Fifteen Boxes, Two Tubes, Assorted Pails and a Steamer...

That's what I am bringing to Houston for my classes at the Quilt Festival this week. For the past week, my living room and studio have looked like a hurricane swept through.  Open boxes, supplies, fabric everywhere.  When I see it all stacked up neatly, it doesn't look so bad. However, I do have to cart it all to my classrooms!

I'm feeling very pleased with myself, since I finished up with two days to spare. (I'm leaving Thursday morning.) I also learned some things last year, so I've used the same size boxes for all but one.  It's a lot easier to stack and organize when the boxes are the same size.

The other thing I learned from last year is to teach full day classes rather than half day classes.  Last year I taught 5 half day classes, all back-to-back.  I never expected that all of my proposals would be accepted!  It was exhausting, and the set up and clean up time for each meant I didn't have time for meals. One day, I taught two daytime classes and a night time class and was fueled only by four Cokes and some cashews.

This year, I'm teaching three classes and a demo over the course of four days. That is much more manageable!   As of two weeks ago, there are a few spaces left in each of my classes.  If you decide to make a last minute trip, you can check out my workshops on my website. Or maybe I'll see you in the exhibit hall or vendor area.

New Artwork

This summer was supposed to be devoted to studio time. But, if you read my last blog post, you see that it didn't end up that way.  I accomplished a lot in July, finishing up a new body of work. I showed photos of a few of them on my blog in July.  But other than that, I only managed to finish four pieces (and only because I had deadlines looming!) The first two were mounted on canvas.  One piece was all wrapped up and ready to ship before I realized I had not taken a photo.  I just didn't feel like unwrapping, so no photo.

The Edge

This piece incorporates multiple layers of dying, hand painting, acrylic paint and hand needle felting.

The other two are large pieces of artcloth, 72" x 30".  Created on dobby noil (a really nice fabric available from Exotic Silks), they incorporate both rice baby cereal resist and soy wax resist along with multiple layers of dye painting.

Crossing the Line

Between the Lines

Life Happens

I have noticed a connection among some of the blogs I follow lately.  A number of people lament how little time they have spent creating because of ...(insert list of obligations/distractions here).  I feel exactly the same way.  This summer was supposed to be dedicated to studio time. I had a light teaching schedule and I planned to start a new series.  I felt I had all the time in the world.  I was going to have so much completed by the fall.  But...life happened to me, as well.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't completely unproductive.  I was very productive on the administrative side of things (updated website, new computer, etc.) And I managed to complete a number of works that had been in progress for months. (Actually they were in the closet for months - the progress came in August.) So I now have a cohesive body of work for possible exhibition.

I wondered why this seems to be so common.  Why do we often let other priorities take over our studio time?  Sometimes there is no choice - family responsibilities take precedence. But in my case, much of it was personal choice (did I really have to redo my website this June - couldn't it wait until fall?) There were also emotional distractions that kept me away, rather than demands on my time.

So that leads to the question - how to prevent this from happening again?  Right now, I'm planning December as my next "studio month". Oh, I know all the time management techniques and the creativity unblocking techniques - I just have to use them.  And ultimately, that self-discipline is the hardest part.

Fiber Exhibition

Yesterday I had a sneak peak at the entries for the Fiber Artists of San Antonio Annual Exhibition.  It seems like each year, the entries are better than than the last. Based on what I saw, the trend continues.

The exhibit was juried by Ilze Aviks.  Aviks creates amazing work using cloth she hand paints or dyes and then covers with hand stitching. The show runs throughout the month of October and the opening reception is this Thursday from 6-8 pm.  Hope you can make it! Below are some photos from previous exhibits.

When: October 6- 29
Where: Gallery Nord, 2009 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX
Gallery Hours:  Wed-Sat 12-5 pm

Sara Crittenden

Laura Ann Beehler

Sarah Burke

Laurie Brainerd

Learning . . .

My husband and I are now empty-nesters.  No, we didn't just pack off the last of the kids to college - we brought our foster pups to the shelter so they can be adopted. For the past five weeks, my life has been absorbed by these pups. I was a reluctant foster parent, but I found them abandoned in the street and couldn't pass them by. The time spent with these puppies has really been a learning experience for me.  Sure - there was a lot of learning about how to care for puppies (I'm a cat person and have never had a dog). But I also learned a lot about myself. (For those who just want to skip to the puppy pictures, view the puppy blog.)

