And We Got Happy

More great prints from the week at Quilting By the Lake and Laurie's wall with some examples of her work. We had enough room, a decent sink, and lots of ideas to share and bounce from. This was an unusual workshop as it had "independent" in the title, so agendas were encouraged. 
 

All In a Day

By Thursday the studio mates are in the routine, and happy to work on their own prints and compositions. We've figured out spacing, tools, where to place wet prints, and how to pace through several pieces. The only thing we can't control is the weather (hot at times) and the humidity (pretty high = no dry). 

Monday is Go Day

Lisa wasted no time getting to print, and this dress will be ready to wear tomorrow, if only we had a washer on hand. It was a day to do EVERYTHING all at once. So I was on my toes getting the materials out, but not always as quick as I wanted. And some fine stuff is cooking, and looking good. Independence!
 

Two to a Good Home

These were printed and shown at RIT's Shop One on the campus. Later, they were part of my studio sales items. A lovely woman who had seen them years ago and remembered them found me and asked about them. I'd put them in a safe space, and we reconnected. So, finally to the long-time admirer.
 

On the Line

A most handy closeline is up and filled within an hour of class's start. Margaret got her piece up and finished, showing how she loves clean, pure color saturation. There is a myriad of styles here, which is so great to see the variations in printing applications. And Coupeville is gracing us with perfect skies
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Let the Fun Begin

We've settled in the Pacific Northwest Art Center's workshop space with everyone grabbing two tables to print large and bold. The first day had direct scraping on fabric, rubbings and work with stencils. With silkscreens in hand, we'll start to add resists tomorrow and dive into printing more. 
 

The Pleasent Surprises

Susan tried a few motifs on this half yard, with great results. It was a good three days of experimenting, technique exploration, and taking notes on how diverse the printing outcomes could be from a dozen people. The Schweinfurth offers such a nice work space for a wet studio, and I always love it there. 
 

The Tour

The last day of Alegre Retreat is a tour where the entire community of the retreat goes from room to room to see what each person made. What a riot! Yes, it made us clean up a bit, but everyone was able to show there work and answer questions. It was marvelous, and I was so pleased to spend a week there. Brava!
 

Wonders Exist

Jamie took to printing light lighting. She's standing next to her piece where she's scraped color blocks throughout. Don't know if she'll add, or leave it as a color set. Either way, it's lovely. And, check out these wonderful sinks! We are spoiled at Alegre!
 

The Never-Decreasing Pile

From each workshop comes a stack of unfinished pieces. They wait and wait. And this interruption in printing the layers makes for a more interesting and responsive addition. The urge to finish in one go is tempting, I've done that, but a pause brings fresh perspective. And so, no hurry.
 

Leftovers

A January virtual class and a February in-person class left me with bits and bobs of thickened dye. I can't toss them, and haven't much time this week, but I'll try to use them up. The holes or slits allow for the spoons to stick out, something I have to wash. I'll check strength on cloth, process, and add dye if needed. 
 

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.

Surprise

I've had the hot water tank stoked to 'very hot' and results are in. This is a large piece, perhaps yard  by 60". I can't say what it'll become; I'm tempted to make a garment, though it may be a bit bold. I'd have no problem wearing this as a coat.
 

More On the Line

I spent another day in the design studio that I'd turned into a print studio. I experimented with a soy way screen that gave me an allover design. I'm hoping to use these for garments, although can't say just what, but washout will help determine.
 

What Is THAT

When I printed with my 'strong' turquoise, it was as dark as the mixing blue. The turquoise was the first layer, the blue the second. I got severe lightening being in a cool room, so it did not bind as it could in warmer temp. But this effect of the first layer blocking the second is gooey! You are seeing it washed.
 

Leaves Even in Winter

I have great hope for this print, is has a varied background with defined leaves. Washing out is tomorrow in between getting taxes ready to go. So, the good with the dreary. 
 

Four Square

 

Prints through the wash let me know lots. Is this new motif strong? Are the colors holding, or are some wimping out? Which can I combine, and which will lend themselves to a minor role? And is there one that has text or letterforms? I'm eager to prints more. This is a set of four pieces.

Studio Flip Design to Print

My dear blog friends, you know what the my studio looks like when I'm designing works, hosting a First Friday, or working on a project. Here is a view of midweek where printing is in progress and works are getting built. A different way to use the studio, and keep in mind, we were only six in the room,