NATASHA LEHRER
Art Instructor-- Fiber Arts Workshop
My journey in fiber arts
began eight years ago with a flock of sheep and a spinning wheel and has
since blossomed into a full fledged passion.
I work in many different techniques, from spinning to felting, hand
blending and dyeing to achieve just the emotion I am
looking for in a piece. My fibers come from local farms, and I
revel in the uniqueness of each type of fiber and its characteristics.
A variety of genres and
subjects are reflected in my work. My hope is to point viewers to the
creativity that God places in each person and in the beauty seen in the
surrounding world.
Inspiration comes from the many situations we find in our lives, and the
choice we make as to how we live. I feel art is an expression of my
beliefs, passions and convictions.
My pieces include a
piece commissioned for the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task
Force. Titled “From our Hands to Yours”, it represents fiber and farm
products, and the connection of the producer and consumer worlds. “Tiny
Calamity”, a felt piece, speaks of how life can be full of small and
seemingly insignificant things that culminate in a masterpiece when God
is the artist at work. A vessel, “Woman at the Well” represents our lives
as changed vessels in God’s hands. Many wearables flesh out my body of
work.
I have a passion for
gifting others with creativity and own and operate Esther’s Place in Big
Rock, IL. I teach classes there as well as at Waubonsee Community
College, at the Illinois Art Educators Conference and to groups and
organizations. My philosophy is that art can change people’s outlook and
give them a renewed sense of purpose in this hectic and busy world.
Exhibitions include the
Transformations Show and Vicinity Show 2007 at Norris Gallery in St.
Charles, IL, Fine Fiber and Folk Art Show in 2009 and 2008 sponsored by
the Northwest Area Arts Council, and Celestastity Art Show 2007 in
Aurora, IL. Honors include presenting at the USDA Partner’s Meeting in
Washington, D.C. in August of 2008, The Business Ledger’s
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Award in September 2007, first
place of the Celestastity Art Show, and recognition in the Northwest Area
Arts Council’s Handbag Exhibit.
Currently, I am a member
of the Kendall Arts Guild, Handweaver’s Guild of America, Surface Design,
Friends of Fiber Art, Fox Valley Knitter’s Guild, Illinois Green Pastures
Fiber Co-Op, Friends of Esther and the Illinois Art Educators
Association, and serve on the board of the Fox Valley Knitters’ Guild and
Friends of Esther. I enjoy working to raise awareness of fiber as an art
in the community, and have a passion to cultivate the spirit and skills
of budding artists!
other links for NATASHA LEHRER:
Esther's Place Fiber Arts Studio
