San Francisco After My Heart

Should I ever own a store, the front would look like this. San Francisco hold many delights with surface design, graphic design, architectural design, you name it. This 'sprout' caught my attention. Many of you who've printed with me know my love of botanical motif. I'll take this one to my screens.
 

Bit of Travel

I can't leave California spirit yet, though I'm home. An entire day was looking at art, and mainly female artists. The Mary Cassatt exhibition was at the Legion of Honor, a grand place in itself. I tried to capture the Golden Gate Bridge in my meager shot, and it'll hold the memory of that landscape.

 

Applique Stunner

I know it's unusual to post TWO photos, but this applique quilt top from Julie Silber's collection is so amazing and fascinating that I had to. It was part of the webinar that Joe Cunningham had (with me as guest) where he and Julie talk about the work (juliesilberantiquequiltstore.com). Fun to see in person!
 

Glitterati in the Hills

Part of travel is taking in the spice and flavor of the city. I was fortunate to attend an "unveiling" at the studio of Margaret Fabrizio in San Francisco. With a crowd cheering, Margaret uncovered two new works and thanked those who had gifted her diverse matrial. It was a lovely afternoon, and unexpected.

Super Moon

I'm still in the land of super everything -- sun, amusements, gardens -- and as you all know, can't get a good image of the full moon on my camera. So I offer a garden ornament from Lotusland in Santa Barbara for a fill in. Should you be near this fabulous garden, don't pass it by.
 

Saturday Webinair

 Find Joe Cunningham and moi on Joe's webinair program "Quilt Freedom" this Saturday. Find info on Joe's website under event. You'll love the workshop, vitually!

Coastline Walk

It was time to walk along the California coastline. I'm intrigued with the color pallet, and stopped to see this green showing so unusual among the sand, beige, black and white rocks. A strong palette. 
 

More Getty

What I did find interesting at the visit to the Getty Museum were the gardens and landscaping. It rivaled the architecture for interest, line, texture, and flow. I don't thing one could exist without the other.
 

The Getty

I'd asked about seeing the Getty Museum since I saw it from the highway last year. It's a conglomeration of white buildings and lots of fabulous architecture with some galleries here and there of mainly European art. And few contemporary works. At least not where I could find. Still, a beautiful campus.

 

Coastline

One of the views of the California coast on the perfect November day. It was a time to unwind and soak up the sunlight. We also managed to grab a hot dog, and a few art supplies for later in the week. My idea of doing nothing well.
 

AQT and a Visit from Velda

Velda Newman was part of the closing ceremonies for Art Quilt Tahoe Thursday night. She brought her large works dedicated to her mother, an iris lover. She allowed so little time to see this, I could only snag a quick photo. Another is below. These are spectacular -- big, bold, beautiful. Velda is a treasure. 

 

End of the Week

Here's my walk back from the workshop to dinner. I've had a terrific group of people to work with this week, and we had such good laughs. It was a great diversion from routine, and the land and water a good source of reflection. I'll be back in 2025 is all is well, and hope it is as nice as this week has been.
 

Mid Week at the Lake

 

Wednesday of a print class is when we get in 'the groove'. At this point in the workshop, motifs are flying,  getting recut, redrawn, and used in every direction. Along with work time, we have great food, a neat and tidy room to rest, and many mini lectures from great fiber artists. Art Quilt Tahoe, I'll see you in 2025.

From Command Central

 The view from my table where I do demos. We're about to take on tyvek to cut motifs into the sheets. It's fun, fast, surprising in all.

A Splendid View

Anchored at Art Quilt Tahoe, I'm in a week of constant awe of the view. As we print in one of the most spectacular buildings at this conference center, I have to remind myself to stop, look at this impressive view, and be thankful I can do what I do. 

Wish I Was There Part 2

As you know, I wasn't able to attend the opening of the Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibit at the Schweinfurth Art Center, but my friend Bev sent these to show where my two works were placed and it good company. Top is 'Rite of Spring' to the right of the pic; 'Plants take a Holiday' lower pic at right. 
 

Wish I Was There

 It was a total travel day. And this is posting late because I'm off three hours from the east coast. Here's all of me for two weeks. The red is tape.

Perks of Outside Studio

I returned to rent studio space away from my home studio after about 40 years. My space is fairly quiet, but there are artists near; a little chat is always welcome and uplifting. I realized that as I spoke with Karen Sardasco, her apron seemed to be one of her paintings in draft form. Wonder if I'm seen the same?
 

Happy Holloween

Last weekend I went a burial ceremony. Funny how we deal with Halloween and the frivolity of death, ghouls, ghosts, spirits, transformations, and plain 'ol spookiness. Maybe it's the mindset of current events. Death is unchangeable; allegiants are not always absolute.
 

Lastest Upgrade

Finally finished these heavy muslin curtains. I was gifted them from a professional draper and modified them to fit here. I added a valence of beige canvas duck which is held to an I-beam with small magnets. It is a big help to control the direct sunlight on my design walls for this half of the year in low sun.
 

On the Wall

Nearly finished, just some major seams and a last look to see if that is the final 'answer' to this wall's givings. I've a little lecture to finish, an entry to finish, and some packing to do yet this week. But I know the studio will wait without complaint. Can't decide if I have Friday clear for First Friday at the studio. 
 

