Giovanna Hesley, Artist
posted on January 21 2008 by elCID
Incredible fiber artist takes residence in Oracle, Arizona
A fabric artist, she works mostly in hand-dyed silks, creating bright, rich images onto the finest of fabrics. She delights in 'wearing' art. "How many paintings do you walk around with at parties? I love what I do because all can enjoy your wearable art, and it's functional - it keeps you stylish, or at the very least warm!"
Giovanna Hesley is a newcomer to Oracle, Arizona. "I just love this community - the natural beauty of the landscape, and the people in it. There are many artists here that create just beautiful pieces; hanging out with friends and loved ones is like going to a gallery every day."
What makes Giovanna so special is her ability to rally the artistic troops wherever she goes. "Art is so important to the world, it educates and delights, but it also unlocks creative forces important to civilization. Some people might think that silly, but it's more important to this world than anyone knows. Art is in our blood, our DNA. Expressing oneself is the ultimate in being alive." Giovanna rallied the artists for Art on American Avenue, and works tirelessly to promote Oracle as a destination to visit and a place for unique art. "We love when people visit our little town and see what we have to offer. Oracle is very creative and deserves more patrons, with all the creative talent here."
Giovanna captures the shimmering hues of the Arizona wilderness - the fleeting moments of color at sunrise and sunset; the splendor of spring in bloom; the blazing leaves in the canyons in autumn. Tempered with the muted tones of riverbed stones and hidden minerals and crystals, Giovanna's images symbolize the cycle of life. Most important to the artist is that her fabrics be used and appreciated, whether altering the mood of a room or worn. Giovanna combines the French certi method; arachi shibouri (a Japanese method of wrapping and hand-dying cloth); and modern computer-aided design techniques. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Fiber Arts Surface Design in 1989. She now holds a Master of Education degree and teaches at San Manuel Jr./Sr. High School both 7th grade Science and High School Drama. Giovanna has shown in craft galleries locally, statewide, nationally and internationally for the past 15 years.
Finally, Gio is a great friend. Her strength of spirit and love of fun gave strength to the Artsy project. Without her, Artsy would not be what it is today.
Discover Giovanna Hesley's art here >
Learn more about Oracle, here >