Okay, true confession time.  When I found the puppies, I thought I would only have them for a day or so.  I'd bring them home, check with one of the local shelters and drop them off. The puppies were so young (about 2 weeks), none of the shelters would take them. One shelter would take them, but they admitted that the puppies would be euthanized because they weren't equipped to provide the round-the-clock care they needed.  After a few days of denial, I realized I would have to keep them until they were weaned. I honestly didn't think I had it in me to do what needed to be done.  And to do it with no anger, regrets or resentment. I surprised myself.

The puppies have consumed my time for the past five weeks.  I was pretty much housebound - only leaving for short errands.We started out feeding them with a baby bottle every four hours. Not having children, the concept of 4 a.m. feedings was new to me.  Fortunately, the puppies moved through their growth cycle pretty quickly. By the second week, we were able to leave them for six hours at night. That period pretty much cured my insomnia - I slept great in the little time I had for sleep. I have a lot of respect and sympathy for new parents - they have to get by without sleep for a lot longer than I did!

And while I could have done work in my home studio, I found it difficult to concentrate. I worked just enough to meet the deadlines I had.  I now find myself with two pieces of artcloth due the end of next week for an ArtCloth Network exhibition. Fortunately I had a vision and created a number of samples earlier this summer. When I started working on the cloth last week, I was able to jump right in.

So, what did I learn from this experience?

I have more patience than I realized.
All that reading I have done on acceptance has paid off. I felt no resentment and was able to accept (and enjoy) the "disruption" to my life.
My practice of  living in the present moment has also paid off.  I focused completely on the puppies - not just with the caretaking tasks, but also holding them and playing with them.(to the detriment of my studio time!)
As much as I love the puppies (they really are great puppies), I am not ready for the responsibility of having a dog full-time in my household.

It was a bittersweet goodbye today, with plenty of tears.  But I know that they will be adopted into good  homes.  My home was just a stopping point on their journey.  And I feel privileged to have been a part of it.

One People, Many Paths

Once again I am participating in One People, Many Paths; The Sacred Art of Altars. This exhibition and auction features over 50 artists working in a wide diversity of media. Each artist is supplied with a handcrafted wooden box to transform into an “altar” focused on whatever matters to them – personally, artistically and/or spiritually.  The altars are auctioned off to benefit Celebration Circle, a local spiritual community.

This is one of my favorite exhibitions, because I enjoy taking the time to think about what matters to me and I enjoy seeing the work of the other participating artists.  The altars will be on exhibit and available for silent auction bids throughout September during normal business hours.  The closing reception will take place on Thursday, September 29 from 6-7:30 pm. It will be a fun evening, featuring live music, light hors d’oeuvres, final bidding and the official closing of the month-long silent auction. The reception will be followed by a special screening of Joe vs. The Volcano (1990), a delightful film with a funny, insightful look at purposeful living with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the artists and enjoy the show. Tickets for the closing reception are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. There is no charge to view the exhibit during the theater's normal business hours. For more information, contact Celebration Circle.

View photos of the exhibit on flickr.

If you are in San Antonio in September, I hope you can make it to see the show!

What:  One People, Many Paths; The Sacred Art of Altars

When: September 1, 2011 through September 29, 2011

Where: Bijou Theatre in Wonderland of the Americas Mall, San Antonio, TX

 

Earth Wisdom

Is There Music in Your Muse?

I'm fascinated by the subject of how sound affects our inspiration. Some people prefer to work in quiet.  Some prefer music. Others prefer talk radio. I find all three to be appropriate at different times. A lot depends on the particular task. My favorite NPR shows are perfect for tasks like hand stitching, fusing, etc. Design work requires absolute silence. I turn to upbeat music while doing more routine aspects of surface design - mixing dyes, applying resists. And then there are the hybrid moments.  When I'm working on design and surface design simultaneously.  This occurs when I have a general plan, but I need to make spontaneous decisions as I'm printing my fabric.That's when I turn to meditative music.

