Long Journey Home

I sent a piece to Quilt National in 2020, where it waited until 2021 to be shown. It traveled after the initial Athens, Ohio show (though I didn't keep track) and just today it returned home. That's a long time to be gone, no matter what. I've hung it here, and we'll be talking tonight on its travels.
 

No Filter

The quick midday walk around the garden left me with this swath of magenta. This must be why I like to print with this bold color. These are rose campions and they have seeded all the gardens as well as the lawn. Good thing I like them, they are everywhere.

 

The Next Diversion

I've been tasked with making a wedding gown. After four or more (I've lost count) drafts I've got the okay to start using the final fabric. I've redrafted the pattern, fit the bodice, and will start to get this assembled. Wish me luck. Gowns are not my wheelhouse!
 

Summer Printing

If you've got a yen to print, well, now's your chance. Summer makes it easy to set up a spot in a garage, or the backyard, or maybe a friend's barn. If you've been in a class with me, either in person or virtually, you know you just need a bucket of water and a covered table. Go for it! (Pro Chem workshop. Note bucket!)

 

A Walk Downtown

The Rochester International Jazz Festival is now day 4, and my walk was after the tremendous downpour. Most of the action was centered on the street that links the Eastman Theater and the Eastman School of Music. Loads enough people; they'll be back tomorrow. Me too.
 

When We Were Last Here

I got in a few hours this weekend and 'massaged' the pieces to this composition, which I like. The week ahead is pretty full, so this may have to rest and wait. Notice the outtakes surrounding it. They'll get folded into the next one, I hope. 

On Tour

In a few weeks I'll hit the road for a workshop in Washington. Perhaps I should acquire a tour bus, like this one. Can you just see a design wall, cutting table with a handy machine? Anything's possible. This bus was for the performers in the Jazz Festival here tonight, parked at the back of Eastman Theater.
 

The Change is Hard to See

I spent a couple of hours moving things around on the design wall. And did some harsh edits. This is the stage where the "pretties" show up, and sometimes you just have to let them go. It's the same in any medium -- visual, musical, or lingual. 
 

You Know That List

I keep lists. Many. Items sometimes get scratched off, many just jump on to the next list. Photographing the next batch of prints for the web site store finally got finished. Check. Now to get the on the site named an numbered. 

Who Needs Tape?

In just over three weeks I'll be heading out with my bags packed with 6 shirts and the rest printing supplies for my workshop in Coupeville, Washington. Guess I got enough screen tape to get me through the week. Let's not forget the small things. 

Go Out and Play

I could show you the stuff I did on the computer (boring) or in the studio (boring) or plain house maintenance (boring) so instead, a mistaken shot of tonight's singaround playing music with the gang. Way more fun, but this picture -- boring!
 

Diversions

This summer is full of things that take me away from the hours I have for my work, but then, these things will soon be behind me in the fall. This is a mock up of a dress for a wedding later this summer. It's got a way to go, but at least some decisions have been made. 
 

Add, Subtract, Think

This part of the work goes slowly, and often with lots of second guessing. I'm lucky to have a large space to step back a distance and do the thinking. It's on the right track, I think, but needs more putting and taking.

 

Free Libraries

I'm not a fan of the free library movement for lots of reasons. But I'll accept this exception. If fits the building's style and looks at home in its surroundings. That it's nearly empty means either it's well loved, or no one is restocking. Or both. 
 

Friday Fun Day

I've been given the honor of making a wedding cake, and so am becoming a beginner cake decorator. It's fun, challenging, surprising, and rewarding. But, that means I have a lot of cake nowadays. Oh, well.
 

Starting In

 I've started to combine pieces together, omitting a couple of prints that were too strong in contrast. I'm using my rule of "buddies" where I have to combine two pieces together before they can be part of the mockup. So far, it seems to be holding promise.

Lineup

Here's is the start of the next work. I've made a set of prints specifically for this piece, something I rarely do. They seem to hold the feeling I want, that is calm, soft, well defined. The dyes held enough for me to work them after a month, so all is good.
 

Printing Morning

Our skies were back to blue here, and I was happy to get to the print studio to have works for use in the next composition. I'm using dyes that have been sitting for a few weeks, so I am curious to see the washout. That'll be tomorrow.
 

Another Sold

Although it's just 6 inches by 6 inches, I'd like to think it is monumental in design. Who would blink if I said it was 6 feet by 6 feet. Anyway, thank you kind friend for reaching out to Rochester Contemporary and purchasing this little sewn collage. 

Saturday = Music Day

Yesterday was a meetup of various folks who took turns entertaining the Adirondack Mountain Club Rochester Chapter. I went on 'stage' early, then got to enjoy from the audience. Today was items-on-the-list day, so call it homework and checked off.
 

Sold is Good

Rochester Contemporary's annual fundraiser sells donated 6 " x 6" works for $20 each. This is one of four that I've donated, two are sold. You can search and select from thousands on their website. It's amazing the breadth of the media and talent. Here's one of mine still up:  https://roco6x6.org/gallery/2023/2479

 

Priscilla's Treasures

World traveler and fiber artist Priscilla Kibbee passed away last year leaving a thousand treasures. Saturday (tomorrow) is a sale with proceeds going to the Schweinfurth Art Center. If you are near, you'd want to take it all in. Here where to find more information:  https://priscillakibbeetreasures.blogspot.com/
 

Back at the Design Wall

The smoke cleared here a bit, so back in the studio to see what I can pull out of the available pallet I have on hand. I know that this commission calls for specific tones, and I will print some to augment what I have now. Editing is always tough.
 

Under the Smoke Cloud

For the past few days we've been living with the smoke from Canada's forest fires. So, the landscape has taken on a warmer, diffused light. And it has brought a quiet to the life outside. You can't ignore other's misfortune when you share their effects. 
 

Music Break

Every Tuesday night for the last 52 years a group gathers for a  singaround. I was lucky to stumble on this merry band of talented folks, and they have managed to improve me as well. When I work with those who admire my proficiency in my art, I am reminded of me and my place in this group. It's all relative.
 

Promotional: Shameless Variety

I thought you'd be interested in seeing the image that was sent to MISA compared to what they added to use to publicize the workshop. I'm always keen to see "printed" material like business cards, brochures, and posts with type included. Here is their use of my print above, and the original below.

 

Zoo Trek in Baltimore

We were here to see the sights, and so found a few. This peacock displaying may not be the most photogenic pose, but the fan and interspersed dots was all I wanted to keep for detail. I needn't have a perfect composition, just a reminder of the rhythm of the feather structure.
 

Luna Moon

Seen on the streets of Baltimore it's another good stand in for our full moon. All things round, and another interpretation in the list of round.

 

June Moon

June's stand-in for the full moon is telling us that it's time to get in the garden and delight with all that is
opening and evolving. These keep returning, which makes me happy. In fact, the whole garden makes me happy. 

The Definitive Print

 

Madeline Island School of the Arts is where you can spend a week with me printing. August 28 to Septeber 1, 2023 are the dates to make your way to this decidedly beautiful part of Wisconsin and immerse yourself in working in thickened dye to made fabulous prints. Here is the link:

https://www.madelineartschool.com/shop/locations/madeline-island-locations/the-definitive-print/