Missy’s gorgeous paintings of Anatolian textiles and fly fishing lures were inspired by her travels after college. While abroad in Turkey on a Fulbright Fellowship, Missy learned how to flat-weave “kilim” rugs and knotted pile carpets; her vivid textile paintings follow traditional Turkish design principles, but are original designs, not copies of patterns from existing rugs.
“Before photography, painting was the primary means used by historians to document national treasures, such as these intricate and beautiful textiles,” Missy writes. “I continue in this tradition in hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of this ancient art form that modestly lies beneath our feet.”
“As he held out each fly, he told the story of how it was made, the feathers used in its construction, and the fish species it attracts,” she writes. “At that moment my love of color and pattern extended to another art form: fly tying. Back in Turkey, I had no means of learning how to tie flies, so I began painting them instead.”
Missy’s exquisite acrylic-ink-on-paper works will be featured at Edgewater through the month of June. They are a perfect complement, in subject and style, to the intricate watercolors of Lincoln artist Nick Mayer, whose work is also highlighted at Edgewater this month. Nick is a full time nature illustrator, former marine biologist, and avid fly fisherman who paints fish and other wildlife with a uniquely scientific perspective.
Together, these two artists are carrying the gallery into early summer — and fishing season! We hope you’ll swing by this Friday for a chance to meet them in person, see the artwork, participate in a fly-tying demonstration by local expert Peter Burton, and enjoy light bites by 3 Squares Cafe of Vergennes!
