International Spring Quilt Market

I was fortunate to be able to accompany a friend of mine, Ilene Bartos, to market. She was there to promote her new book, Spectacular Rectangles published by Martingale. They were kind enough to give me a badge which was my ticket to enter. Market isn't like a show where you can pay to go view the quilts and visit the vendors. It's the wholesale part of the business.

I had gone with the intention of supporting Ilene and not really thinking about opportunities I might have. This was a very exciting experience for me. I was asked to "try" some new products and let the manufacturers know what I think of it and I have some things to design. The people I met were wonderful and the possibilities are countless.

Looking Back, Looking Forward in a new year

Here it is the end of January and I have so neglected my blog. Where does the time go? Holiday hustle and bustle, finishing year-end work, commissions and paper work. Now is the time to look back and revisit what occurred in 2009 in order to look forward to 2010.

I traveled a great deal this past year. I actually drove, or rode as the case may be, from coast to coast beginning in the Spring, with a great trip to Hudson Valley, NY for an art workshop, ending with a visit to family in California for the holidays. In between were several trips to Wyoming to visit family and a niece's wedding in Texas. This year could find me traveling just as often, with two babysitting weekends in Wyoming for our granddaughter and a nephew's wedding in Texas already scheduled.

In spite of all the travel, I've also had a good deal of time in the studio. I sold enough work to make a small profit this year. I participated in several local and regional textile shows in Des Moines and Fairfield, IA. You will also find several of my works at the Perfect Setting in Marshalltown, IA. It's a wonderful gallery filled with a great variety of art.

In the Beginning
Sierpinski's Triangle Interpreted

Two of my art quilts, In The Beginning and Sierpinski's Triangle Interpreted, were juried into a show called "Art Meets Science", through the Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) that will travel for two years. The first venue is Birmingham, England in August 2010 at the Quilt Symposium. I would love to be able to go visit them in England. I may travel frequently, but I think my work travels further than I do.

Currently in the studio, I am working to finish some things left undone in 2009, while sketching and thinking about new works. The visionings project through SAQA is still on my mind although my subject matter seems to be shifting. Let's see where this will take me by the end of the year. Show opportunities abound. It's time to make a list of those in which I think my work will fit, while the purchase of a new camera has me snapping away and viewing the world through a smaller, more focused, lens.

Why So Difficult to Write an Artist Statement and Bio?

What goes into an Artist Statement or Biography? And why is it so difficult to actually write them? I need to write one of each for an upcoming show. It sounds so simple when others say, "tell why you do what you do, and how you do it". Finding words for these things isn't always easy. Why do I do it? I have to, I'm compelled. How does one write about a compulsion and have it sound romantic? I guess it's a more positive compulsion than some others I can think of, so why not romanticize it? I'm working on that.

The biography is another story (literally). What does one say about oneself in two or three paragraphs that lets the viewer know who you are as an artist? What if I don't know myself? What if I just like making stuff and sending it out into the world? I guess the difficult part is pulling it together into something that makes sense to someone else. When it comes to my creative self, she's a little bit skittish. She doesn't like being tied down with words. She likes her hands in the "stuff"! So I'm attempting to reign her in enough to get a sentence or two out of her. Wish me luck!

Inspiration

What inspires each of us to create? It's probably different for each person. For me, it's usually something found in nature, but it can also be an emotional experience, a cause that I believe in, or the plight of others.

Lately, it's about texture. A camping trip to a friend's ranch in Eastern Wyoming has provided much to think about. The first photo is looking up from the bottom of a slot canyon where the water has carved the rock. The visible swirl patterns mark the path of rushing water over the centuries. It's hard to imagine as this is a fairly dry climate - high plains, but when it runs, it runs quickly. The canyon is only about 50 yards in length, and tells a long ago story.

The smooth texture of the rock as it's been carved is wonderful to feel while walking in. It narrows to about 12 inches in some spots, even narrower at the ground forcing one to "walk" on the sides pushing against the rock with feet and hands to move forward.

Then there's pine bark. What wonderful pattern and shifts in color! Different pines have different bark. I found this one to be most interesting.

Now I just need to see what happens when I start playing with art stuff.

