Deborah Simeral

Growing up in New Orleans has definitely influenced my creative spirit. Experiences from childhood to adulthood left deep impressions on my soul and have surfaced in my art. My earliest visuals of New Orleans came from my father's business near the old Jax's Brewery and next to the Elmer's Candy Company. This was before River Walk, the World's Fair (old New Orleans), and the sights and sounds of the city intrigued my young mind. My family moved from the city to the "burbs," which would now open up a whole new world of "country" living. This was the very early beginning of the suburbs, where everyone had a large yard and neighbors were not too close. We were even able to have our horses next to our house. I spent many hours driving with my parents from our home, to school, to my dad's office, and took in all the sites. As I grew older, the French Quarter became one of my favorite places to hang out, shop, and explore. Like anyone else growing up in the 60s/70s I was drawn to the "different drummer." The mixture of cultures, art, and music inspired my creative nature. In 1977, I discovered my love for textiles through basketry, weaving, spinning, and natural dyeing. During a special class offered by the University of South Carolina in 1987, I was exposed to, and completely drawn to, a traditional Japanese folk art of Shibori dyeing. The technique of dyeing silk by binding, folding, and tying opened a new door to my traditional natural dye methods. At that point, I fell in love with the silk fabric and the endless patterns created with the water resist method. Still today, I continue to surprise myself with each garment or silk piece that I create. The colors, the lines, and the depths of pattern created awe and amaze me every time.

Music & Nature influence my choice of color, design, and form when working on silk. From Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dr. John, Van Morrison, Steve Cohn, Marc Broussard, zydeco the blues, or jazz, the music sets my mood and choice of color. KRVS is one of my favorite stations to dye by. The most relaxing moments are when I am dyeing. I sometime work outside to enjoy and listen to nature and the wild birds. I can actually forget about time and totally absorb myself into a piece for hours. Living in the country (between Grand Coteau and Arnaudville) has its advantages -- no neighbors, great work atmosphere, and inspiration from nature's colors; plus, I can turn up the volume. Some days, my only company are my three dogs (Cutler, Target, & Honey) and the red tail hawks. When working on a garment, I choose the fabric and work only on enough fabric for that garment -- generally four to six yards. I do not duplicate or mass-produce my garments/scarves. Every piece is a one-of-a-kind original. A few years ago, I teamed up with an extraordinary seamstress, Carolyn Marino. Together, we produce some awesome outfits for our customers.

When not working in the studio, I am an artist in the classroom for the Acadiana Arts Council program PACE (Primary Academic Creative Experience) in elementary schools in the Lafayette area. This program links the working artist in a classroom for one year. During this time the artist instructs students in the basic art techniques while incorporating the curriculum of that grade level; challenging, but very rewarding!

Carolyn and I are members of the Louisiana Crafts Guild. This organization represents the finest artisans who have been selected by a jury process. The Louisiana Crafts Guild passionately educates and promotes creative expression and artistic excellence in craft. and artistic excellence in craft.

My Favorite Dharma Products

Dharma Fiber Reactive Procion Dyes
My personal favorites Olive Drab, Bronze, Brazil nut, Khaki, Charcoal Gray. When teaching adults and students I always recommend to explore the possibilities and try a color they would normally not wear. Crepe de chine is my favorite silk for garments and scarves. The Silk Jacquards work great in my kimono jacket designs (unfortunately Dharma stopped carrying).

Website www.ddyedsilk.com currently under construction updating pics and information but check it out anyway. Also you contact me thru deborah@ddyedsilk.com.

Studio : By appointment only, so please give a call first.
318 Pirate's Cove Road (between Grand Coteau and Arnaudville- a great artist community which grew
after Katrina visited New Orleans)
337 654 5272 or 662 3861

Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery
219 East Vermilion Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
Gallery Hours
Tuesday - Friday 11:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm
www.louisianacraftsguild.org

Whoojoo Glass
532 Jefferson Street
Lafayette Louisiana 70501
337-269-9310
Hours Monday - Friday 9 - 5

Jill Marie Fine Art Galerie
734 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501
337 -264-7136
Hours Mon-Wed-Friday 10-3
www.jillmariefineart.com