Motif Sources for Printing

On my info sheet for materials for my textile printing classes I suggest finding motifs and graphics for inspiration. Photos, drawing, notes are great to have, as well as some online 'folders' like Pinterest. I've one that keeps some ideas for me, and for you if you care to browse.  https://www.pinterest.com/patpauly/motif-for-surface-design/
 

Busman's Holiday

Chelsea Fay had her very graphic and bold home dec fabrics on view today at More Fire Glass Studio (itself a fabulous art glass showcase) along with other fine art and craft. I was smitten with her clean prints. She is explaining the drop on the tablecloth, in the background are glass rondelles for color choice.
 

Great Graphics

Ann Clarke's fulled rug has fluid, drawn lines that mimic a scientist's plan. In my printing class, if it were vertual, I could show this image as a point of discussion. But in an in person class, not so easy. The perks, the pitfalls. Can't have everything.
 

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. 

Lesson #1: Who Gets to Sing?

Printing Under the Influence starts tomorrow. It's a five day class over two weeks, so there's time to talk, and time to print. First up will be graphics, printing, and who takes the solo and who's in the chorus. I already wish I had more time.
 

Know When to Fold Them

Part of my little basket of demos includes a quick lesson in how to squeeze new shapes and graphics from a printed fabric. This example uses a clear high contrast graphic so you can see what happens. It's one way I take bold graphics and reassemble to make and abstract image.

 

Sample Love

Started in one class, finished in another, I've learned that it's all right to leave printed yards incomplete. And that they can run several images at once. We make quilts with several motifs, just think Baltimore Album. This is just a different method -- printing graphics rather than applique.
 

You Don't Have to Look Far

USPS honored Ellsworth Kelley with a sheet of  stamps, and I got a couple. I parse them out carefully. His strong graphics, his simple and powerful prints inspire me to make marks in sympathy. Mine won't be as clean, or direct, but then, that's why I love this stamp. It is.

 

Shapes! Shapes! Shapes!

I'll add this backyard scene here as incentive to finish and hang up the last quilt off the machine -- and post it here tomorrow. These shapes are so much like the shapes I've just quilted. Maybe I've just been staring at the quilting too long. Maybe it's following me everywhere.

Graphic Design in Abstract Quilts July 13-17 Workshop

2020 is the year I've planned an excursion/immersion to delve into graphic design and the impact it has on abstract quilts. In conjunction with an exhibit of my work this summer at Rochester Institute of Technology, I'll be teaching a class that uses the archives and collections at RIT. Write me for more information. patpaulyart@gmail.com

Mark Making

Tomorrow a room of eager printers will gather at the Schweinfurth wet studio and delve into making marks on fabric. This Tony Tuckson painting "White lines (vertical) on ultramarine" might influence their large, graphic, rough and immediate strokes.

Line Work

In packing for my fabric printing class next week (a couple of spots left!) I've will remember to pack the graphic prompts I've got tucked away. These lines found in one of my airport stops had me thinking about the application of repeated squares. Gonna do this for sure.

Bittersweet

Susan Breit's work "Bittersweet" was part of the Quilting by the Lake quilt show. It's a great example of how fiber art abstracts natural elements so beautifully. Because the forms are broken down in shapes and pieces, you can't help but love the graphics. Bittersweet too, as QBL ends Friday.

Inspiration from Lester, Again

I can't let this photo stay in the camera, I must share it. It is an ink and watercolor (possibly) by Lester Beall, perhaps in the 1940s. The linear quality, coupled with the red organic shape is worth a study. And splitting the background in two colors lands it on the earth somewhere. At least for my eye.

Giving

What do you gift a fabric lover at Christmas? A round tablecloth -- bright, graphic, lively --  for the next gathering. Because I didn't have one, and they knew that. To  host the next bright, graphic and lively event. Merry Christmas all my blog visitors!

Overlapping Images

I love polka dots, and the way the Bruno Monguzzi used the pattern over this portrait is so veil-like. Nice poster, on view recently at RIT.

Focal Point

Great graphic while hitting the pinballs around. This was seen in an antique store just east of Rochester on routes 5 and 20.