Mutual Admiration Society

My favorite circle is to ask the printers to choose a piece they admire of another printer. It's the best time to hear why they admire the work, what parts they love, and especially the surprised happy response from the maker. I had a glorious time in Portland/Vancouver, even this brief time for Just Silkscreens..
 

Evolving Line

We've lucked out with columns to string clothesline between to hang our prints. Keeping to "Just Silkscreen" isn't difficult, there's a myriad ways to use them. And we'll explore one more day before rolling up the floor and head home.
 

In the Thickener of It

First day of Just Silkscreens in Vancouver, Washington and we're printing a storm, which matches the constant rain outside. Blessed with an expanse of space to spread out, and talented and knowledgeable fiber artists, I expect we'll see more great prints hanging up tomorrow. And more rain.

Know When to Fold Them

What started as a color demo became this lovely garden. I'm putting aside those that are to be cut-up considerably, those to hold, and those to post for sale. This is one that is hard to figure. It may be too much like one's I've used in my work, so I might keep. But there are others, and they'll be around soon.
 

Before and After

That half-finished demo piece just waited for me to get to it. So, I've added some more work, calming the light borders, and ended with the second. Not my favorite, but definitely usable parts.
 

Green Screen

Washed out and showing their final colors, it seems they are telling me to go for green. Must be spring! When I've got a set, as this is both botanical and the same palette, then I know I need to A.) use these together, and B.) get something other than this to use against it (like another set!).
 

On a Roll

Two for Tuesday was the assignment (though I just thought up the name) which was make two different compositions using the same starter motif. I got absolutely nutty with a three part motif. I found printing the solid leaf and the outline leaf absolute fun. Class had great images as well. Wash out tomorrow.
 

Start the Day

Thought you'd like to see just what I stare at for my day -- me! But not for long. There's already someone in the waiting room. So, the start of Just Silkscreens. I've got screens ready, dyes ready, table cleared and gathered some loose notes. We'll be at it again tomorrow.
 

The Gloves are On

The very unglamorous, but necessary, task of cleaning screens. I've turned up the hot water to the hottest setting -- around 140 degrees -- and with my sprayer and scrubber have removed the dried dye+thickener coat and the soy wax block out. They'll drip dry on my cement floor, and tomorrow I ready for class!
 

Last Chance for Virtual Printing

In 10 days is the last virtual print class till the fall (or next year). Just Silkscreens is 11 to 4 Monday through Friday, May 15 - 19. Most of the design wall shows fabric who's chief technique is silkscreen. We'll print other ways too, but this is a deep screen dive. Join me www.patpauly.com/virtualclasses
 

More Tricks with Silkscreens

Mid May (15-19) is my last virtual class till I figure out my fall/winter schedule. There's something great about getting beautiful fabric that has been printed and still retains its softness and hand. There are a few spots left, just check the site www.patpauly.com/virtualclasses

 

May is Just Silkscreens

The last virtual class I'll have (till I figure out the fall/winter schedule) is my Just Silkscreen class that meets May 15 - 19. There are just a couple of spots left, so check the virtual classes page on my website. This is a detail that has it ALL. Silkscreen, layers, silkscreen, color work, silkscreen, and bits of rubbings.
 

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. 
 

Glance Back

My trip from Tahoe to Rochester took 30 hours, an overnight in the airport, and funky food. But I wanted to leave you with an image of two of the work tables, and their prints. All pieces that emerged were magical, fun, high chroma, and inventive. Thank you all who were with me there for my refreshing week!
 

What Next

Before the day starts, we finish what we started yesterday. The proverbial question: What Next? And it may seem like we are seriously considering the demise of lately departed, we are in fact figuring how to breathe more life into the piece. One of my favorite times.
 

Dye Dogs

In surface design lingo, there are pieces that are not worthy of keeping around and we affectionately call them "dye dogs". Today's Art Quilt Tahoe had dogs of a different breed. These energetic, well drafted, and funky dogs were made with rubbings. Pretty bow-wow, I say!
 

The Gloves are ON

My next trip is Art Quilt Tahoe for a printing workshop. One of the nights, I get to bring and sell my printed fabric and scarves. So, here's the start of what I'll bring. And, well, they also are good examples for the print class. 
 

We Did Have Fun

Before we disassembled our work space at Pro Chemical and Dye, we get together for a last laugh. You can honestly say it was a week of working hard and making good prints. And in between, a few good laughs. Thanks all for letting me have a bit of fun and hanging out this past week. 
 

Thinking Hard

Thursday marks day four, and by now I've added as much as I can about using screens, and it's time to explore the limits of the medium. What emerged was a slew of wonderful, thoughtful works that brought new strikes, marks, and compositions. I love seeing all of this.
 

Longest Day to Print

A great way to spend the longest day of the year is by printing. Though Suzanne hadn't said the sunshine (that was ample today) was the inspiration for this print, it certainly could have been. More printing tomorrow at Pro Chemical and Dye in Fall River, Mass.