Loops & Bloops

LEVEL visiting artists Lauren Leone and Mike Gintz present an artist talk and hands-on embroidery workshop. The event is based on an artistic collaboration they titled “Loops & Bloops”, a creative conversation between their chosen mediums – embroidery and electronic music, respectively. As distant as those art forms may superficially seem, the back and forth tradeoff proved to be a demonstration of how ideas can be translated across disciplines, from the aural to the visual, ephemeral to tactile, and back again. The result — a “red” thread starting with Lauren’s embroidery, and a parallel “black” thread starting with Mike’s synthesizer explorations — is a synesthetic testament to the acts of listening, observing, and responding in kind.

Lauren will teach attendees to embroider (no prior sewing experience necessary; all materials will be provided) while Mike performs a mix of music created during the residency and live improvisation. Attendees can respond to his music in real time with some improvisational embroidery, culminating in the creation of an ephemeral community “Loops & Bloops” quilt before folks depart with their work.

Leading up to and through their residency, Lauren is soliciting textile donations to use in the work she creates during her time at LEVEL. She is drawn to the stories that textiles hold. If you would like to contribute, contact levelretreat@gmail.com to arrange a drop off of any old clothes or fabric scraps, with an optional note about the materials you’re donating.

* Please note: In the spirit of community care, masking is encouraged for this event. Lauren’s work frequently addresses chronic illness and disability and she is invested in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for art-making and community gatherings.