Monday, September 15, 2008

The Amazing Textile Collection

Dick'sTent

Fiber College 2008 was lots of fun, I only wish I could have taken some classes in addition to teaching one. Natural Dying, Beading, Quilting with photographic images, Rug Hooking, Jackie Fee taught a class, the list goes on. Plus it is not too big, not too small but just the right size. I urge anyone who likes fiber and longs to spend some time on one of the most beautiful beaches in Maine, to sign up for next year's event.

Dick Johnson, has spent the last 20 summers at the idyllic Searsport Shores Campground. It was our good fortune that Fiber College came to him 3 years ago! Up until that time, no one really understood his life long fascination with ethnic textiles From his time in the Peace Corp through his thirty years spent in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other stan's he has amassed an amazing, carefully gathered selection of garments, caps,throws, tents, hats, camel bags and I'm sure countless other things. I only had a glimpse of his collection and it totally floored me. When he returns next summer I'll help him photograph it a start a blog to document his collection. Piece by piece we'll learn about the people who made the items and Dick's own stories of where, when and how.
The tent above is just a hint of what's to come next summer.

7 comments:

kat coyle said...

fabulous!

magnusmog said...

wonderful colours and inspiration.

Unionpearl said...

Gorgeous textiles! What a treat it must have been. I really enjoyed reading the interview with you on the Fiber College site & learning more about the event--sounds heavenly. Believe it or not, I camped at Searsport Shores last summer, and was wondering why they had drop spindles in their office!

Unionpearl said...

Had to follow that last one up with this: I’ve nominated you for an “I Love Your Blog” award. I’m sure this will be your 63rd, but it is given in real appreciation for your amazing work (photographic & textile) and willingness to share it so freely. Details about the award & how to pass it along on the sidebar of my blog.

tesni said...

ahhhh amazing!!! sounds like a dreamjob!! his and yours! it was good to see you this weekend, thanks for coming to dinner! :)

craftivore said...

Is the tent from Cairo? Lovely photos.

mary jane said...

Don't know where the tent is from, I was told they're set up in the desert...and are common. Dick left so quickly I barely had a chat. And Thanks for the nomination union purl