I have had two very productive studio days this week.  This is a welcome relief from a summer of lethargy. I was listening to a new CD both days - Music for a Shift in Consciousness.  Based on research by Bruce Lipton and composed by Russel Walder, this music is designed to create a shift in brain activity to the calming alpha state. I suppose if you are in a more relaxed state, it is easier to be open to the flow of creativity and inspiration. So, can I credit my burst of inspiration to this CD?  I don't really know.  It may truly be just a coincidence. But I do know that I will keep listening!

Hardly Working

I was eager to get into my studio after my walk Monday morning.  I had a mental list of to-do's and I was excited about moving some projects forward. Those plans were completely turned around when I happened upon three abandoned puppies on my walk.  They were very small - their eyes weren't even open yet. Unable to just leave them in the street, I brought them home.

Baby, Brownie and Big Boy

After spending the first two days figuring out how to take care of them, trying to find a shelter that would take them and trying to take care of their terrible flea and tick infestation, I was exhausted and frustrated. I've got the routine down now.  Bottle feedings every four hours, daily sponge baths, periodic replacement of the paper in their box and frequent cuddles. Since no shelter will take them this young, we will be fostering them until they are weaned.

It has been an eye opening experience in many ways. On one hand, we've seen the result of the darker side of humanity - someone leaving those puppies to fend for themselves. (Based on the circumstances in which I found them, the shelter thinks it unlikely that they were born to a stray.) On the other hand, the people at the shelter were so helpful and obviously have a great concern for animals. They were eager to help us foster and provided us with food, a crate and veterinary care.

It has been fascinating to watch them. The changes in only four days are amazing. Their eyes are now open and they are trying to walk. We have also observed their different personalities.

I expect it will be challenging to care for them over the next few weeks, but I think it will be very rewarding. Plus, now that things have settled down and I have a routine, I can get back in the studio and create!
 

Noises in the Night

I was awakened from a very deep sleep by a noise at 4am (well, actually it was 3:52). In my sleep-dazed state, I was convinced it was the sound of someone trying to open the front door.  I silently listened for further noises. Nothing.  I was about to turn over to go back to sleep and a voice in my head said, "What if there really is someone out there?  I better get up and turn on a light.  That will scare them off." So I tiptoed to the edge of the hallway, reached in and turned on the light in the living room.  Then I sent my sleepy husband out to investigate further. (Funny how things I did for myself when I was single are now relegated to  my husband.  But that's a topic for another time.)

Once the adrenaline wore off, I lay in bed, unable to go back to sleep. I pondered the reasons such a small noise would cause that reaction.  I feel very safe in my neighborhood. But when I was in my early 20's I had two experiences that threatened my personal safety.  It has taken many years to overcome my feeling of vulnerability.

Then I started thinking how this was a good metaphor for what we often do with our art.  Most of us have unfounded fears related to creating and exhibiting our art. While some of the fears may be universal, I believe that we each have our own vulnerable areas. Our "noises in the night".

One of the ways I have worked to overcome my art-related fears is to make a list.  I think of the worst thing that could happen if my fear came to be. I know it sounds pretty strange for a confirmed optimist to purposely think negative thoughts.And I usually do try to banish negative thinking from my mind.  However I have found that it does help in this case.  When I contemplate what could happen, I realize it really isn't the end of the world. It may not be fun, but I know I would get through it. So I completely embrace the fear, let the feelings wash over me. As I realize all is well, the fear recedes and I can leave those vulnerabilities behind.

What are your "noises in the night" and how do you deal with them?

Solar Dyeing

The hot, sunny days we've been having are perfect for dyeing with plant materials.  I prefer the "no-cook" method to natural dyes and let the sun do the "cooking" for me. The technique is pretty simple, just place your pre-mordanted fabric or fibers in a container, layer with flowers, leaves or twigs, cover with water and let sit in the sun. These pots have been out since Tuesday.  I'm using esperanza and crape myrtle blooms, firebush, bay and rose leaves, and pecan husks.

My approach to natural dyes is to use what I have at hand - plants growing in my yard or items I can get at the grocery store.  I also use only non-toxic mordants. I had previously avoided natural dyes because of the mordants.  After reading India Flint's book, Eco Colour, a few years ago, I became interested in her approach. One of the techniques she discusses is bundling the fabric and plant materials and letting them sit for a few weeks so that as the plant decomposes, the natural colors are released into the fabric. Below are some of my experiments with the bundling technique.

