A Wonderful Year

Columbus, Fall River, Rochester, Greenville, Auburn, Hilton Head, North Carolina, Lake Tahoe, Santa Fe. This was just a part of my year, and some of the wonderful people on my journey. Thank you all, both the in person and on line classes were exciting, joyous, and memorable. Happy New Year! 

 

The Break

This was the only photo I took today. I was happy to be home making my own cup of coffee, and anticipating getting my list of items checked off. That wasn't to be, but a few were finished. I'll get to the rest tomorrow. And I did enjoy this cup.
 

No Worry

We don't often get off so lightly, but this week we did. While Buffalo was getting a grim deal of snow, Rochester got just a dusting. So, yes, we're about 70 miles to their east, but we're fine. 
 

Maryland Zoo Visit

As I watched the giraffes in their enclosure, someone said "I'll bet you take these photos to recreate the patterns in your fabric". I shook my head, but I was thinking about more than the patterning. It was the scale, the color palette, the twosome that was moving all around. I had more to record. 
 

Busman's Holiday

I've designed about a dozen kitchens, half of them IKEA based. So, a visit to the IKEA store and what's new is always of great interest to me. I love the clean design, the textiles, the use of materials, the functionality of the product, and well, a good plate of Swedish meatballs. 
 

Missed the Deadline

I'd promised my daughter two pillowcases for her 24 x 24 pillows. I got one finished on Christmas day. The second waits. A poor photo here, I'll get the finals later. I printed linen in the same color way and graphic as her duvet cover. I like them so much might have to made more -- for Mrs. Claus!
 

Merry Christmas

Yes, most everything stopped in the studios for this day. Company, fancy food, turning up the heat, and making time to relax. I'll continue this for a few days more, and then might be able to face the next year. No, classes aren't listed yet, but next year, next year. Merry Christmas to all. And now, good night.
 

Being Company

We were entertained last night when we stopped in to visit good friends. Their granddaughter was busy entertaining her dolls in a tea party. It's what we do -- get together, mark the passages (oh, new baby since last year?) and remember that friends and family are what it's all about. Hope your eve is lovely too.
 

Last Call

I returned to see the Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibit a couple of weeks back. My piece is in good company, but soon the party breaks up and all the folks (quilts) go home. So, you've got a couple of days to find the show -- check the Schweinfurth's site for times -- and enjoy Contemporary fiber work. 
 

Frolic at Studio 301

Studio neighbor Lynn Feldman had a stretcher frame and we took a look at what adding a frame to my print would be like. Part of having this studio is having mates nearby who are actively working in their mediums. It is a refreshing part of seeing and sharing art. And a bit of fun.
 

Happy Solstice

I'm trying work before the sun creeps up half of this design wall. Yes, welcome solstice sun, and yes, please don't bleach out my fabric. I've turned, taken down, and repositioned works to get out of direct light. And tomorrow the light will start its retreat. Happy Turnaround Day!
 

Demo Again

During the last printing workshop the question on working with silk came up. I use the same techniques, same chemistry, same methods as in printing cotton or linen. Silk is thinner, ands more wiggly. This I started printing in class, and finished last night. You can see it on the website "shop" under scarves. 
 

Santa Knows Me Best

Thanks to Susan who found my favorite kind of scraper. A quick Amazon purchase, I've now got the softer bendable type of plastic scraper. They've got a little ridge on the edge so that my gooey fingers don't slip off as easily. I'll definitely be happy with what Santa sent early.
 

Time to Untangle

This begins the week where I start to untangle the threads I've got to straighten. One is to nail down some dates for classes. To decide which ones, how long, develop new ones, drop some old. And to get them posted so I (and those who are interested) can plan around them. Tangle is the correct word!
 

Self Portrait Time

Each year artists are invited to the self portrait show in Studio 402 in Anderson Arts. Why I wait till the last almost minute, I can't say. This came to me, it's 26" x 20 and titled "Alien Walking Her Dog". Tonight I'm binding it, so done. I've got wrapping to do!
 