The Blank Page

It's a frightening thing - the blank page, the blank canvas, the blank anything, if one is expected to fill it with something. As a mixed media artist who sometimes writes, I have been intimidated more than once by the blank, white canvas/page. What is there to do when you stare and nothing comes? I suppose it's a common thing for those who compose, whether using musical notes, images or words. It's nice to know I'm in good company, but it's not a comfortable place to be.

There are discussions about when to stop - how do you know when a piece is finished? But what about how to begin? Sometimes, if I can just make the first mark, or cut a piece of fabric, or put one sentence on the paper, I have a place to begin. The first mark can be quite intimidating, however, especially if I let that old inner critic have a say; or if the fabric was pricey, it can be anxiety producing to make the first cut.

Make a mark, then another. Write a word, then another. Make a cut, then another. Off we go. Still, I'd like to know how others deal with the beginning.

What's in a Name? (more on titling art)

In posing the question of whether all art needs a title, I was hoping to generate conversation. It did just that and I'm appreciative of everyone's thoughtful responses. They were somewhat varied, but most agree that art should have something that identifies it, whether it's a full title or an identifier such as "color study: blue and orange". I also read several articles I found on the internet regarding the subject.

According to Robert Genn, author of The Painters Keys, http://www.painterskeys.com " . . . titles serve to confirm what's seen but also to add knowledge, insight, and a glimpse into the author's mind set." In keeping with Genn, Holly Huffstutler's article at http://www.helium.com/items/1422709-titling-an-art-work-for-greater-meaning stated "art can be imbued with greater meaning with the addition of a title" and discusses how a title can capture the viewer and draw them into conversation about the work instead of dismissing it. She sites the example of Marcel Duchamp who took a urinal and placed it in a different context and titled it "Fountain". Both authors are worth the read.

The conversations are convincing. One should have some type of identification for each work of art. How else will you know which is which, after all? One wouldn't want a list of works with "Untitled #1", "Untitled #2" etc. That would be boring.

The title of the work in the photo is "Blooming". The title of the piece from yesterday's post is "Stormy Seas".

Does Art Always Need a Title?

I've been thinking about titles and art work, and wondering if it's necessary to title everything. I know there are many untitled works hanging in galleries world wide, but the majority of my work is titled, and today, I'm wondering why I find it necessary. The meaning of every work of art is decided by the viewer. I suppose if the artist wants to lead the viewer, a title might be helpful, but I wonder if even then, a title really makes a difference.


This is a piece I just completed, with full view and detailed. It's hand-dyed cotton with thread, paint, iridescent gel medium, and dyed cheese cloth. I have not titled it. I'm wondering what others see in it, what thoughts and/or emotions are evoked in the viewer. I look forward to comments, and think I'll leave it untitled. At least for now.

Nature's textures

Isn't this grand? Birch bark has such wonderful irregularities. The textures of bark fascinate me. I'm gathering a library of photos of textures so I can begin to explore different textures with my art. The woods and trails around Greenville provide excellent subjects for photography.

Walking through the woods here has been wonderful. Yesterday as I walked the path, along with the wonderful textures, I noticed the steady hum of bees all around. The honeysuckle is just beginning to bloom. It wasn't a soft humming either, it was as if I was in the middle of the hive. To stand still and listen, while breathing in the sweet scent was magnificent. A treat for the senses.

Today is the final studio day. I will use the time to explore some new materials.

Catskills

The drive to Greenville was beautiful and virtually no traffic. We arrived at the Greenville Arms around 3:30 pm. Wonderful place with lots of character.

Today we will finish setting up the studio and preparing for the workshop. Studio space is great. It's set up for any type of media and lots of electrical outlets.

I plan to walk some today and see the town and surrounding area.

On the way to Jamestown

Today we decided to change our route and get off the toll road and heavy traffic. Left I90 at Erie, PA and finished the day in Jamestown, NY. I saw this flowering bush at a rest stop. I'm not familiar with it. Perhaps a mountain laurel, my traveling companion said. Not sure, but it's quite beautiful. So much inspirational countryside and visual stimulation.




Jamestown is a wonderful place. The downtown is fun. This is Lucille Ball's birthplace. The photo at left is painted on the side of one of the buildings. Many references and business names connected to Lucy and Desi here. We took a little drive through most of the downtown area. Would like to spend a little more time here one day.