Multiple varieties of leaves, and multiple layers of bundling

 

Dried hibiscus flowers

Red onion skins

Red rose petals

If this has sparked your interest, view my recommended reading list for other books about natural dyeing.

Grits are Great Part 2

I first tried grits as a resist after Gay Ousley made the suggestion last fall. I was intrigued by the pattern, somewhat like oats but more finely textured. I experimented with a variety of grits and recipes. They have become one of my favorite resists. (I know, I say that about all of them!) Below are photos of cloth created using grits. It is very easy - they only require hot water - no cooking. Complete directions are in a tutorial I created.  If you try them, let me know how it turns out!

 

Relief from the Heat

It has been a particularly hot and dry summer - where I live and in many other parts of the country. Having worked to create a drought-friendly landscape, we never water our lawn, and rarely water our plants. We have learned that the brown grass will come back again when it rains, and so will most of the plants. However this year, the drought and heat have been exceptional. Even the medium-sized trees are feeling the heat. So it was a joyful respite to see our spider lily bloom.

Yes, I know - it isn't technically relief from the heat.  It's still just as hot as ever.  But looking at the beautiful blooms takes my mind off the heat - for a few glorious moments.

What is your "relief"?

Finishing Some Things

Last week I spent some time finishing up a number of pieces.  These are pieces that were started last fall. I felt they all had potential, but was stuck on exactly what to do.  Nothing like a six month break to bring a new perspective.

This piece was created with soy wax resist and was one in a number of studies I did on complementary colors. Here is the before version. Interesting, but no focal point.

After a few layers of dye and handpainting, here is the finished piece.

This piece was created using sugar syrup resist. Here is the before version. 

I wasn't thrilled with the composition, so I cut it up, discharged some of it, dye-painted some areas and put it back together.

This last piece is another complementary color study and was created by brushing potato dextrin through plastic hardware cloth. The before version:

Again, not a strong enough focal point. I decided to cut this down and put it on a 12" x 12" canvas and add some contrast with paint and metal leaf.

Up to My Elbows in...Tapioca

Ahhh, the lure of the resist in surface design.  I've tried all the commercial products and many of the standard kitchen-based products (flour, oatmeal, sugar).  Why do I keep trying new things?  Don't I have enough options already?  One would think so, but apparently not.  My latest favorite resist is tapioca.  Yes, you read that right. I don't think I've ever actually eaten it, so it never occurred to me to use it as a resist.  Thanks to Linda Dawson for giving me the idea!

Tapioca produces an intriguing pattern. It doesn't really crack like the paste resists (flour, oats, potato dextrin). The photo above shows a cloth with two layers of tapioca resist. You can see the wonderful marbled pattern it produces.   Peeling the dried tapioca off the cloth is a bit like unwrapping a fruit roll with texture beads.  I would be tempted to use the leavings in my art, if only there wasn't the problem of  decomposition. All the details are in the next installment in my series, Resists From the Kitchen in Quilting Arts Magazine.(August/September issue)  You can also see more photos of cloth made using tapioca by downloading the pdf file from my website.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Fridays Downtown

On Friday mornings in the summer, I teach an independent study class at the Southwest School of Art. Everyone chooses their own projects to work on.  There are usually 3-4 "regulars" who come for the wet studio and large print tables, the comraderie and guidance on their projects. There are also usually 2-3 new people. I love this class because it is inspiring to see how the projects progress over the eight weeks.  I also love that the regulars are very welcoming to the newcomers and are generous in sharing their knowledge.

I also love the opportunity to be downtown. I usually come in early on Friday mornings to take a walk before class. As I walked along the riverwalk this morning, and through the hemisfair plaza (site of the 1968 world's fair) I realized how I take my city for granted.   San Antonio is a great city. It has a vibrant art community, a beautiful riverwalk, interesting historical areas and some hidden garden gems. It's a large city, but it has the feel of a much smaller place.

The riverwalk and hemisfair park were pretty quiet at 8 am. There were a few people walking hurriedly to their jobs.  A few smiled and nodded, but most didn't make eye contact, lost in their thoughts. I was struck by how lucky I am, not only to live in such a great place, but also to have a "job" that allows me to take the time to enjoy my city.

Here's a challenge for you all this week - allow yourself time to enjoy the unique aspects of your city. I'd love to hear about it!

Do I Really Look Like That?!

