Install Day

The Dove Project Block in Geneva, New York is hosting a group exhibit where my work is combined with Connie Ehindero's, Bill Stephen's, and Karen Frutigar's work. It opens Friday, then comes down September 3rd. Our topical topic is "Trust the Land" and worth a look.
 

Within the Frame

I should mention that I'll be in person in Cape Cod's Cahoon Museum for a three day improv design workshop "Within the Frame" August 9 - 11. Although most of my teaching gigs are printing fabric, I love to dive in a pile of fabric and reassemble, getting things like this. Join me, there are spots left. 
 

Another Joe Day

I love museums, but Joe loves them more. And sure enough, as a busman's holiday treat, Sunday we found a traditional quilt amongst the contemporary painting collection at the Memorial Art Gallery. They seem to want to say something, so this was their chance. Maybe a newer one next time. To match the time frame.
 

Music Saturday

I was Joe Cunningham's driver for the weekend as he finished at QBL and readied to get to the Birmingham, England Festival of Quilts show. So, before we got to the opening that night, I dragged Joe (on the right) to a singalong gathering Saturday morning. He was modest, but not in his playing ability. 
 

Show Opens

Three of four of my works are in a group of three show at Main Street Arts Gallery in Clifton Springs, New York. They are joined by ceramics artist Johanna Poag and artist Werner Sun. Both had a unique art presentation, and the synergy was wonderful. It's up till September 4. 
 

Show Off Time

I got to see the wrap-up auction for Quilting By the Lake in Geneva, New York tonight. What fun, it must have been a great week for them. This person was in Paula Kovarik's class where three dimensional quilting objects were constructed. The reindeer and mouse-in-a-pillow were impressive! 
 

Graphics for Trust the Land

Four artists (one is moi) are in a show that opens next weekend at The Dove Project. I volunteered to design and make the title wall. I've five panels, this one is mine. Lucky to have a clear cutting table and that gorgeous long for trimming. Yes, that's my fabric cutter used for paper. I'll change it out soon.
 

Can't Outdo the Backdrop

 

A last look back as I scroll the images from the past week and a half. Alaska is so spectacular, one is always and immediately humbled at one's surroundings. So, at home, as I get groceries, take out the trash, unpack the cases, I'm terrible happy to have returned, and also grateful to have been away..

July and the Full Moon

July's full moon I never saw. I was bed before the light faded, so high a latitude in Juneau, I hadn't the energy to wait for it. So, a fabulous poppy from the Botanical Garden here, posting 9:30 Juneau time, but from 1:30 Rochester time, where I'm landed at last, and we're counting this post as Tuesday. Time!
 

Parting Shot

We chose to forgo a visit to town and any cultural center in lieu of another fishing outing. I observed, mainly, and was  quite content to take in all I could of Alaska's vastness. This is my parting shot from  dock as we headed home, and my packing to leave. It was glorious, peaceful, and exciting. Thanks to my hosts and students for everything.

It's a Rainforest

 We stayed on dry land today, but still near the coast. Our best find was a 500 ft beaver dam on the trail, a sight to see.

Saturday Was the Fun Day

I'm posting this Alaska time in the evening. At four hours behind New York (home) time, it will ready as the next day. End of class means the start of exploring Juneau. We started in my host's boat on the water with the sight of whales, sea lions, eagles, and yes, catching two king salmon. Need I say "dinner"? 
 

Best Time of the Day

 Each morning was a discussion of work we've made.  Always a great look at choices, technique, and thoughtful suggestions. I've had a great week with this Juneau gang, and will miss their perseverance. 

Sunshine at Last

 It rained a week before I arrived, and every day till today. So with sunshine and new energy, we could hang our prints outside. Juneau weather!

Into Screens

We are hot and heavy in screens today. Trying two color prints, adding backgrounds, figuring motifs. The basics for printing in fabric. All good. 

Rubbing Our Time Away

The remnants of the rains that have lasted for days slowly lifted today, which was heartening to see. We finished the morning with another stab at rubbings and stencils with great success. Still, these were long days, but we are making great progress on fabric prints. 
 

Monday's Beginning

We dove into the big pool of techniques today, scraping and rolling using motifs and graphics. One student became the expert at rubbings, but then, someone always does. I'll note that I'm on Alaska time, and my posts will bear the next day (like Tuesday) as I can't get to post earlier than three hours ahead. 
 

Airborne

 The flight up the northwest coast was a brilliant display.  I'm landed,  excited to meet my class in Juneau, a d eager to start. My guess is they are as well.

Pack and Go

 Two bags, one just at the limit, the other a pound to spare, and I'm off to Juneau, Alaska to print for another week. Don't ask what got relocated.

 Our morning starts with sharing a piece we made. I'm always impressed with how everyone sees the work, and what response is to the work. I miss this already, now that we're at the week's end.

Good Things Happen

Nicole had a grand time gettiing this designed. We're finally getting cool breezy clear skies, and our work is just sailing on that wind. These prints are large, graphic, and full of color. Friday is our last till next July when I return to Coupeville. Won't be soon enough. 
 

Book Smarts

On our field trip to visit Marcia Derse's studio she showed my class her handmade books where she populates each book with sweet graphics which later become her fabric line. 

 

On The Line

Well, can't keep 'em from making. So, the clothesline started sporting glorious prints in all matter of color. We've entered silkscreen territory, so open the floodgates.

 

Start Yer Scrapers!

 And we're off! The first day is the most emotional, some can't sleep, need to get started, and the what-was-that-we-were-supposed-to-do. A day to learn/relearn techniques. This view as I was leaving. 

Walk About

 On my quiet day I took a walk parallel to the shore. It's very rural, spectacular sun , and no hint of breeze. A bit of setting up the classroom was called for, but also a look at the landscape. All of that beautiful  

We're About to See Alot of Water

 Starting with a ferry ride from the mainland to Whidbey Island,  then a walk along Coupeville's shore, it felt good to connect with this ocean. A few weeks ago the Atlantic,  now the Pacific. 

Packing Day

It took me from sunup to sundown to get two suitcases under the 50 lb. limit, the briefcase and carryon settled with extras, and the extras taken care of. I think my ducks are in a row, we'll see how friendly the skies are tomorrow. 
 

Fourth Walk About

The hydrangeas are starting to bloom this Independence Day. I'll be away for a bit, and I know that when I return these will still be there, albeit pinker and more muted. I'll take them anyway they show up. And I know that there are glorious sites to be in the coming weeks. So, a last walk around for now. Happy 4th! 
 

Let's Talk Color

Since the workshop next week is all about color (let's hope not 100%), I figured that I should at least address the issue. So, here's the excercise for color and its relationship to a background value. I'm tempted to make a cute book out of this, but won't. Onward to Print Me a Color. 

 

I'll Keep These

I finished a dozen or so pieces, and I might have to keep these. They are unusual in both the dark and light values, and the marks are distinctive. Plus, I like them too much to let them go. Maybe I'll bring them to Coupeville and Juneau, just to encourage working differently.
 

Happily Unfinished is Finished

Returning home from a printing workshop always means a stack of half-printed pieces. They make the most wonderful beginnings. I can pick up where I left off, but with the advantage of new images and ideas. It's the same with leaving an 'in progress' piece on the design wall. The return look has fresh eyes.