Resolutions & Looking Back: SKIRT with League of Women Designers

I'm skeptical about New Year's resolutions--they are so ripe for falling through--but if I were to decide on one, it would be to communicate better. I want to be an even better listener; and to chose my words wisely to share my story and ideas with confidence and clarity. These are things I'm always trying to improve on, but in the form of a resolution, it is nicely packaged and allows a chance to reflect. 

This brings me to cover some things from this year that I never quite wrapped up. I've been a part of League of Women Designers (LWD Chicago) for almost three years now and I still find--and have always found--it to be a very grounding element of my career and practice. The atmosphere Kari Merkl has created (she started a chapter here in 2011 after moving from Portland) is open, supportive, engaging and dynamic. I gain something personal and professional each time we meet.

Early in 2013 LWD Chicago agreed we should plan an inaugural exhibition introducing the group's work to the city through a centrally themed show, which was also in response to the Portland group's Ruffle show. I spearheaded the organization, and while conceiving of it was greatly influenced by the documentary Makers, and by being a new mother who was balancing family and career. I was interested in understanding the sentiments of these women, to see how they were affected--adversely or not, privately or overtly--by being a women in their profession. I chose the word SKIRT, as the title of the show, a catalyst for creative thought, and to which each artist or designer would react to while creating their piece. Skirt, with its multiple meanings, allowed the artists/ designers to address women's issues or not. Are we 'skirting' around the fact that many professions are still male-dominated? Do we want to talk about it? Are we 'skirting' the topic of feminism? How does this manifest physically? How does one material 'skirt' around another? These were the some of the questions I wanted to address. 

The exhibition ran from June 15 - July 27th, 2013 and was held at Manifold gallery and workshop. It featured 13 members of the group, from various disciplines: graphic design, fashion design, furniture design and fine art. What resulted was a wide ranging approach in various mediums, expressing both sides of a coin: masculine and feminine, delicate and strong, understated and bold. An essay by Chicago based lifestyle writer Lauren Viera accompanied the exhibition. Participating artists included:

Heather Anderson  

Araidia Blackburn               
Bridgette Buckley
Stephanie Cobb                  
Jennifer Farrell
Elizabeth Fiersten
Eve Fineman                                   
Jamie Hayes
Kari Merkl                 
Donna Piacenza                 
Linda Pulik   
Catherine McCulloch
Heather Mullins

Jamie Hayes, Skant

Exhibition view

(L to R) Eve Fineman, A-line Stool; Stephanie Cobb, Double Slit; Kari Merkl, Holder

(L to R) Araidia Blackburn, Organza Half Slip; Catherine McCulloch, Table Skirt; Heather Mullins, Voids of our Blue Bin System

Elizabeth Fiersten, Fringe Pendant Lights