   

Yesterday I received a copy of the DVD for Quilting Arts TV Series 800. I flew to Cleveland in February to film two segments for the series that airs on some PBS stations. I have to admit, I was a little nervous to see how it came out. During filming, you only get one shot - no do-overs. I was afraid that maybe I said something really silly. It all happened so fast, but Pokey Bolton is expert at guiding the guests along.

Bottom line, I was pleased with how it came out. I did a segment on Resists From the Kitchen, showcasing oatmeal, mashed potato and baby cereal resists. That segment appears on episode 806 (scheduled to air in early September). I also did a section on adding texture with brayer printing. That segment appears on episode 809, scheduled to air in mid-September.

There are 12 episodes in the series, which features Ana Buzzalino, Faith Cleary, Vivika Hansen DeNegre, Diane Rusin Doran, Maria Elkins, Noriko Endo, Lynn Krawczyk, Jane LaFazio, Nancy Odom, Mary Pal, Susan Shie, Cheryl Sleboda, Jennifer Solon, Judith Trager, and Terry White. Pokey Bolton and Helen Gregory from Quilting Arts Magazine also filmed some segments. The episodes cover a lot of ground - surface design, machine stitching tips, collaged and fused quilts and even a little color theory.

Check to see if your local PBS station airs the show. If not, the DVDs are available through Quilting Arts TV.

The Gift of Time

Like many people, I work well to a deadline.(Most of the time.) It gets me moving - realizing I can't just sit and think about it - I have to finish it! I've been working on a piece for a charity art auction. I was moving slowly - taking my time to decide what I wanted to do. Last week I had a momentary panic when realized it was due Sunday. I kicked into high gear yesterday and worked hard all day to complete the project. By late afternoon, it was complet except for a few layers of varnish and some minor gluing.

When I looked up the information on the time and location for drop-off, imagine my surprise when it said the piece was due August 14th. I don't know why I thought it was due today, but I did. So, now I have the gift of time. If I knew the deadline was next month, I would have dragged the project out. Spending more time contemplating what to do. Now it is finished, so I have one less thing to worry about next month.
Actually, it's not quite finished. When I realized it wasn't due today, I held off on the varnish. That can wait until tomorrow!

Sue Dennis: Destination USA

Below is a "must see" link. Sue Dennis, an artist from Brisbane, Australia, has a solo exhibition opening this week. The work was begun during a 3 week residency last fall in La Grange, Texas. I met Sue at the Quilt Festival and had a chance to get to know her better when she visited Jane Dunnewold and me in San Antonio.

Sue's work was inspired by the plant life and scenery in eastern Texas. The work is beautiful. Please take a minute to visit her website and read her blog.


Sue Dennis: Destination USA

Time for Something New

I've had an interest in working with acrylic paints and mediums for the past year.  I allowed myself some play time last month. I really like using gel mediums to build up texture. Some of my interest came from using resists for so long. Oatmeal, grits, tapioca and potato dextrin all create such a wonderful dimensional surface on the cloth. When they are washed off, the resulting pattern is interesting, but I like the idea of real texture, not just visual texture.

I created a number of small studies.  In most cases, I started by building a textured surface with joint compound or gel medium.  Then I applied layer upon layer of sheer color. In a way, that is much the same as I do with my cloth. Some were really awful and are in the trash. Some are okay, and are awaiting more layers. Here a photos of a few of the pieces that I like.

A Gift

I received a beautiful gift for my birthday a few weeks ago.  A silver bracelet. I'm not much for jewelry - no rings, necklaces or bracelets adorn my body.  The pierced holes in my ears have long since closed up. Yet this was a special gift from a special person and I wanted to honor that. So I have decided to make it my "mindfulness" bracelet.  I use it as a reminder to stop, breathe, smile and appreciate my many blessings. Every time I become aware of the bracelet throughout the day, it centers me. So this really was a special gift - and much more than just a beautiful bracelet.

Let There Be Light

I've been reading up on photography lately.  I have dived into the "photograph your own artwork" waters.I know this goes against the wisdom of sticking to your area of expertise. I would prefer to use a professional, however on the occasions when I did, the photos were not much better than the ones I take. Mine are okay, but they can be improved.
 
At first I researched cameras, thinking I needed a new camera.  After doing some research, I believe the camera is not the problem - its my lack of knowledge. So I'm reading up on f stops and shutter speed, depth of field and white balance. And, of course, lighting.  That is always a challenge, especially with some of my large pieces.

