Blog

Seeking a little peace?

Read this from my friend in fiber Betsy . . . her blog is a delight to read and view.

Taking Commissions!

It's never too early to be thinking about gift giving, whatever the occasion may be. As I go through my materials, ala "spring cleaning" and such, I realize I have so many lovely hand spun, hand dyed, and other luscious yarns and fleece at my disposal. Though my studio is sooooo much smaller than I'm accustomed to, the supplies are plenty.

So, I've a few ideas I'd love to continue to reproduce, and am today officially launching a Request for Commissions for 2015. Here are a few of the lovely possibilities that could be yours, or someone you love. Customization is of course available, and open to discussion . . . view on.

Birdie for Everyone.
Needle felted sheep's wool, in some cases naturally dyed with plant dyes. A little cutie to hang, stand, or . . . wear? Depending on size you'd like, let's say +/- $12.00. 

Making Friends.
A mix of hand spun, hand dyed and lovely commercial yarns hand knit one at a time, but making a perfect pair. Can be hung by a yarn string. Depending on materials, color and size, let's call it +/- $35.00

Lettah Sweatah.
Haven't you always wanted one? I wasn't born in the 50s, but I sure was born FOR the '50s. Obviously, this is easily customized, for you or a dear one. Pick a color, size and letter, and consider it +/- $18.00

Teddy Heart.
He sure is a looker, and a hugger, and a keeper. What's your favorite color? Just let me know your specs, and we'll talk. He'll be pleased to be yours. Consider it roughly +/- $40.00

   

Little Mammal. 
Am I a sheep, a bear, dog or cat? I could be so many things to you, no? All materials and sizes considered, I'd say approx. +/- $12.00

    

 

Just Beachy.
This lovely peach colored BAMBOO fiber I hand spun into lovely singles yarn, than made an oh-so-soft rope for the evah surprising Southeastern Oyster shells. This ensemble is particularly nice against lots of exposed skin, don't you think? And, all in all, it's much lighter weight than you'd expect. We can talk color, fiber, and other specs. Let's start the convo at +/- $35.00.

April in Maine

If you look for it, you can still see a snow mound tucked into a shady spot here and there . . . on Tax Day. Hmmm.

It's a dirty time of year, so much salt and sand from the winter road maintenance, now left about everywhere it doesn't belong. Trash and other (read: dog poop) once hidden under wintry accumulation, now exposed to the light of day. Spring cleaning commences! Both indoors and out.Organizing the studio, the stash, the art gallery . . . moving things out as much as possible, through all channels available.

Charleston Aquarium Experience

I enjoyed my visit today. The animals were so impressive. Great for all ages.

It was pretty WOW.

On Instagram and Loving It

Staying Satisfied

Terrific new books borrowed from the library ...
Loads of inspiration here!

And an exhibition at The Halsey ... Simply wow.

Plus, everyday sightings in this very vibrant community ...

Positive Feedback

Our feline friend Jeremiah lives in VT and he needs indoor stimulation, especially this time of year. We sent him a New Year's handknit, felted gift to occupy himself, and here are the photos we received today to prove his approval  (they follow up the video that was shared earlier this month).

Jeremiah rudely woken up by the photographer . . . not happy!

Jeremiah in the throes of pleasure.

Jeremiah's mother Alyson testing the handknit hat and cowl, all allergy free! 

2015 Begins with a Creative Bang

Projects On-The-Road continue with more earring designs, and other delights.

jeremiah and his new cat toy ... handmade by lori at walking wool studio

Christmas Eve in charleston

Taking time to pause, reflect, and organize ... Including my little cottage industry aka studio on-the-road. It's been a most productive, fibery month here in the Holy City, such a friendly, attractive, and creative smallish urban locale. Has been good for our troubled souls, and we are grateful.

So, documentary images include: