Only 1 Week Left to Apply to “Soft Borders: EIP”

May 24, 2019

Surface Design Association’s International Exhibition In Print showcases the breadth and depth of contemporary artists and designers working with or inspired by fiber art and/or textile-based materials, methods, and techniques. The work of selected artists is featured in the Fall 2019 issue of the Surface Design Journal, read by international artists, gallery owners, curators, scholars, and enthusiasts.

Borders are often thought of as unyielding divides between ideas, cultures, beliefs, actions, and interests. They can also be the elastic edge between disciplines (eg. art and science), methods of making (eg. 3-D printing and handmade), or physical characteristics (eg. frayed or neat edges). These are the dynamic areas where opposites meet and innovation is born. Borders can carry political weight, for example the “soft” borders between European Union countries, the historic iron curtain, or the United States/Mexico border. What are your visualizations and material reflections of borders?

Artists are encouraged to submit work of any size or format that demonstrates the use of fibers or textile-based media, including nontraditional materials and techniques. Surface Design Journal welcomes work that embraces traditional 2D and 3D forms, while also seeking work that challenges and expands the contemporary definitions of textile/fiber-based art and design such as: digital (design/animation), time-based (video/performance), conceptual, installation, land, book, sculptural, basketry, textile, wearables, fashion, interior design, product design, and craft-as-social-practice.

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Past EIP Award-Winners:

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Journal Overview

Work will be selected for inclusion in a comprehensive print and digital edition of the Surface Design Journal. The publication will include full and detailed images as well as artist statements and juror reflections that address the context of the work in the exhibition and its place within the evolution of broader trends in contemporary textile/fiber-based arts.

Artists whose work is selected will receive one complimentary print copy of the Surface Design Journal. Print and digital versions will be available for purchase on the SDA website.

Guest Editor and Co-Juror

Artist and writer Monika Auch will join Elizabeth Kozlowski, Surface Design Journal Editor, as a guest editor and co-juror. Monika Auch exchanged her career as a medical doctor in women’s health for a focus in the Arts. Her dual practice in making and research is based upon the intellect of the handmade and its effects on our well-being. The Weeflab project promotes weaving as a combination of skills, networking, and research. Auch developed and manages the international research project stitch_your_brain, an investigation into the hand-brain-axis and neurocognitive aspects of creativity. Monika received her B.A. in textiles from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, Amsterdam and serves as editor of the Dutch Magazine kM, with a focus on artist’s materials and techniques, and contributing writer for TxP and Surface Design Journal.

Eligibility and Entry Fee

This exhibition is open to all artists working in all media, with discounted entry fee offered to SDA members. Artists may enter up to three artworks. 2D and 3D works are eligible, as is documentation of time-based media, performance, or conceptual work. Only photographic documentation of work will be considered. Work must have been completed since January 1, 2017. Work executed under classroom/educational guidance or supervision is not eligible.

Submit your entry online Feb 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019 at CaFÉ

• $20 entry fee for SDA members, up to 3 artworks.
• $45 entry fee for non-members, up to 3 artworks.

Important Dates

• Feb 1 – May 31, 2019 – Call for Entry open at CaFÉ
• June 1 – 21, 2019 – Jurying Process
• June 28, 2019 – Artist notification of acceptance
• July 8, 2019 – Text, images, and captions for publication due
• August 2, 2019 – Design Phase for Journal begins
• September 20, 2019 – Publication of Journal