SMADAR KNOBLER
BIOGRAPHY
My parents had a great influence over my development as a textile artist. My father sold and repaired sewing machines in Israel and my mother sewed and knitted all our clothes. As a very small child, I closely watched my mother as she worked with yarn, fabric and paper and my father as he created beautiful small figurines from spare parts. These early experiences infused me with a love and appreciation for textiles, colors, and beautiful handmade one-of-a-kind art. While still a youngster, I moved with my family to the U.S. where I continued to study ART. I graduated from California State University Northridge with a degree in weaving and sculpture. At the same time, I obtained a degree in Judaic studies from the University of Judaism. These two passions, my love of art and my heritage, are incorporated in my work.
After painting with watercolors for a while, I discovered SILK ART and fell completely in love. Painting on silk is very much like painting on watercolor paper, except that you can wear what you create, and you can feel the sensual fabric against your skin. I now paint on silk almost exclusively. The brilliance of the dyes and the surfaces of the shimmering silk fabric captivate me. I continue to discover different ways to paint and enhance the fabrics. I hand paint on only the finest silks. The majority of the dyes I use are steam-set to preserve their brilliance, but recently I’ve been using heat-set dyes as well. My inspiration comes from Nature and the beauty all around us. My wearable one-of-a-kind art pieces include Chinese blouses, long and short vests, kimonos, scarves, capes and ties. I have also painted Judaic items, such as custom talit, hallah covers and matzo covers. In recent years, non-wearable items such as wall art, Chinese screens and wall hangings, have been added to my repertoire, as have paintings in oil and pastels. I have been painting on silk for quite a few years and my work has been seen in many art shows, exhibits and fashionable boutiques. My pieces have appeared in Belle Armoire Art To Wear magazine. I have also designed 2 fabric lines for RJR Fabrics (MY SECRET GARDEN and TRANQUIL WATERS). My quilt, “Majestic Leya,” has been published in The Natural World Art Quilt 2012.
My newest work has been inspired by the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forests in the High Sierra, in California. To capture the beauty and spirit of these ancient trees, I created a series of sculptural forms in silk and other textiles and incorporated them into a unique and vibrant wall art.
I teach Silk Painting workshop in my studio, and also at various conferences around the state. I also teach watercolor classes, at the Cancer Support Group in Valley/Ventura, CA. I love to share my passion for the painted surface with my students. I enjoy watching the pleasure they get discovering all their hidden talents.
Artist Statement
My newest work has been inspired by the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forests in the High Sierra, in California. To capture the beauty and spirit of these ancient trees, I created a series of sculptural forms in silk and other textiles and incorporated them into a unique and vibrant wall art.
My desire to create such vital art forms is elemental. I have an inescapable desire to capture the images that dazzle my mind in a visual form. Just like a composer who hears a symphony in his head, I see visual images of my composition before I put a single brush stroke, a stitch, or a sketch on the canvas. When I come upon a scene in nature that mesmerizes me, I’m driven to capture it in such a way that recreates the mood, the light, or the feeling that took my breath away. By changing my designs and techniques as I render new images, I keep my work fresh and engaging. Every new piece I create presents its own challenges and pushes me further to explore new avenues. My artistic goal is to move the viewer to experience that same awe and appreciation for nature that inspired me to create it.
Artist Resume
Education
California State University Northridge: BA in art (sculpture and weaving)
American Jewish University Los Angeles: BA in Judaic studies
Publications
Belle Armoire Art to Wear Magazine (several issues).
The Natural World Art Quilt Portfolio (2012), “Majestic Leya Quilt”
Surface Art Association News Letter Issue #4- Dec. 2012 Featured Artist
Awards
Santa Barbara Fiber Arts Show, Santa Barbara, CA (2007): Honorable Mention Award for “Iris in Bloom”
Textile Design
RJR Fabrics (MY SECRET GARDEN and TRANQUIL WATERS)
Workshops and Lectures
Pomegranate Art Guild Conference workshops
Simi Valley Art Guild
Valley of the Mist Quilt Guild- lecture and workshop
Surface Art Association lecture and workshop
Affiliation
Surface Art Association, SAA www.surfaceartassociation.com
Surface Design Association, SDA www.surfacedesign.org
Studio Channel Islands Art Center, SCIART www.studiochannelislands.org
Studio Art Quilt Associates, SAQA www.saqa.com
San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center, SFVACC www.sfvacc.org/center