Tomorrow we will reach our destination, the Greenville Arms, in Greenville, NY.

Looking forward to more beautiful countryside. So many shades of green, so many different types of trees and plants. A visual feast along the way.

The Road Less Traveled

I love road trips. Not only do I enjoy driving, but I love being able to see the countryside along the way. I'll take interstate highways when I have to, but I prefer roads less traveled. They take you through the heart of the country. Passing through towns and cities, one is forced to slow down. Watching people as they do their daily work in their environment, while I remain somewhat invisible - just a passing car, from out of state no less - gives me a glimpse of life in that place. While it is only a glimpse, I can learn much. Does the town seem to be thriving, or does it look a little dilapidated and in need of more commerce? What might be the main industry here? In smaller towns, one can usually surmise that it's the agriculture surrounding it, that keeps the businesses afloat. But what of the midsized towns? I look for clues as I drive through.

Tasting my way across country is always fun, too. I prefer locally owned establishments to chain restaurants. I'll eat at the chains if there's nothing else, but I like asking someone who lives there, where they like to eat. I've found some gems in unlikely places.

I'm heading out for a road trip. In the next two weeks, I'll be blogging about where I am and what I'm doing. My destination is Hudson Valley, NY for a week long fiber art workshop. I'll be blogging about that, too. The entire experience is food for creativity. My camera will be busy. So check back frequently. Find out what little gems I may discover along the way.

April is the Cruelest Month - T.S. Eliot

I'm looking out my window at a gray and rainy landscape. Two days ago is was sunny and actually hot. I relished the sun and worked in the garden for the first time. Felt so good to have my hands in the dirt, dividing and transplanting. Then it all changed and we're back to cold and gray. I am glad for rain instead of snow, however. The grass is green and the trees are budding. Daffodils and tulips are in bloom. T.S. Eliot called April the cruelest month, and it can be pretty fickle. Snow, rain, sun; warmth and back to cold. But April also marks the beginning of the new cycle of life and hope. Gray and rain will change to sun and warmth. Birds are gathering nesting materials and the trees will leaf out quickly. Winter birds have gone and summer birds will soon be here, if they're not already. I've been listening for the orioles, but I haven't heard them yet. Only another few weeks before the first ruby throat humming bird will arrive. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the unfolding of Spring.

After the Rush

After delivering the vestments on April 10th, I spent a week focusing intensely on the final preparations for my daughter's wedding, which was Saturday, April 18. It was a beautiful wedding, made more beautiful by the sheer joy reflected in both faces of this young couple. They've waited seven years to make it "official". I am thrilled for them.

It is a strange feeling as I write this, however. With my large project mostly finished and delivered, and my daughter's wedding over, I have time to reflect. Both of my children are young women. Both are married and I am the grandmother of a four-year-old granddaughter. I am content in my life, my relationships, and am pursuing the artist' life I've always dreamed of having. So where has the time gone?! I swear I've been aware of every part of my life as I've lived it, yet looking back, it seems as if it's gone so quickly. Weren't they just little girls yesterday? Wasn't it only a week ago that I was taking pictures of their first steps, first day of school, first date? There's art in the making here. Time . . . an intangible that there's never enough of.

It's Officially Spring!

It's finally here! The season of unpredictability! Unstable weather conditions prevail. One day it's 70 degrees F, and the next, 35! Rain may give way to snow, or even thunder snow, while flowers begin to bloom. I have a small patch of daffodils in bloom close to the house. The iris is pushing out of the ground and the cuckoo pint is tall and green.

The bird population is beginning to shift. The junkos have gone and the dreaded grackles are back. In a couple of weeks I'll be listening for the distinctive sound of the Orioles. We will fill the feeders with oranges and grape jelly and watch for flashes of brilliant orange as they come to partake of the sweet treats. Much to look forward to in the next few weeks as the light continues to increase and the landscape changes from brown to green.

Warmer weather, more hours of sunlight, and new growth always energize me, both physically and creatively. Sometimes it's difficult to corral the ideas floating around. I try to travel with my camera and/or a small sketch book, but don't always manage. Sometimes, the tiniest little thing will inspire a thought process that takes me on a journey I never would have imagined. I can't wait to see where this Spring takes me.

