A Distance Away

The call for entries is on for Quilt National. I've earned a spot a few times, most recently for this piece (detail of "In the Weeds" shown here) and I may enter again. I woul have to find one that was not exhibited or broadcast publically. That's what will take time. The hunt.
 

Size Matters

On looking at the prospectus for entering Quilt National 2025 I noted that there is a size limit of 100 inches in either width or height. This is 105 inches, so out of the running. I've been shy of entering exhibitions that have a size limitation, and here we are again. Do they do this for other media? 

 

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.
 

Someday It'll Return

I've said so long to "In the Weeds" for now. The Dairy Barn will travel this show for the next two years, and if you count the 7 months it's already been away, it'll be a three year absence. That is difficult to wrap your head around. But, at least I'll welcome the Quilt National 2021 work home later this summer.
 

Reflections of QN

If you want a true reflection of the work juried in to Quilt National '23, you would look at the awards group. 3 of the 12 awards featured works in solid color fabric (none purchase awards, I believe) in the field of 81 works of which 29 are mainly solid color fabric. My figures are estimates. 
 

More Stitches from QN '23

Clockwise from upper left Judy Martin, Dinah Sargeant, Susan Byrnes, and Susan Brubaker Knapp. The stitching decision, how to hold these three layers together, what mark to make, when it is enough, and so forth. All fascinated me at this Quilt National 2023 exhibition this weekend.
 

Stitching at Quilt National

 Ann Smith detailed figures in her work, and this detail shows her hand stitching. She doesn't use a sewing machine, and builds her work with used clothing and fabric. The effect speaks to her plain and serious manner in capturing people. 

Quilt National 2023

Made the drive to Athens, Ohio and the opening of Quilt National 2023. My piece is in great company, and looks swell hanging proud of the perimeter wall. There's lots of fresh new faces, wonderful explorations of fiber work, and of course friends to meet. Many I've met virtually, now in person!
 

Signed and Sealed

Before I boxed up the quilt for Quilt National '23 I signed the front lower corner. I've done this on all my large works since 1981. That one went to Quilt National, too. I hope I can find the way to visit the show come May 2023. 
 

Old Returns for this Season

I believe I've owned this more than 45 years. Each holiday season it returns somehow. And it reminds me that long before I made my first quilt (1981) I was drawn to the craft.
 

Leaving the Upstairs for Down

As nice as it was for this day, my presence was in the studio for an artist talk with the Dairy Barn Art Center. Four artists with work in Quilt National '21 spoke to a crowd on Zoom about their work, their methods, their past and future. I'll post the link when it comes around.
 

Quilt National Talk

Quilt National asked me to provide a short video for talking about my work. They asked everyone in the show, just search youtube for more. So, here I am with the help of QN edits. Enjoy!
 

Quilt National '21

Congregation, my work in Quilt National '21, is at right, next to Betty Busby's work, and guarded by Paula Kovarik's work in front. I know it's in good company. Thanks to Jeanne Marklin for the photo. Wish I could've been there for the opening. 
 

Quilt National Gives You a Dozen Ways

I've a piece in this year's Quilt National, an exhibition that opens late May. In August I'll be virtually teaching through Quilt National's website. The three day class is called "A Dozen Ways: Design for Art Quilts" and we learn more than dozen ways to start composition works.  August 17 to 19.

 

Taking Memories With You

A weekend spent looking at Quilt National '19 works came to an end. Friends who had work there as well as newly made friends were all rolled into three days of concentrated images. It's a refection now of a point in time where fiber work changed, waiting for the next shift to overtake its hold.

We Do Have Fun

It was my turn to speak (for just three minutes!) on my piece at Quilt National's Artist walk-through this morning. It was fun, and sometimes that's all that counts. And a thank you to a faithful post reader for pointing out that SHE reads me every now and again. She was in the crowd.

Details, Details

Natalya Aikens's piece Iron Spine 5XL (detail above) caught me at the Quilt National this weekend. She's uses wild materials (plastic bags, dyed dryer sheets, etc.) to depict architectural details, and all with fabulous hand stitching. I admire this work.

Admiration Society

I met Astrid Hilger Bennett back in 2007 when were at another QN opening. She is steadfastly working always. I admire her work, and was happy to join her at Quilt National. A strong voice.

Part of the Fun

Karen Schulz stands next to her work at Quilt National. Meeting her again, and seeing this work is part of why I came to the opening -- to hear why and how these works were made, to hear Karen and all the others discuss the process. Nice weekend.

Hanging With the Gang

Quilt National 2017 opened tonight, and my work, the colorful Normandy, is second in the lineup here. Julia Graziano's work is at left. The works are exciting, the artists here tonight incredibly talented. I'm lucky.