The Artist at Lotusland

Today was drop-off day for the portrait 2025 show that opens Jan 3rd at Studio 402 at Anderson Alley Art Building. I find these fun to make, and a great collage type exercise. I ended up sewing raw edge for the majority of pieces, and adding a quilted stitch over that edge as well. It's 20 x 26 and for sale in the show.
 

It's a Start

The annual portrait show is in the Anderson Arts Building, where my studio is located. I've pulled together some fabrics I'd like to use that may suggest a figure. I've a couple of days to get this off to them, and I'm not committed, but I'd like to make the deadline. If my head clears from this cold, I might make it.

 

Nancy's Studio

Across the parking lot is another set of industrial buildings that house galleries and offices. Nancy Valle has part of her studio on the Anderson Arts Building (a floor above mine), part in a working print studio in town, and here next to my building. Sunday she celebrated the space, and threw a little party.
 

Last Glance

I'm happy this has a new home. Here's a last look at the entire work. I must say that I wanted a bit more time to spend with it. I don't often raw edge machine applique anything, but this yearly series has been a good way to experiment and change. I'll start earlier next year to spend more time with it.

 

First Friday

The portrait exhibit, a yearly extravaganza, opened tonight in Studio 402, the floor above my studio. I nipped in to see it, check my piece (just to the right in this pic) and learned later that it has been sold. So, a good night for me! Works will be up next First Friday as well, so if you're in Rochester, NY, go.
 

Details, Details

The annual portrait show will get these two gals in dialogue. I wanted to show you the quilting stitch as well as the absolute raw edge layering of the piece. I always have fun stepping to one side of my usual techniques, and you should try it for a change. Doing something different, that is.
 

Portrait Step Sewn

I'll get this quilted soon. Here the raw edge is machine applique, if you can even call it that. I've crudely sewn it onto the background, leaving no finished edge. My plan is to quilt along that edge as well, to establish the edge of the area for each "piece". 
 

Portrait Step 2

The first Friday in January opens the annual self portrait show in Studio 402. I'm trying my hand at raw edge applique in a small work destined for that show. I've a lot to do -- there is a dog/pig to fix, heads to elaborate, and of course, finishing. But, hey, there's time.
 

Selfie Selfie

Alien Walking Her Dog is in the bottom half of the pic here. And I realize that it needs to be flipped. Which doesn't explain why I look odd, just my out-and-about look here. You get the idea of how large it is (it's small for me) by what is around it. Do that. Use your work in context so we know its scale. 
 

In Time for First Friday

It always takes twice as long as you think. Why I don't remember this rule -- well -- it would help. Tomorrow I'll sweep up a bit and accept guests who drop in for Rochester's First Friday events. I'm in studio 301 with this monster, my little portrait is upstairs in 402 for a show. Split personality!
 

Alien Walking Her Dog

Studio 402 has a portrait show each January. It's fun, filled, fabulous. This "Alien Walking Her Dog" will be there for the opening this Friday, January 6 from 6-9. It's at the Anderson Art Building just above my studio 301. Yes, I'll be there in my studio while the party is going on in 402. 
 

Self Portrait Time

Each year artists are invited to the self portrait show in Studio 402 in Anderson Arts. Why I wait till the last almost minute, I can't say. This came to me, it's 26" x 20 and titled "Alien Walking Her Dog". Tonight I'm binding it, so done. I've got wrapping to do!
 

Pillows To Go

Here's my rough draft for how to display these five pillows. There is a holiday sale (early?) at Studio 402 at the Anderson Alley building. Best time to go is during their First Friday night on November 6. I won't be there, just my pillows. Now you know what else I've been up to!
 

Reality

Often, show photos edit out the room's interruptions. In reality, there are conduits, pillars, wall dings and the like. I've other settings with pristine museum quality installations, but this is reality. Oddly, when viewing, all the extraneous bits disappear. Must be the art is that intriguing. The view from where I sat.