Several resources suggested using two 500 watt light bulbs.  I decided to try the compact flourescents, because they use a lower wattage to achieve the same amount of light. They are supposed to be much cooler than tungsten or halogen. After seeing the $50 price tag for one such bulb, I settled on the 400 watt equivalent for half the price. They arrived yesterday, and I have never seen such a large light bulb in my life.  Here are two photos to give you some perspective on their size. I'm almost afraid to use them - they are so big, they could be dangerous! I'm not even sure they will fit into the clip-on light fixtures I have.

 

I'm planning a photography session next week, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Is It Done Yet?

Many artists ask themselves that question. How do you know when a piece is done?  There is often a tendency to keep adding... maybe a little beading, maybe a little stitching, maybe some more printing, how about some gold leaf? 

I've been thinking  a lot about what drives that reaction. We could probably talk for days about all the factors that contribute. One of the things I face is how to keep the balance between simple elegance and subtle complexity.  I've been drawn to less clutter and chaos in my work.  Maybe because I want less of it in my life. Clean lines that exude calm, peace, contentment - that is what I want to achieve.  Yet I also know that in order to achieve that, it often takes many layers to achieve depth and complexity. All those layers may not be obvious to the viewer, yet they contribute to the overall effect.

Sometimes I'll look at a piece and feel it is finished, but then feel as if it's too "simple".  I think that others won't value it because the many hours and layers of printing, painting or dyeing that were involved may not be evident.  Yes, I know, why should I care what others think? But putting your art out there can leave you feeling somewhat vulnerable. So, my challenge for this summer is to listen to my own voice.  Honor my intuition about my work.   If my voice says I'm finished, then so be it!

Who Are You?

Sock Monkey wine glasses by Mimi Kerpoe

I'm a few chapters into Julia Cameron's book, Walking in this World, and this morning's reading really spoke to me.  Cameron talks about accepting yourself (and your art) as you are right this moment.  Many of us sometimes feel our work isn't "good enough" or not "high art".  But what does that really mean?  Are there different classes of art - some more worthy than others?  I don't think so.  Our art is all about our own self-expression. 

We often reject who we are, wanting to be more like someone or something else. Cameron feels that not only should we not fight who we are, we should celebrate it.  We should do what we love not what we feel we should do or what others think we should do.

My sister in law is a great example of one who celebrates her unique talents. Mimi is a very talented artist and teacher. The above photo shows some wine glasses she painted for a charity auction (she was one of 50 local artists participating.).  Mimi has a great sense of humor, she is playful, enthusiastic, creative, joyful and truly listens to her inner voice. These glasses are a great reflection of that.  Who could look at them and not smile?  

We all need a role model like Mimi in our lives, to remind us to be who we are and let our light shine. Who is your role model?

Inspiration . . . and Faith

Last week, when faced with my first studio time in months, I wondered, "how do I get the ideas flowing again?!"  I pulled out a few of my tricks for building creative energy, but nothing much happened.  I didn't really worry about it too much, because I have faith in the creative process.  I know that inspiration comes at the strangest times.  And once again, my faith was renewed.

I took a few days off to visit my mother and each night I awoke with ideas buzzing around in my head.  I wrote them all down, and I have enough ideas to last the next five years.  That can be a bit overwhelming.  But I'm not worried . . . I have faith that I'll be inspired to pursue just the right ones.

Living for . . . Tomorrow

That's what I've been doing for months now. Putting things off to a future date when all my deadlines are passed and I'll have time. I've been working on a book for the past 6 months and it is finally finished and off to the publisher. I've been telling myself, "If I can just get by until May, then I'll have some free time." This is a familiar story for me.  I get crazy with deadlines and look forward to a future date when I have fewer commitments.  But the funny thing is, somehow that future date never comes. New commitments appear to fill in the "free" time.

How do I let myself get caught up in this cycle?  You might say that I should say "no" more often or give up some things.  Well I have been much better about doing that.  But I've realized that I am a workaholic.  I love what I do and I thrive on deadlines (for the most part!)  Yet I also believe in living in the present. And when I'm focused on "getting by", I'm not living in the present.   I suppose it's all about balance.  Finding a way to keep that sense of presence in my daily life while still working toward my commitments.  That is what I strive for, and it's clear that I will be walking this path for awhile longer.

