Showcasing the talent and skill of textile artist and sTRing Improvisations founder Nancy Garniez
Tonal Refraction (TR) is Nancy Garniez's original method of offering individuals a means using colors and a grid to visualize the way they hear specific tones. Once made, an image enables dialogue about the otherwise invisible, deeply private act of hearing. Unlike printed notes, in the realm of color there is no right or wrong, only play. Thus, a person may become aware of powerful, unconsciously perceived elements of musical sound.
sTRing Improvisations: colorful art crafted of recycled fibers for lovers of distinctive garments and painterly wall hangings. What started as a hobby using leftovers turned into an art in which Nancy Garniez let colors come alive as tones do in her music.
The sTRing Improvisations Winter Boutique Show and Sale raised over $2,000 for the purposes of Tonal Refraction, through the fiscal sponsorship of Fractured Atlas. Many thanks to all who came, who tried, who gave so generously, and who will be wearing one-of-a-kind never-again creations.
These colorful and vibrant works of art are inspired by African and Mayan design, combined with European needle-craft technique, and a painterly eye. From wearable garments such as tops, scarfs, shawls, and dresses, to wall art, throws and rugs, each piece is improvised in response to the textures and colors of the recycled fibers.
Recycling is second nature to Nancy Garniez, dating from her wartime childhood when everything was used twice, from cooking grease returned to the butcher, to her father's old shirts which her mother fashioned into infant clothing.
There will be no more of these one-of-a-kind creations: Nancy's fascination with color and texture has given way to renewed concentration on the piano. A succession of miracles has permitted her, since the age of 82, to play as never before, now in the company of Artie Dibble, violin/viola; and Dave Eggar, cello: The Tonal Refraction Ensemble.
Please feel free to scroll down to see the full catalog of wearable art: kente-cloth- and huipil-inspired tops, vibrant and colorful shawls and scarves, coverlets, wall hangings, and rugs. Purchases are tax-deductible (less the cost of materials) through the fiscal sponsorship of Fractured Atlas. Prices range from $100 to $1,000.
nancygarniez@tonalrefraction.com. Photos: Albie Mitchell Thanks to models: Grace Tei & Rachelle Garniez
Curiously, patterns revealed in a finished Tonal Refraction bear uncanny resemblance to some tradintional Kente designs (at right).
Mozart G minor Piano Quartet:
Tonal Refraction 1, p. 15