An exhibition titled, “Off the Wheel,” by Kansas City artist Debbie Barrett-Jones is on display here at Blue Bouquet in the Crossroads area of Kansas City, MO.

When we moved into our new shop we knew we wanted to showcase some local art on our otherwise bare walls. Debbie has been a perfect fit for us. Her work is intricate, rich in texture, drenched in color and yet very simple at the same time. As a person, Debbie is warm and approachable. The same can be said for her textiles.

There’s a few pictures here, but they hardly capture the colors. You must come down and see for yourself. The shop will be open this Friday evening, June 5th, for “First Friday”. If you’ve never been down to the Crossroads for a first friday, now’s the time. Our shop is located at 517 East 18th St.

Artist’s Statement:

“The exhibition is a collection of interpretive studies of the color wheel. Using the process of color mixing and percentage gradation dyeing, each woven panel reveals the beautiful communication that passes between one color thread intersecting another. Her panels are comprised of vibrating colors and elegant patterns, narratives in flux according to one’s proximity to each piece.

Harmony is the key element in my artwork and can be defined as the pleasing arrangements of parts that bring an inner sense of order. In my weavings these arrangements are brought out in a gradation of color, pattern, spacing and scale.

The process of weaving fascinates me from beginning to end; and the ability to control that process is an integral part of my work: drawing plans, drafting the pattern and scale, and dyeing the yarn using a gradation percentage process. I am always aware of the space between each thread shot, as well as the lines the thread makes itself.

When installing a piece, I am aware of the space around the woven panel. All these elements within the process are equally essential in creating stimulating, rich, and calming art.”

Since graduating in 2007 from the Kansas City Art Institute with a B.F.A. in Textiles, Debbie Barrett-Jones has exhibited her work throughout the United States. Along with weaving large-scale pieces for homes, businesses and sanctuaries, including one six-panel commission for a church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Kansas City, she also creates small, intimate pieces, such as scarves and shawls. With each weaving, careful consideration goes into color, composition and material. Color is where she finds inspiration, and that is why she hand-dyes her materials.

Contact Info:

Debbie Barrett-Jones
816-718-6732
www.DebbieBarrettJones.com
www.BillySueTextiles.Etsy.com