Long-time Plainsboro resident Liz Adams showcases her artwork in the exhibit “Leap, and the Net Will Appear” at the Plainsboro Public Library through Wednesday, June 22. An opening reception for the exhibit featuring her collection of contemporary textiles including goldwork embroidery, homespun weaving in wire and yarn, freeform knitting and crocheting, beading, and yarn arts takes place Sunday, June 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a talk by Adams on her artistic process at 3 p.m.
Adams found the title of her show, “Leap, and the Net Will Appear,” to be fitting because she sees it as her philosophy of life as well as her art. “The idea is to take intelligent risks; then allow events to be your partner in creating,” she says. “Only minimal planning, then a big investment of energy in the process. It fuels art, which then opens up ideas you could not foresee nor arrange ahead of time. And it involves generosity in both giving and receiving materials, time, and attention and sharing freely throughout the adventure.”
The artist created her piece “Butterfly Habitat” by putting together two dismantled artworks and adding stumpwork butterflies that she had been working with and teaching to other stitchers. (Stumpwork is 3D wired art to allow motifs to be attached to a background.) It was risky to take apart two complete artworks in order to create a new one, but it worked well and created a masterpiece.
To create “Holding up the Sky,” a freeform weaving and beaded piece, Adams used a copper wire from an old washing machine and roving from her spinning supplies. The piece symbolizes women’s joys and fears of holding up their lives.
During the “Nine Thursdays: An Artist in Residence” program this spring at the Plainsboro Public Library, Adams worked on her artwork for the public to watch and admire in the library’s cafe area. Adams created the artist in residence program in 2014, when she put together her tapestry “Four Sisters,” which is on display on the second floor of the library.
Adams has been a resident of Plainsboro for more than 30 years, and was named “2013 Artist of the Year.” She was an initial founder of the Gallery at Plainsboro Library and helped establish the library’s fall arts festival and summer arts and science programs. She has taught art classes to people of all ages at organizations including Princeton Adult School, Homefront, and Princeton YWCA, and has two blogs combining writing, art, and photography: www.fieldfen.blogspot.com and www.beautifulmetaphor.blogspot.com. Her work can also be seen on Twitter and Instagram.
Art Exhibit, Plainsboro Library, 9 Van Doren Street. On view through Wednesday, June 22. Reception and artist talk Sunday, June 12, 2 to 4 p.m. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro
