As many of you know, I've returned to Norman, Oklahoma after a wonderful year of study in Philly through 2009. I love Philadelphia. It's one of the cities along with Chicago, DC and San Francisco that has profoundly nurtured me throughout my twenty five... can it be thirty, year career as a fiber artist!
I needed that year to explore. What I recognize as a result of my time in UArts studying with Mi-Kyoung Lee and Warren Seelig is that process is where it's at. Life follows art follows life. As they say it's the journey not the destination. I came home hungry for more time, more opportunity to explore, to screw up, to stare blankly at an empty paper or fabric, move slowly or quickly and watch as the magic unfolds. What I didn't recognize then but I do recognize six months later is that the results of this type of exploration will always find it's way back into the fabric studio. I will always love textile and clothing design.
Thinking I had Kissed my beautiful business good-bye, I've been overwhelmed at the response from you, my clientele. who have continued to be here for me. We have been busy non-stop since January filling orders, receiving personal letters from so many wonderful people, explaining to me how Kiss is central to your wardrobes, how the clothes have never gone out of style, how they have given you comfort and how they serve a place in your lives that isn't easily filled.
Just as I don't always know how a piece of art might develop, I didn't know how Kiss of the Wolf would evolve as a result of my choice to simplify. Kiss has always had it's own life. It draws people, including the brilliant help I've had over the years, and the highly sophisticated, intelligent clientele for whom I am known . Kiss of the Wolf will evolve, just like we will. It guides me. We all have the opportunity to re-evaluate our lives, reviewing our past performance and visioning our best efforts toward the future.
I am not closing Kiss of the Wolf. I will cut back on doing so very many shows each year. I will try some new shows, just for the fun of it, (and apply to my favorites again in the future). I will find more time for experimentation! I am home now and welcome the opportunity to brainstorm with you, one on one, as I have in the past. Don't hesitate to call me.
In September I will send out a small catalogue by snail mail. My website will finally be updated. I will continue to blog and I hope to hear from you. I will post new ideas, share websites, and most importantly have an opportunity to hear what you are thinking.
I will be exhibiting at the Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show, October 22 - 24, 2010 in Washington, DC. I hope to see many of you there.
I never want to underestimate the importance of our community. virtual or not. We are a community. There is a commonality. Fiber is precious, primal and innate in us.
Many thanks and much love,
Lori
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January, 2010
Back in Oklahoma now, with my perspective enlarged, I am ever grateful for the recent opportunity which my daughter afforded me. I can look back at my year as expansive and empowering. I know that Serene’s experience has in that regard been much the same. She entered unknown, learned techniques in painting and fabric design, kept Kiss of the Wolf thriving, and ultimately created signature work.
She is following another thread now. She will pursue her two dimensional work and have a go at love sweet love.
I have been overwhelmed by the response I’ve had from so many of you. Thank you for loving Kiss and thank you for sharing with me the importance of this work in your lives and wardrobes.
I thank the Women’s Committees of Evanston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., all the volunteers, and my loyal clientele for their amazing support. All wonderful human beings.
I’ve had the privilege of allowing my art to flourish. I will continue to be true to it. Thank you, A.C.C. Thank you, Betsy.
Kiss has always been a team effort and I have recognized your abilities to visualize and often participate in the design process. Over the years Shawn and Laura have been invaluable as painters. Candy has loyally run the office and taken care of the books. Yan and Rong Jiao have contributed brilliantly to the tailoring of Kiss’ work.
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue as a community. As always, I will keep my eyes and ears open to your flow. Intuition rules. Synchronicity is the norm.
I realize that my website will continue as an important vehicle for communication, marketing, and linking. It is the ideal venue for me to let you know what stock I have remaining. I will continue to make new work and share that with you as well.
Kiss is available through the end of February for custom orders.
Much love,
Lori
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November 2009 - Letter from Lori
I am following a thread.
A thread that is born of passion, has its roots in Kiss, and has art and service at its core. A thread that is compelling because of its irresistible unfolding process. Watching the unfolding is the same process for me as developing a work of art.
I am reminded of the cycle that began my life as an adult. I hitchhiked away from New York of the Cross Bronx Expressway. I was not sure exactly where I was headed, but I had the feeling that I was supported and secured by the unknown. I had no expectations, and in a million years could never have imagined what would follow.
In this current cycle, I am experiencing something similar by opening up a space for the unknown to fruit. I could never have imagined that the most beautiful dream... a profound love of my work shared with my husband, Marshall, and received by an enlightened and supportive audience would have emerged. It has been a huge Blessing. I will say it this way. Thank you with all my heart.
I must continue to remind myself of the same subtle magic that has been a constant in my life. I am trusting that it will bring me where I must be now in this new chapter of my life. I will follow this thread and I will share my process with you.
You are my community. I will be in touch through a blog. Please check my website often. Who knows? I may cycle back into the market that I have loved so well and for so long. When I return, I will emerge with more layers, authenticity and new vision.
I promise that I will continue to bring my best to you always.
Thank you. Thank you. Please stay in touch.
Love,
Lori
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"All things change, nothing is extinguished. There is nothing in the whole world, which is permanent. Everything flows onward; all things are brought into being with a changing nature; the ages themselves glide by in constant movement."
Ovid
Also known as Lori’s left brain, Candy Hewitt is the business manager and the friendly voice on the other end of the phone. She is the positive spirit that has kept the business running smoothly for the last thirteen years.
Yan Lan and Rong Jiao Wang are the duo behind the detail. They sew and hand finish every garment with painstaking precision, adapting to the gentle lines intrinsic in each fabric and style. Ocassionally Sissy graces us with her presense in the studio.
Fabric artist Laura Cook meticulously hand paints fabrics for new garments. She is a graduate of the University of Idaho in the field of Clothing Textiles and Design. Laura has been working with Kiss since 2005, and is a constant in her contributions. Laura's one-of-a-kind silkscreen, shibori, and batik designs continue to bring intriguing elements to the Kiss collection.
This is the inspiration behind, around, and within Kiss of the Wolf. Individual pieces coming together… instinctively… to form the whole. The whole that is not created simply with patterns, but with passion.
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