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 I recently went to a screening of the film Handmade Nation at Portland’s excellent Museum of Contemporary Craft. And while the movie was good, what really stayed with me was what I saw on my way to the screening room. Seattle artist Mandy Greer’s installation Dare alla Luce, which closes next week, manages to combine macro and micro in the most striking of ways: The installation comprises ropy tangles of fabric that hang from the ceiling like primordial chandeliers, shimmering with shells, beads, and buttons. Beaded orbs and stars hover between them, and a huge black pelican holds court in the corner, its mouth spilling streams of sparkling fabric onto the floor of the space. Getting up close to the different parts of the installation, it’s impossible not to marvel at the intricacy of each one — what look like random masses of fabric and yarn are carefully sewn, crocheted, beaded, and knotted.

 I first learned about the French conceptual artist Sophie Calle from a friend who was dealing with a break-up.  My friend and I both have obsessive personalities, and she was finding it impossible to wrap her mind around the end of her relationship.  She was talking about trying to channel her experience into art when she brought up Sophie's work.   I was fascinated by Sophie's ability to turn her personal obsessive tendencies into powerful art exhibits that are soul baring without being exploitative.