Last Demos

Today ended the five-days over two-weeks Printing Under the Influence class. We circled back to areas that needed review -- composition, mark differentiation, what to do with the half-finished pieces, and other pressing issues. Pressing because I'm off the air, and we go our ways. Always fun but always sad to end.
 

Madeline Island August 28 of 2023

 

Madeline Island School of the Arts asks me to let everyone know that I'll be teaching there at summer's end. I can't wait. It will be the second time teaching for MISA, and the first on Madeline Island. Think of joining me to print, and print hearty! https://www.madelineartschool.com/product/the-definitive-print/

Start to Finish

Another pass over a demonstration piece. The topic was the difference between printing the table, and direct printing on the fabric, lower piece here. My additions added color, more printing, and color blocks. Not what I started with!

 

Portrait for January

I spent a bit of time in Studio 301 today while the sun was bright. I tried to sketch out a portrait for the portrait show I've been part of a few years now. Somehow I see an alien walking a dog -- or critter -- so I'll see what I can do with this. It's for fun, and it's fun to do.
 

Doin My Homework

The Printing Under the Influence has a day or so between meetings. One of the tasks is to take something half-finished and add layers and and additions to complete the print. This was one of mine, and I'll add the beginning below. I love this class.

 

Artist's Statement

For me, the artist statement must be about the piece we're looking at, and nothing else. This is a beautiful example of that. And a stunning piece. Well spoken, well done. I've debated, and decided I'll not show the worst example. Not here. Just the good. This is from Q=A=Q at the Schweinfurth.
 

Cookie Day

Ever since I was a child I've made these Cucidate for Christmas. No matter where I've lived, or who has helped me eat them, these were the start of the year's winding down. If you're lucky, you can have one. These filled cookies go where I go. Or where I care to mail them. 
 

Composition Cheat Card

Seven of types of composition. It's not definitive, just my set. I use it when I shuffle pieces around in design, when I set screens for printing, and when I identify the structure of works that puzzle me. It's my way of figuring out this complex world of visual matter.
 

Full Moon

A find on my neighborhood walk from the "free table". And round, no less. This I will use as a prototype for an arrangement for a hanging wreath. And besides, my ability to capture a full moon is low.

 

Starting With White

When asked about my printing, the question of 'what do you start with' is often asked. I try not to scrunch up my face in that "what?" look, and answer that it is just plain white cotton. Here it's drying after being soda-soaked in preparation for printing. I soak, let drain, then hang. 
 

In the Queue

I've a dozen or so yards of printed fabrics that need to be photographed, catalogued, and listed on the website store. Where is the time? If only we didn't need sleep, or food, or merriment. (It's the merriment that is slowing me down here!) Oh, well. Tomorrow!
 

Prep Time

The screens I used at Art Quilt Tahoe shipped home and I finally had a chance to get them in the sink for a good wash. Since I'm using water soluble print paste with dye, it will wash out at any time, and won't harm or clog the screen. I also size the screen to fit in my utility sink. 
 

Yes, There was Music

David Russell brought his autoharp and ukulele for the First Friday. So, there were cookies, snacks, wine, water, scarves, linen, printed yards, and all the rest. And a lovely wonderful music woven throughout the night. 
 

Which One?

First Friday brings guests to the studio, and these two are dyed-in-the-wool rug hookers. So, they appreciate unique works. They were happy to find my stash of cottons and linen to use on the next project. And we know we all need something to look forward to. 
 

Slow Goin

This composition seems to be going slowly, but it is not the case. It's that I'm finding it difficult to get the time in to work on it. When I do, I'm efficient, and it goes quickly. Helps to be decisive. But I'm close to the finish. But tomorrow is open studio night, so other stuff will get in the way. Sigh.
 

