Retail Recon

Part of putting this townhouse back 'right' is finding the materials and fixtures that will be in place, and more importantly, be on site ahead of the installers. Rugs, wall paper, do-dads can wait, but tile is the foundation. Today was paint the studio (half of it) and between coats (3!) it was reconnaissance. 

 

Field Trip to Marcia Derse

A short drive up the road is the studio of fabric desiger Marcia Derse. Her charming house and studio hold the collections and prompts she uses to design her line of printed fabric. The visit has us all enchanted with her studio and archive. Many thanks for the hospitality and tour. It is a delightful experience.
 

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.
 

Interim Stage

It seems like it's about finished but I want the columns to melt between each other. Although that may not occur. I like that there is a unifying color (yellow) that runs arcoss the whole piece, and that addition of pink that holds and brackets the piece. Not much blue!
 

In Process

Two examples of my homework to lay down motifs, then finish, taking process photos midway and after washout. Can't say they are my favorites, but are great in parts, which is all I strive for in any yard I print. And yes, there are a couple of rough spots. But again, I'll cut them out. Joy of editing!
 

Re Work the Work

I'm always pleased when I take all the parts down, add more, and reassemble. The result never fails to be better than what was the previous design. I'll add the design before it, and you can see the change.

 

What Was Left on the Wall

I've almost cleared the fabric and demos left from this week's class. This is the example of "throw anything up there, and see what sticks". The uninitiated think that this is how we design, just tossing things around till the mess makes sense. It's a bit more than than, but just a bit.
 

Composition Cheat Card

Seven of types of composition. It's not definitive, just my set. I use it when I shuffle pieces around in design, when I set screens for printing, and when I identify the structure of works that puzzle me. It's my way of figuring out this complex world of visual matter.
 

Need Inspiration? Get Out

I was on a recon mission for tile for my daughter. But THIS hit me. Can you imagine having the great job of designing this tile? That's what reaches out and grabs me -- that someone was trusted to propose and draft this design for us plebes to enjoy. What one finds while hunting. 

Something Here is Speaking

While working out examples for the next class (time is ticking) this pairing showed up. Diversionary as it may be, I think there is something here that is talking to me. So, I might as well sew it up and finish it. Valentine's day has me seeing a broken heart here. There's the title. 
 

X Marks the Spot

Assembling an improvisationally cut piece takes a bit of jumbling. Often I grab my cheap (free!) chalk and mark the joints. I keep in mind that I'll loose 1/2 inch in the seam. This registration mark holds my place while I cut it into the parts I need. 
 

Wall Work

These two pieces have hopped on and off the wall for months. So today was the day to start working with them in a Take Two design. I might expand and add, or just work this through with two. But gray days make studio time easy -- no tugging to sit and stare at the sun.
 

Know When to Fold 'Em

Two of my recently printed fabrics hit the design wall today. I'll do the "pinch test" to see what to get out of them for design and graphics. They might serve to be the end in themselves, but I might add more. That's why my design wall is 15 feet wide.

Class Photo

I guess there's a first time or everything. I've taken dozens of class photos -- all gather 'round, let me remember the fun" and today the photo was virtual. I'm tired, but good tired. What a lot of fun, hard, hard work, and lots of design decisions. I'd do it all again.

Family Portrait

Titles come in my head as things gel. This piece went through many versions, but always with groups of people in mind. I've finished the top, now it'll queue for the longarm. All the fabric I made -- printed, monoprinted, scraped, rolled, screened --  all the stuff I teach in my print class.

Down the Home Stretch

It's late at night, but that excited feeling of wanting to wake and finish this construction phase has taken hold. I've done enough moving and shaping, so now I can assemble this.

Closer

You'd think I'd had gotten farther than this, but I spent time finishing other needs. A few more pieces joined the group, I've got my theme, and if tomorrow gives me time, I'll start to cut. Remind me to tell you about my design class this summer in Rochester July 13-17.

Starting Anew

It helps to have a design wall. And it helps to clear it. I've taken a dive in the pile of prints from this summer to jump start the next piece. We'll see how it evolves.

Slow Slog

I'll admit, it's hard to cut these up. But, knowing that I've set up a new print table, and my dyes from Pro Chem are in, I know I can make more. And even better, I know just the results I'm looking for.

I learned everything in Wood Design

As I am fixing my windows outside, I find my lessons from wood design return again and again. Construction, technique, aesthetics. All were a fundamental part of that class. And love of design. Mostly that. So, I won't mind.