Another week………more progress?

Sometimes one can be in the midst of so many projects that not only can you lose sight of the finish line, but lose parts of the projects in the chaos. After, more than once, spending precious time searching my studio for a necessary item, it was time this week to pause and organize the chaos.

Before

It took a part of two days but I now can find things. Plus, I do believe that sitting in a cluttered space encourages a cluttered mind…..and that indeed lessens productivity.

After

With less clutter, I have been making progress on a number of fronts. I thought I would share with you some butterflies and birds that I have been making these past few weeks. 

The figures are stitched on angelina and water soluble solve. This photo was taken on a background of silk. I have now fused silk backgrounds onto each of the figures. Eventually they will be added to a piece that I am working on and I will share that. In the meantime, back to stitching!

Adventures in Stitching

The past few weeks have rushed past. While partly due to laying low with a cold and now sinus infection, the real reason I have lost track of time a bit has been a total immersion in a new class. I enrolled in an online class in stitching with Karen Ruane who lives in Great Britain. Entitled Simply Stitch 3, it is structured in a way that really works for me. The class runs 12 weeks and Karen videotapes as she works along on projects that she is interested in….you get to be a 'fly on the wall'. You can play with the ideas that she is working on, or on projects of your own. There are no deadlines, requirements, or really any rules. You post photos, if you wish, on Flickr and receive feedback. You can ask questions and get advice from not just Karen but a wonderful group of people around the world who are enrolled and love hand stitching.

It has turned out to be a perfect niche for me. Since there is no pressure to watch every video immediately upon posting, I have been able to relax and not worry about the fact that I have been out-of-town on two trips already since the class started. And, of course, without worry, I have been keeping up with Karen and getting more enthused every day.

I am learning new stitches for me. Isn't that little stitch in the center of this photo just beautiful!

So, basically I have been practicing and learning. I see many possibilities in future art quilts. Here is a miniature I am playing with now……..I had to learn French knots..something I have never been able to execute before….so I sketched out a piece that would definitely encourage me to practice those knots.

I think I accomplished that self-imposed assignment! Now I need to focus upon learning the stitches I am visualizing for those snow banks that have yet to appear in the bottom half of the piece!

Wonder

In the midst of my somewhat chaotic life, the SAQA Benefit Auction took place this year. My friend, Margaret Blank, donated an art quilt entitled "Wonder." It caught my eye and I was lucky enough to place a bid before anyone else. It arrived in my mail a few weeks ago.

Wonder by Margaret Blank

What attracted me to the piece was the essence of peace that it created for me. I love subtlety and Margaret relied simply on blue, white, and sparkle to create her piece. That was sufficient to get me bidding.

However, with "Wonder" in my hands, much to my delight, I was reminded about how little actually comes across in photos. (How in the world do judges jury a show from photos, however well done? I surely don't envy them!)

As Margaret's work rested on my desk, I got to appreciate and wonder in amazement at the delicate beading that enhanced many of the tree branches, portraying the results of a hoarfrost.Then there were all the tiny hand stitches of metallic threads, only visible as you neared the work, that built up that sense of wonderment.

I have often heard said that a great piece of art attracts your eye from across a room and then pulls you in as you get closer and get lost in its detail work. For me, "Wonder" is a great example.

The best part of all is that I now get to hang this work of art in my home where it can continue to convey Wonder for many years. :)

Busy November!

My art quilts will be quite busy in early November.

Ice Flow is out in Spokane, WA where it is currently hanging in a gallery at the Northwest Museum for Arts and Culture.  It has been juried into a silent auction that will take place on November 9. I was able to see Ice Flow on exhibit. You can see it in this photo - it is the top work.

It was hung from the ceiling of the gallery, about 6 or so inches from the wall.  Here is a photo of it from the side - I thought it was a very effective way to hang it - I had sent a slat that fit in the sleeve and had eye hooks on the ends. Thin transparent cord was used to suspect it.

Other art quilts traveling in November include Spirit which I had previously posted about and continues  its stint at the Tubac Center for the Arts until November 19.  Two other pieces, Journey and View From On High, open on November 9 at the Main Street Arts gallery in Clifton Springs, NY in the exhibit "Fabulous Fibers".

And, finally, Zen Moment, has been in Houston this week as part of the annual SAQA Benefit auction.