Roslyn Logsdon

Architectural Elements: Hooked Rugs by Roslyn Logsdon, on view July 6 through September 29, 2012

The exhibition consists of 35 different pieces, all with an architectural theme. Many of the rugs are scenes from the artist's travels in Italy, France, and the U.S. and include arches, facades, cafes, rooftops and window reflections. Logsdon favors using fine #3 cut wool strips to create the depth and detail she is after. Of her work, Logsdon writes, "Though I started out as a painter many years ago, I discovered the art of rug hooking by chance and never left it. I think of my hooked wall hangings as paintings in fiber." The exhibition will be crowned by two receptions at Maine Fiberarts—

Sunday, August 5, from 2-5 p.m. (with a gallery talk scheduled from 2:30-3 p.m.)
Thursday, August 9, from 5-7 p.m. (during which the artist will be on hand to answer questions). The second reception is sponsored by Halcyon Yarn of Bath, who will provide refreshments. Both receptions are free and open to the public.

Logsdon maintains a teaching studio at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland and has been summering in Maine over many years. She has exhibited her work extensively in many states and countries since 1980; has had work included in major books and periodicals including FIBERARTS DESIGN BOOK, AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR, HOOKED RUGS, and "Rug Hooking Magazine;" and has taught workshops throughout the country. It is an honor to have her work on exhibit in Topsham. Rug hookers, artists, summer visitors to Maine and Maine residents are all encouraged to visit the show. Logsdon notes that her piece "Study in Brown," a hooked portrait of two men was "a turning point in my work. I would reawaken these gentlemen by recreating their images, and I would simultaneously solve the puzzle of how to work in such a close color range." Logsdon uses woolen material (tweeds, flat colors, hand dyed wools) and other materials (handspun yarn, commercial yarn, and non-woolen fabrics) and seeks to work in a subtle color palette to spark the viewer's imagination. One visitor called the pieces "both representational and abstract" at the same time.

Of her architectural work, Logsdon writes, "Architectural elements call me and I am fascinated with design combinations and with textural surfaces….The technique of rug hooking is similar to building—creating objects out of loops of colors…. At times, I feel as if I am constructing a building. Traveling has presented me with a multitude of images to play with. Gothic arches often found in European cathedrals call to me. I want to capture the flow of the line, the surface light, and the layers of space. That image is a statement about the inside looking up and around. I also find looking out of windows offers surfaces and shapes...stones, trees, other windows, light, shadow, depth. In all cases it is a selection of colors that create the space…colors that dance back and forth on the surface of the hooking."

Maine Fiberarts' staff "discovered" Logsdon's hookings during last year's Fiber Arts Tour Weekend. Roslyn was touring hooking studios and shops and came to Maine Fiberarts to learn about other Maine rug hookers. When pressed, she brought out postcards of her work and was subsequently invited to show. Logsdon has vowed to teach a hooking class for Maine Fiberarts next summer, and students who are interested should let the group know.

Since 2003, Maine Fiberarts has been showing the work of talented fiber artists in solo shows that change every two or three months.

Image above: "Duomo Facade"