Artistic neighbors share studio "at home"

Junko Eccles and Marjorie Hoeltzel are artists who live in the same building on Maryland Avenue. When Marjorie had space to spare in her top-floor condo, she suggested to Junko that they convert the rooms into an art studio. They work together a couple of times a week; otherwise, if inspiration strikes in the middle of the night, one can head to the studio without disturbing the other. 

Marjorie, a fiber artist, utilizes neckties which she cuts apart as fabric for her pieced art. There are baskets and baskets of ties in the studio arranged according to color. She has been working in this medium since the 70's, and over these many years has developed many friendships in the St. Louis art community. At one time Marjorie had a studio on Compton Avenue with fiber artist and former CWEnder Jane Sauer, whose art basket is on permanent display at the American Craft Museum in NY. Painter Mary Sprague, and nationally-known printmaker Peter Marcus were also in that building on Compton. She maintains a great friendship with her mentor, artist Leslie Laskey, another CWE resident.  

And, above, the thread that binds the pieces together...I love the colors and artful arrangement.  

This necktie composition, shown above, is titled "The Seasons in Real Time," inspired by the view out the studio's windows. Marjorie exhibited her work at Art St. Louis last September, and in the gallery at Left Bank Books a couple of years ago. For that exhibition, she digressed from her normal medium and made pieces using vintage department store labels.
This is Marjorie's entry in the upcoming "Charity Art Sale: Celebrate Again" sponsored by "13 Squared," both opening at the Regional Arts Commission this Friday, 6128 Delmar, 6 to 8 p.m. The annual art sale consists of 125 donated works, $50 each, and will benefit RAC. The sale starts at 7:30 p.m.
 

The first words Junko Eccles used to talk about her corner of the studio were to describe the light in this studio up in the treetops--it floods the room from the north and west. She is currently working in oil, but when she painted in a little gallery on Euclid until recently, she used watercolors and would exhibit with friends from the Watercolor Society of St. Louis.

Junko used a passion flower vine from Marjorie's rooftop garden as inspiration. When I visited the two of them Junko touchingly told Marjorie that she was her mentor...the compliment was apparently unexpected.

More inspiration for the painter.

Junko is also exhibiting at the Regional Arts Commission exhibition this weekend. Until now, she has not felt ready to sell her art. At the time of my visit Junko had not decided which of these two paintings (above) she would show.

 

The synergy between the two women, connected by art and vertical living, is another example of how much there is to learn about our interesting neighbors. More to come. 

 

For info on Marjorie Hoeltzel's art: mmhoeltzel@sbcglobal.net

Comments

[charlotte]

so enjoyed this peek into the studio and art of both women. my best to Marjorie!