Music Making

As a member of the singing group in Rochester, I was part of a jam presentation. Three bands were randomly chosen, and after 6 weeks of practice, we performed last night. I've a great respect for performers, regardless of the talent or genre. It takes time, patience and nerve. Now back to being just me.
 

The Full Monty

Now seen across the room from where I made it, it looks happy there. I realize that I need a name for it. Nothing seems to fit, so I'll just have to stare at it a while. Which I recommend -- staring that is. It takes time to get to know why you like the piece. 
 

The Finish Line

 

I sign the lower right hand corner in stitching by hand. Since today was gas insert conversion day (!!!), I could do this mindless task. Signing this way -- on the front -- saves me hours of poking around in the files. I never sign the back unless an exhibition asks for it. And then, it's a temporary tag.

Waiting for Me at Studio 301

Thanksgiving has me running about, but I know that when I get back to the studio on Tuesday I'll have this waiting for me. It's a good thing to leave something there, and not an empty wall. It's always easier to edit than stare at a blank page. 
 

Before and After Additions

 

The top image is about 3' x3' and is strictly the squares from an exercise. The lower image, about 4' wide and 3.5' high, included additions of plain blocks that expand and stretch the more complex pieces. I've often suggested adding in breathing room, and this worked for me here. 

Slide Along

I'm working at facing this piece, and I land everything on a tray, including my tea, where I can slide along the piece and throw the pins as I go. Plus, when company invades (this is my kitchen counter peninsula) I can clear quickly.
 

As I Left It

Wednesday I turned off the lights and looked back at this set. As today was Thanksgiving, I realize that I am blessed with the space to create, wonderful people to meet and know along this way, and know that there is so many who encourage me to continue. So, thank you on this day. I wish you the same.
 

Which Row to Sew?

After laying out my squares I need to keep track of which is what. So, I use roman numerals in each upper left corner starting at left and the stacking in that orientation. That way I keep order. Then the rows are assembled. Learned this in the 70s watching Simply Quilts. Or was is the 80s? 

 

Exhibitions

Showcasing your work happens in the small arena as well as the grand. A show of Darryl Abraham's sweet burned wood and painted art is in a library case. This image was just enough for me to note to Darryl that I am interested in owning it. So, look everywhere, support your fellow artists, gift art. 
 

The Back Story

I think it's fun to see the drawings made in the stitches. So, I've matched the color of the top thread to the bobbin and where it shows, it shows. Quilting on my printed and drawn shapes is just so relaxing, easy, and fits the work.
 

Close Up Front

Details tell a lot, and I often take them in case I enter the work in an exhibition that is juried. I try to show the quilting, but also the printing complexity. Plus, they make a good little composition. 
 

Late Afternoon

I'm trying to visit studio two every day, and since the massive snowfall missed Rochester, there was no excuse to stay in studio one.  After assembling the last project, I reconfigured a class demo that I quite liked. The strong shadows came along, confusing the design. But it was time to go anyway.
 

Dusk

The morning was in the home studio on the longarm, the afternoon in the away studio. I got a lot finished, and left just at the sun was setting. This is the view  our my studio windows, about a block from the Art Gallery and minutes from the heart of downtown. 
 

Straight Edge

Those who piece with traditional blocks have a built in square side. This particular design, where I use a grid to select sections gives me that square edge. Which comes in handy when I set it up to quilt. I can lock the vertical (or horizontal) movement to tack down those sides. After that, it's freestyle.
 

Closer Look

No matter how carefully I shoot the photos of my scarves, I know that daylight -- and cloudy light even better -- works to translate the perfect color for the pieces on my website store. So, here is what I sent to someone who asked "just what is the green color?". Leaves for comparison!
 

Back at the Design Wall

It was good to get back to the studio this week. Slow progress on this piece, and I hope to get it connected tomorrow. What was a collection of demonstration prints at Hudson River Valley Workshops this summer has turned out to be a good set to work with. I've named it Player Piano.