Michael Weaver has a gift that extends beyond the physical representation of his artwork. His talent is not only creating mixed media pieces, but also showcasing the juxtaposition of his subjects. The “(Un)Common Threads” that bind life and death, fine art and craft, darkness and light, and so much more of our daily lives are the connecting ties symbolized in Weaver’s upcoming exhibition in the Romano Gallery at Blair Academy from March 22 to April 21.
Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Weaver crafted his skill at Kutztown University, where he received a BFA in crafts with a focus in fibers and a BS in art education. Most recently, he earned his graphic design certification at the California Institute of the Arts. Now a Philadelphia resident, Weaver is most comfortable focusing on his work in his home studio filled with multiple pieces at various stages of completion as each new idea inspires him.
“In my upcoming exhibition, I hope students see that growth and change is important for any artist,” Weaver said. “You may look back at your oldest work and imagine what you may have done better, but without that first step, you would not be where you are now. It’s that first knot in the embroidery that acts as the anchor for a piece to hold on to. Without it, you risk it all falling apart.”
Weaver often uses the vestiges of life forms as inspiration, and in this exhibit, skulls emerge as a recurrent motif. Beginning with an illustration, the artist delicately embellishes each piece with embroidery, exploring the meaning that his subjects hold with each layered composition.
“Since college, I have continually explored the combination of fiber embroidery with what are considered very traditional mediums for fine art making,” Weaver explained. “I explore different base mediums and substrates, as well as different subjects, before finding my muse in the remains of the creatures I use as subjects.”
Weaver’s collection of fine art embellished with embroidery has been showcased in exhibits across the country and in Australia. During his exhibition in the Romano Gallery, an artist’s reception will be held on March 30, beginning at 7 p.m., and members of the public are welcome to attend.
This article has been reprinted with permission from the Blair Academy website.