Do others find the Spring season more energizing? Is there an increase in your creativity?

Why is it Difficult to Claim the title of Artist?

As I've been reading blogs and tweets and articles, and talking with other artist friends, I have noticed that it's difficult for some creative people to refer to themselves as artists. There's a tendency to apologize for being creative, and spending time in creative endeavors. This strikes a chord with me, because I, too, still fight feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

I remember having a conversation quite a few years ago with another artist friend, about whether we were artists with a capital "A" or a lower case "a". I'll give us credit for the fact that we were even talking about being artists, as I felt that just referring to myself that way was somehow unthinkable. Years later, it seems somewhat sad that we even contemplated a difference. Which brings me to the question, what is the mystique of calling oneself an artist? Why is it so difficult to claim the title?

David Bayles and Ted Orland, in their book "Art and Fear" talk about the "view of artmaking today - namely, that art rests fundamentally upon talent, and that talent is a gift randomly built into some people and not into others." In other words, the artist has been given a gift and is able to create great works of art because of this alone. Prodigies are rare, but as a culture we've all bought into the image. Speaking for myself, it leaves me with feelings of insecurity, and wondering if I'm "talented" enough.

Intellectually, I know, art is made by ordinary people. People who work hard to learn the basics; who produce a lot of work that ends up in the waste basket. While talent might be a step in the proverbial direction, it's really an issue of passion. When the desire to create overcomes the fear of not being perfect, one can make marks on the paper, or put brush to canvas or cut the fabric. When I'm not thinking about the end result, but focusing on the process, I learn something. What I'm producing in that moment may not be the best work of art I've ever done, but the knowledge gained from creating it will be put to use on the next piece. It's the passion that makes me want to go the next step, create the next piece. It may end up as part of the trash tomorrow, but today, it's what I do.

So, what about others? Is it difficult for you to call yourself an artist? And if not, have you always been able to? I welcome your comments.

What's an art quilt?

I was asked by a fellow artist the other day, why so many different names for art made from fiber, i.e. art quilt, fiber art, textile art, mixed media, etc. She also made a statement that as she has perused other artists blogs and websites, what she often sees that is referred to as quilt art, has nothing to do with quilts. She was somewhat confused. I attempted to explain how I see the differences and why different people might want to refer to what they do differently. That attempt follows:

What is an art quilt? According to several organizations, the definition of a quilt is, 2 or more layers held together by stitching. Most will have a fabric sleeve on the back for hanging with a rod. An art quilt is intended for the wall, and may or may not have, any number of surface design treatments, using applique' and/or other media, such as paint, ink, photo transfer, beads, yarns, and found objects attached in one way or another to create the image.

Most quilt shows now have a category for art quilts. As a matter of fact the International Quilt Association show in Houston every year is really dedicated to the art quilt as well as "the art of quilting", offering thousands of dollars in awards for the most outstanding work. The American Quilters Society is another large association that has large shows offering awards, and has a quilt museum in Paducah, KY.

Contemporary quilting is very different from the quilts our foremothers made. The majority are no longer only utilitarian pieces made from clothing scraps. The patterns are well thought out, drafted and executed using a sense of color and design to enhance the pattern. The quilting, or stitching, patterns themselves have evolved into being more and more complex. The majority of quilts are quilted by machine rather than hand. Even if a quilt is intended for the bed, coordinating and contrasting colors and fabrics forming the design, present a contemporary way of creating quilts.

I believe there is a bit of politics involved as well when referring to ones art as art quilt, fiber/textile or mixed media art. In my experience, as soon as someone hears the word "quilt", grandma's bed quilt/blanket tend to be the associations. For some, to call themselves fiber or textile artists, or mixed media artists, gets away from that perception, and they feel their work won't be prejudged by the term quilt. These artists may want to become involved in gallery shows as well as, or instead of, quilt shows.

Not all fiber art meets the definition of a quilt. Some artists frame their work, or put it on stretchers to hang. In these cases, the work may not consist of layers held together by stitch, but instead may be any treatment of fabric or use of fibers in a surface design. My own work consists of both art forms, the art quilt, and fiber art that is intended to be framed or stretched as a canvas. Therefore, I refer to myself as a mixed media and/or fiber or textile artist.

