Embellishment is usually seen as an enhancing surface additive. For the artists below embellishment becomes the structure of the piece, rather than just a tool to enhance it-- without embellishment there would be no piece. The work below is impressive in part due to the obsessive, labor intensive processes. But it also charms, amuses and transforms the mundane into extraordinary works of fine art.

LAUREN LEVY exemplifies this idea in her button-clad structural forms. Instead of embellishing clothing she makes clothing from embellishments. Her pieces become a symbol of women's work, recalling the early roots of traditional sewing and embroidery.

MARK NEWPORT also looks at stereotypical gender roles but he is the one stitching. Embellishing sports figures and strippers with beads, for example, he forces us to take a new look at masculine culture. With humor and style he turns trading cards into precious objects that simultaneously explore traditional male identity.

JERRY BLEEM transforms ordinary materials into elegant amoebic sculptures. His low- tech process of stapling creates the structure while at the same time embellishing the surface. Although innately simple, this obsessive technique defines a sense of order and control.

The ancient technique of knotless netting identifies JUDY MULFORD with the strong heritage of female basket makers. She embellishes a gourd or inner molded form to the point where it becomes merely the armature for her whimsical portrayals. Her exquisitely constructed baskets honor and celebrate the family.

MICHAEL BAILOT creates miniature vessels inspired by traditional Pomo basketry. Using Native American coiling techniques, he meticulously attaches hundreds of feathers to individual coils of cactus fibers. Each vessel vibrates with a natural spirit, at once shared and contained.

Enjoy the show and send us your own ideas on embellishment!