The Fiber of the Matter (la Fibre del Asunto) opened this past weekend at The Icehouse in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an exhibition of 9 fiber artists, curated by contributing artist, Christy Puetz. The show consists almost entirely of installation work -- everything from a field of felt poppies suspended in delicate white sand to an eerily lit elevator shaft filled with branches that seem to have sprouted hairballs. My personal favorites include Puetz's intricately detailed beaded chickens and a giant braid. The chickens are sparkly and lovely with their brightly colored beaded surfaces and color-coded bases, yet which upon further examination reveal the story of how communicable diseases are spread. (Thought provoking!) A braid sounds simple enough, but this new take on Rapunzel was made from plastic tubes stuffed with newspapers and print ads. It was of monumental scale, spiraling an entire room, running up a 2-story wall, out the open cieling and falling massively yet gracefully down the front of the building. I myself unfurled about 27 feet of a piece in progress that, when complete will have 40 feet of paper surface entirely covered with tiny running stitches.

If you are in the Phoenix area, this show is a must-see. (Actually, more of a must-experience.) The Icehouse is open by appointment only, but the closing reception is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 6-10pm.

The Icehouse, 429 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 -- http://www.theicehouseaz.com/

Contact Christy Puetz at 602-253-8310 for an appointment