Of Course

I voted early, as I'll be at Art Quilt Tahoe for the vote day. Glad that we are able to vote every which way -- early, by mail, on the day. It should be this easy for everyone. I could have voted at the Susan B. Anthony museum, but it doesn't matter where, just that I did. I'll think about her a lot, as we should. 
 

Just Hanging Around

I made a trip over to the Little Theater Cafe where my work is hung with my friend Judy Gohringer's works. It'll be down Tuesday. It's wonderful to see work in different venues -- some are slick, some are dim, some a backdrop for life. I'll  pack three to travel to Art Quilt Tahoe, the rest will wait their turn.

 

Family Wedding

Laura loved "Family Wedding" when she first saw it in my studio. A year has passed since then and she sent me how the quilt was installed. I love it! It seems made for the space, even though it wasn't. And out the window the fall colors are fitting. Thank you, Laura.
 

Linen at Your Service

I've printed a utility weight linen for pillows, chair covers, seats cushions, or practical functional items. Many have taken these and hand stitched, which is a wonderful base for improv stitching. I'll add some to my webstore next week, if there is a chance. 
 

Demur Enough?

Trying this out on my porcelain model. Not showing off the best of the scarf, so it's back to the drawing board. And, does anyone use a drawing board anymore? Like how we say 'dial' the phone. Still.
 

Silk to Make You Feel Dreamy

I've made a handful of printed silk scarves to take to Art Quilt Tahoe. Last time it snowed, so I'll be prepared. My latest twist is that these are square, and the one I'm keeping -- and love -- is so much fun to wear. If only I could keep them all. When I return, I'll make some for the website store. Promise.
 

Hometown Gang

Tonight's lecture was with the Irondequoit Art Club, held in a suburb of Rochester. A treat to have an accepting audience, and also one that knew exactly all the places around! I meant to get the room full of about 60 people, but was so busy talking, didn't. Oh, well, you know it was fun.
 

My Mind is Elsewhere

A devoted follower noted (and notified me) that I had missed my yesterday post. I was finishing a lecture due tonight and hit the off key as soon as I could, forgetting to post. Here is what is clogging y brain -- getting ready to cross the country to teach in Tahoe. This is my list of what is waiting from last year. 
 

Scarf It Up

My newest type of scarf is a simple silk square. I've had so fun wearing it, I've made a handful to bring with me to Art Quit Tahoe. I use the same thickened dye mix to print, then hand washed, then machine washed (on extreme hot) in the washer. They're hanging to dry, tomorrow to iron. Hard to let them go.

Technique and Difference

 

Let's circle back to the Schweinfurth's surface design show that is ending soon. The top is Nancy Crow's monoprints. The bottom, mine (unquilted). The gestural hand is the charm of the mark. I have no intention to copy Nancy's work, but look to vary the technique so that it reads as mine. 

Small Progress

It's not a perfect system, but a definite improvement. I've got some gifted (reduce, reuse!) curtains in place. I've plans to add a valance to the I-beam to stop the sunlight at the 'clearstory' above the curtains. Still work to do on the curtains, but less of it!
 

Time is Now

I've worried for over a year about the direct light that the studio enjoys. Facing directly south, these big windows will allow the sunshine to reach the far opposite wall by December. I'm adding draperies to cancel that. And it's a slow going, difficult job to take care of. Maybe I'll be put right by tomorrow.
 

Hunter's Moon

The clear sky holds that glorious supermoon still can't be captured by my meager camera lens. So, here is a detail of a piece I've printed. Many who have taken my printing class know this is a monoprint because the screen prints is drawn through. 
 

Out and About

Shopping for yarn-thread that will mend a sweater brought me round the corner to this lovely building. I'm certain it is no longer used for lunch, and I'm glad that the coffee cup is still there. The art I make would not withstand the elements, and I'm grateful for other media that can. 
 

Got Them Blues

I've added some blue prints to my web store, and am always conflicted on whether I should keep all of them or not. This one is kinda nice just as it is. But then, there are so many prints that would work against it for contrast. I see so much imagery here. Like cellophane wrappers at the basket bin at holidays.
 

Back at the Wall

The sun is letting me know that year's end is nearer than far. And I do have plans to get curtains to block the direct southern exposure. Meanwhile, I'm plugging away with this latest one. Which I like. So, that's one of the good things that has happened this week. The rest of the week has had lumps.
 

Surface Design Schweifurth

 

Yesterday was Beyond the Surface at Schweinfurth Art Center. Two artists' work; first Krystle Lemonias who portarys domestic work of caregivers for it's content, second Gerri Spilka's work in printed and painted fabric held me for the dynamic shape and color. Both exciting, all worth the trip.

Best End of the Day

I spent hours getting a shipment ready to go only to find the box was 9" too long. Too long to ship. So, I've decided that my absolute least favorite part of my job is packing these works up to deliver. Hours. Lost. So, ending the day with a little music expertly played was a joy. (ps: delivered the package by hand)

 

Back at the Ranch

After a handful of days away, I made a point to get over to the studio. At seven minutes of drive, it's easy, just had other stuff to take care of. There seems to be a dark thing growing on the design wall, and I like it. I even know what it is. I'll clue you in when I get closer.
 

More in Store

I had some days to print and wash, photograph and enter on the website store. But as I put this up just now, it occurs to me that the photo I took on my little walk this week in the Finger Lakes seemed to have the same sparkling quality as the dye print. See if you agree.