Irony or Synchronicity?

They say that you teach what you most need to learn.  I experienced this first-hand yesterday.  Last weekend, I spoke on creativity to a local quilt guild. My presentation focused on some of the things that can block creativity and some strategies to get ideas flowing. Only 7 days later, I was in a creative block. 

I haven't had much studio time for the past six months, between teaching commitments and book projects.  The only time spent in the studio was creating samples. With most of those deadines behind me, I decided to take a studio day. But, I had absolutely no inspiration  or enthusiasm. I followed my own advice to "do something".  I blocked off the entire morning and pulled out some cloth I had started months earlier.  I took little steps, doing one small thing, then another, then another. I really had to fight the urge to check my email (the computer is my distraction of choice.)

"So, did it work?", you ask. Yes, it did.  Not only did I accomplish a lot, I have a lot of ideas and am excited to finish what I started. Maybe I would have gotten out of my slump anyway, but I think that having spoken about creativity only a week earlier made me more aware of how to get over it. I guess even when we know something intellectually, we still need a reminder now and then.

May you experience the flow of creativity today!

Endings . . . and Beginnings

Last week was the ending of the 2 1/2 year ArtCloth Mastery Program in which I have been participating.  It is a rigorous study in surface design techniques, color theory, design principles and professionalism that meets for 6 days, twice a year.  In addition to the work done during class, participants are responsible for several assignments and for creating a body of work in between each session.

It has been sometimes delightful, sometimes frustrating, sometimes difficult, but always worthwhile.  I have learned so much, not only from Jane Dunnewold, the instructor, but also from each of my classmates. The class culminated in an exhibition in San Antonio.  Details on the exhibit are below for those who are interested in stopping by.

As with any ending, there is the question, "what now?"  Most of my "free" time has been spent on class assignments. During the past five months I have also been busy writing a surface design book, to be published next spring. That schedule has meant that I have had no time in the studio since last September. Now I have the rest of the year stretching before me with the promise of lots of studio time. While this ending is bittersweet, I am looking forward to beginning a new body of work. 

 Nine other artists are also represented in the exhibition: Edie Brown, Gay Kemmis, Catherine Kirsch, Joy Lavrencik, Lynn Luukinen, Liz Napier, Jeanne Sisson, Priscilla Smith and Barbara Schneider. Radius Center is located at 106 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX.  A book with artist statements and a representative photo of each artist's work can be viewed at http://www.blurb.com/books/1982335 .

Spring

When I lived in Chicago, the first robin was the sign that spring was coming.  In south Florida, spring wasn't much different than winter. I always dreaded late spring, because the weather would soon turn from glorious to hot and steamy. In Texas, it is the bluebonnets that herald in spring. In a good year, the beautiful blue-violet flowers blanket the sides of the roadway.   The local shops that cater to tourists are filled with photos and paintings of bluebonnets, so it is easy to take them for granted.  But all it takes to remember their beauty is one perfect bluebonnet and one moment to enjoy it. Last week, the first lone bluebonnet emerged from our new wildflower garden. I guess that means spring is officially here.

What is your "bluebonnet"?

Design Transformation

I've been doing a lot of brayer printing lately and have a wonderful piece of lacy fabric that makes a great pattern.  I've heard a lot about PhotoEZ for screen printing and wanted to try it, so I decided to transform this image into a screen.

Lace fabric

The first step was to paint the lace with black craft paint so it would show up when I scanned it into the computer.  The resulting image came out with a lot of gray tones, so I manipulated it in my photo software so it was only black and white.



Then I decided to try the negative image to see what that was like.

I liked that better, so that is what I used to create the PhotoEZ screen. PhotoEZ is essentially a piece of mesh covered with photo emulsion.  The website makes it sound so easy, but I was skeptical. It actually was very easy and came out perfectly the first time.  Basically, you place a photocopy of the image on top of the emulsion covered mesh and let it sit in the sun for 5 minutes. (There is more to it than that, but it comes with complete directions.)

After washing out the softened emulsion, I had a screen ready to go.

Here is what the print looks like:



 I love the idea of creating screens with some of the unique patterns I get with brayer printing.  I think I'll be making a lot more of these.  I hope it is a sunny spring!