Give it a punch! Christopher Rowley’s Technique
The Regrettable Truth of the Cliché by Christopher Rowley opened on Artsy.net today! What amazing work. Four of his pieces are in the Windows on Cedar Project at Susan Hensel Gallery as well, so people who are local or travel to Minneapolis can see them in person.
Give it a punch! Christopher Rowley’s Technique
The four pieces are roughly 23″ x 24″, $3200 each. From left to right: I’m Sorry if I appear Disinterested; Double Downward Swing; A Modest Slaughterhouse; You must… you mustn’t.
How on earth did he make them? Generally speaking what he does is related to rug hooking…but is not what you think! As soon as I saw the artworks in person again, I realized that the loops are what we see…not shag as in traditional rug hooking. What he does is punch-needle embroidery. Punch needles for rugs are larger than for table linens.
Punch needles for rugs are larger than for table linens. The needles for rugs are sturdy, beautiful tools, made to carry thicker yarns.They carry the yarn, and when used properly, create an even loop for your design.
In punch-needle embroidery, the design is drawn on the back of the monks cloth and worked from the back. (Monks cloth is a gridded cotton or linen fabric that, much like counted cross stitch fabric, allowing you to keep your stitches orderly.) If you want to see a little more about punch needle rugs, go to https://youtu.be/0s9tg7SENfo.
I have been asked if the pieced are “stuffed.” Chris told me that they are stretched over light batting. He stretches the pieces on “over-built” panels. They have some serious heft to them, which is very satisfying. ˆThe stretching is super smooth, no dents along the edges. The pieces are sculptural without being imposing. He did not want their sculptural nature to over take their graphic design. In my opinion, they are a perfect balance of 3-d and 2-d.
Do drive by the studio if you are in town.
Stop and say “Hi.”
I am always here, working.
About Susan Hensel Gallery
Opened September 10th, 2004 Susan Hensel Gallery was a gallery/ workspace presenting 5-6 shows per year devoted to the concept of narrative in the arts in an intimate space, with hardwood floors and high tin ceilings. The Susan Hensel Gallery is now both a window gallery on Cedar Avenue, the main thoroughfare in south Minneapolis and an online venture represented on Artsy.net.
In March 2013, the interior space reverted to a working studio for Susan Hensel where she continues to work on small and large scale artwork with an attitude. You can find her current work at Susan Hensel Projects
The studio remains open to the public by appointment or chance, on Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. You are welcome to drop by this gallery/workspace at any time, but a call ahead prevents frustration. The well lit Windows on Cedar Project are available to be seen 24 hours a day.