For more information on textile art go to: Studio Art Quilters Assocation and/or the Surface Design Association

American Gothic

A friend sent me a quote this morning via email that I've been thinking about all morning.

"Masterpieces are not single and solitary births; they are the outcome of many years of thinking in common, of thinking by the body of the people, so that the experience of the mass is behind the single voice. This experience of the mass is what gives art its healing power, its prophetic strength and durability." Virginia Woolf

I had the opportunity to view Grant Woods' painting, American Gothic last week in person. Our art museum has it on loan as part of an exhibit called "After Many Springs: Regionalism, Modernism & the Midwest". It's a wonderful exhibit with some great photographs, and paintings by Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry, Jackson Pollock, Ben Shahn, Dorthea Lange and others. But I went to see the masterpiece: American Gothic.

What is it about this painting that separates it from the rest? Why is this one a masterpiece? American Gothic was painted in 1930 in Iowa. The images of the man and woman, are iconic and somewhat mysterious. He looks straight ahead, while the woman looks off to the side. It makes one wonder what she's seeing, what she's thinking. Wood didn't say much about his painting, other than the woman is the man's daughter, when asked about their relationship. Their facial expressions are such that the viewer must decide what they are feeling.

I could stand close enough to the painting to see the brush strokes and how the paint was applied. But to stand a short distance away and take in the image in it's entirety is a wonder. As I thought about the quote above and American Gothic, I began to think about the story the painting tells. I thought about what I know about 1930 and the rural landscape of Iowa. About the Great Depression and what life on the land was like. I took in the facial expressions of the figures, this man and his daughter, and wondered. I was drawn in, caught up in the story, transported to another place, another time. Masterpiece.

It's Melting (or what a difference a week makes)

The sun is out and it's almost 50 degrees today! The snow and ice is melting. So I went and chopped away some of the ice and shoveled some snow off the storm drain in front of the house or else I was afraid the water would start to come up the driveway rather than go down the drain. I think it's about 3 ft. high on top and I could only get about 10 inches of the drain cleared. Made a huge difference though.

Then I went for a walk along the bike path behind our house which follows the creek.


I got some pictures of the creek and some weeds in the snow.

In my exploration of textures, I find the weeds quite interesting. I may need to enlarge this one and study it more.



I liked how the squirrel's next seems to have weighed the branch down so it hangs above the water.

Ramblings and new work

If you look closely, you can see the thermometer on my back deck is reading -20F. The sun is shining, but it was cold that day. That was about 2 weeks ago. Today is 20 above. A vast difference, and a little break in winter. I think I've written before about how watching the weather in Iowa is a pasttime, but also a necessity. This is why. It gets dangerous. This is really not unusual for these parts.


It's probably because this winter has been so blasted cold that my mind is traveling to warm places. This is a new work in progress, called Tide Pool. I intend to build a shadow box frame around it and perhaps tone down the green background a bit.

It's made of silk and cotton fibers: silk hankies, rods and cocoons, thread ends from hand dyed cottons, shells, beads and stones. I have a second piece in progress as well. Just looking at these colors helps me feel a little warmer.

I've been trying to explore textures as well. The soft "hairy-ness" of the silk hankie to the stiffness of the rods and cocoons. Soft threads in contrast with hard stones, beads and shells as well as the irregular surface of the silk background all stitched to painted canvas. I think its an interesting mix and I'm enjoying this exploration.

Dreaming of Spring

Snow, snow and more snow. I usually like winter, but something has happened to me this year, I guess. I'm tired of it.

I must admit, however, as I look out my window with the sun shining on the new stuff, I take note of the colors that appear. Someone suggested I find a hand lens, a little magnifying lens that botanists use. I think looking at snow through one might be quite interesting. I may have to go on a search for one locally. Surely the university store would have one? Might even open up an entirely new world! Sort of like looking at things through microscopes. I don't have one of those either, but that could be interesting subject matter for art work as well.

Today I start a new project. I have two in "sketch" stages. I may start both in fabric today. We'll see how far I get.

I'll post photos of sketches later for one of them.