Soft Borders
2019 SDA International Exhibition In Print

EXHIBITION: Each year, the Surface Design Association (SDA) 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 are featured in the Fall 2019 issue of the Surface Design Journal. The Surface Design Journal is read by artists, gallery owners, curators, scholars, and enthusiasts nationally and internationally. Entries may be submitted online Feb 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019 via CaFÉ. 

GOAL: Borders are often thought of as unyielding divides between ideas, cultures, beliefs, actions, and interests. They can also be the elastic edge between disciplines (ex. art and science), methods of making (ex. 3-D printing and handmade), or physical characteristics (ex. 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.

Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply.

JOURNAL OVERVIEW: Journal Editor Elizabeth Kozlowski and Co-editor Monika Auch will select work 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 addressing 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 www.surfacedesign.org.

GUEST EDITOR AND CO-JUROR: Artist and writer 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, 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. Information about SDA membership is available at the SDA website: https://www.surfacedesign.org/members/member-benefits/

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

ENTRY PROCEDURE: Entries are to be submitted online through CaFÉ. The following information is required for submission:

1. Name, address (and shipping address if different), telephone, e-mail.
2. Up to 3 artworks - maximum 2 images per artwork - 1 overall image and 1 detail of each artwork.  Submission of a detail is not required.
3. Images - full and detail - JPEG only; Upload options for image files:

• File format: JPEG only
• File dimensions: 1200 pixels or larger on longest side
• File resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution
• File size: 5 MB maximum

NOTE: Uploaded images are scaled by the system and two monitor versions are created: a small 100-pixel thumbnail and a large 700-pixel image. These images are available for preview in your portfolio after uploading.

4. Each image must be titled as follows: “Submission #/ Last name/ Title”.

5. A brief artist statement (50-100 words, maximum).

PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDELINES: As this call is for an exhibition in print, the quality of photographic documentation will impact the assessment of your work for inclusion in the Journal. All backgrounds should be neutral or grayscale unless color is part of the work.

NOTE: Artists must provide print quality images of selected work at 300 dpi, 6x8" min, jpg or Tiff.

AWARDS:

Award honorees will be featured with expanded coverage in the September publication of the Surface Design Journal Fall edition, Soft Borders: 2019 SDA International Exhibition in Print. Award categories are:

• Craft and Community
• Next Generation Award
• Fiber Reinterpreted
• Innovation in Technique
• Material Exploration Award
• Surface Design Award
• ​Guest Juror Award

IMPORTANT DATES:

Feb 1- May 31, 2019  Call for Entry open through CaFÉ
June 1-21, 2019         Jurying Process
June 28, 2019            Artist notification of acceptance
July 8, 2019               Text, images, and captions for publication due
Aug 2, 2019               Design Phase for Journal begins
Sept 20, 2019            Publication of Journal

Surface Design Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization founded in 1977, is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of textile-inspired art and design through member-supported benefits including publications, exhibitions and conferences. Visit us at www.surfacedesign.org. For questions, contact info@surfacedesign.org.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria