Mendofleur

This was a typical day running errands that turned into something quite magical. Mendocino is not known for practical shopping. It is a tourist destination, so when you want gardening fertilizer, cat litter, or special art supplies it is best to drive ten minutes north on Highway 1 to Fort Bragg. I have been driving into this town for the last twelve years on a regular basis, and increasingly it has become a destination spot with great restaurants, galleries, and the likes of Andrea Luna. I had finished my errands and decided to walk down Laurel Street that has some of the best shops in town. Andrea’s shop is near the end of the block on the right as you head toward the ocean. I had been in her shop several years ago and was impressed with the ambience and selection of clothing and accessories. I bought a hat from her that I still wear on my early morning walks. However, today was different. When I walked into her shop, I realized I was in an art gallery and a clothing shop.

The recollection of her clothing and style and colors drew me in, but when I was inside I could barely contain my excitement over her textile art. This woman is amazing. I discreetly (I hope) asked her if I could take some photos with my phone since I did not have my camera with me. She said yes. I was ecstatic! But let me go back…..Her shop in general has the most wonderful colors. Before you even enter you notice the chartreuse green and turquoise on the moldings as well as the periwinkle blue of the lobelia planted in containers out front. Then the sign above conveys that surely there is magic inside!

Since I am a color person, I was intoxicated from the onset and had to go inside to see what Andrea was doing these days. Well, let me tell you, this woman is doing so many incredible things as she ripens with age and ensuing wisdom. I really did not know what to photograph first. I was that “kid in a candy store.” So let me share some photos of Andrea’s fiber art.

All these pieces are like quilts, but without the batting. She layers and paints and pastes and sews these hangings. Some are very delicate and peaceful and spiritual. Others are fun, vibrant, and stimulating. These photos do not do these pieces justice. The colors, the textures, the layering, the composition of these are a visual feast and could only be classified as fiber art, very fine art.

These last two pieces simply beg to be seen and experienced in person. They are breathtaking in their message and exquisite beauty. Andrea names them Branched Poem/Bracha, a form of Jewish prayer. When you see them you feel quiet, taken back by the message, the power. They are weavings filled with texture and words of joy, hope, recognition, and sustenance.

So let me give you a little insight on Andrea. She is chic, elegant, and personable. I love this about her. There is no pretense. She draws you in with her open countenance. And she was so willing to share her artistic life with me. She is a little older than I am, and was readily in agreement that as we age we let the superficial and unnecessary fall away. She opened this shop to sell unique and comfortable clothing, and in the process, decided she could not give up her art so she paired the two. The front of the shop she displays her great clothing, and the last third is devoted to studio art. When I walked in, she was designing a baby quilt for a grandchild, and true to her character, it was magical and unique. She designs much of her clothing, many pieces from vintage styles like the swing jacket that I have always loved done in hemp or other organic fibers. Sometimes she will dye these pieces. For her fiber art, she uses primarily a variety of cotton, hemp, silk, and then dyes these pieces with procion dyes, indigo, and shibori.

This is Andrea in front of her shop. When you leave her your first thought is this…..how can I get to know this amazing woman just a little bit better because you realize she is paving new trails in her older years, and absolutely nothing is stopping Andrea! I hope if you do read this, Andrea, you do share in the comments what your are creating in your works, and perhaps even correct me if I have misinterpreted any of your beautiful pieces. I consider this a day that was completely surprising and unforgettable.

For further information on Andrea, she can be reached at her shop at 107 Laurel Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 or at aluna@mcn.org.