Recently, we were approached by Angela DeCarlis, who reached out to us on Instagram with an exciting proposition. They invited us to submit a few of our fishing flies for an upcoming exhibition titled “SOFT: Tradition and Rebellion in Fiber Arts” at the Historic Thomas Center in Gainesville, FL. Alex and I have been combining the art of fly tying with digital media to create immersive experiences that blend visual and auditory stimulation, so it seemed we would be a good fit.
For us, fly tying isn’t just about crafting fishing flies; it’s a form of fiber art in its own right. My background in fiber arts and a love of fishing led me to explore the intricate world of fly tying. Meanwhile, Alex’s expertise in videography adds another dimension to our collaborative process. By capturing the fly tying process on camera and editing the footage into mesmerizing videos, we aim to evoke a sense of tranquility and immersion for our audience. It’s an art form that transcends the traditional boundaries of fishing and enters the realm of sensory experience.
So, Angela approa
ched us about showcasing our flies in the SOFT exhibition, we jumped at the opportunity. The exhibit, which explores themes of materiality, intentionality, and tactility, seemed like the perfect platform to showcase the intersection of fly tying and fiber arts. Once our pieces were accepted, Angela connected us with Anne Gilroy, one of the exhibit curators, and together we all worked together to decide how best to display the flies for the show.
Three of our flies – Thrasher, Woolly Bugger, and Magic Shrimp – are currently on loan for the exhibition. They’re displayed opposite a monitor that plays the corresponding 60-second videos on a loop, offering viewers a multi-sensory experience for viewers.
From May 2 to August 23, 2024, visitors to the Historic Thomas Center can view the SOFT exhibit and our flies therein. Whether you’re an avid angler, a seasoned artist, or simply curious about the intersection of fishing and fiber arts, we invite you to join us on this unique journey.
Thank you to Anne, Angela, and the entire team behind the SOFT exhibition for giving us the opportunity to share our passion project with a wider audience. And to all our supporters and fellow fly fishing enthusiasts, we hope you’ll stop by the Thomas Center if you’re in the area and experience the work of all of the amazing artists participating. We got a pre-show tour of the exhibit and were blown away by the variety, creativity, and beauty of the pieces and their creators.
From the curators: SOFT features the fabric, fiber, and filament work of 50 artists from the Gainesville arts community and beyond. The curators of this exhibition have taken a broad approach in their selection of objects, creating an experience of gentle immersion in textile arts for the viewer. From tradition to rebellion, the artists of SOFT mix media in surprising ways. They are connected through their emphasis on materiality, intentionality and tactility.
SOFT will be presented at the Galleries at the Historic Thomas Center in collaboration with Gainesville Fine Arts Association. This exhibition is free and open to the public.
GALLERY HOURS: Mon, Thurs, Fri | 8am–5pm Tues, Wed | 8am–7pm
Curated by Katy Lemle and Anne E. Gilroy
Reception sponsored by Mike Hastings, Realtor, Arista Realty
Produced by the City of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department and Florida Division of Arts & Culture
Image: Detail from “Buddies Club for Men” by Michael Espinoza
