When I talk to non-quilters about the type of work I do in the studio, I find it easier to show them progress pictures. That way, they can appreciate the technical aspect of producing quilted textiles. Of course, quilters are well-aware of the work involved in adding that layer of marks to a piece…
Duo is a quilt I finished last December, and is shown in my Textiles page.
After the weekend art show at Muse Winery, on Vancouver Island, I got home last night, on the evening ferry. Once the car was unloaded, I put my feet up and had a glass of wine. My body was tired (and my feet were aching… note to self: “get better shoes”!), but I felt very energized by the weekend. The people, the conversations, the art on display… it was all inspiring.
I have exhibited before, but the settings were entirely different. They were usually textile-oriented events, and most often, I was not in the room! This was definitely a new experience for me: meeting people and talking about my art, while standing right there, in front of it. And more importantly, talking about art quilts with quite a few people who are not familiar with that medium. Once I got over my initial shyness and hesitation, it became fun. I was “forced” to come out of my shell (smile)… and to become comfortable with that “spokesperson” role, not only for my work, but also for textile art in general.
It was especially nice to show my work among a group of artists who work in different media. I think that the contrast between these various modes of self-expression really enhances their display. I will let the pictures of the room speak for themselves. The pictures are a bit dark because I took them just after set-up, before the Friday night “vernissage”, so the lights are not all on….
I am also very happy to report that one of my new quilts – Trio – has been purchased and is going in a private collection.
And now, back to the studio…
Very exciting to see a little publicity in today’s Times Colonist, a Victoria, BC, paper – page A5 – about the upcoming mixed media show at Muse Winery, on December 10 and 11… All the more exciting to see one of my quilts in the feature…
I counting down until that weekend. Working feverishly to finish one more quilt, and frame a few little ones… For more details, check my post about the show here.
November is usually the month when I dig up the brightest colours and assemble something that cheers me up. The days are short and getting shorter, with darkness descending at 5 pm. In November, every sunny day on the Northwest Coast – like today – is a gift!
I’ve been sewing madly, listening to jazz pianists like Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson, and other jazz and blues musicians. Putting colours together playfully… inspired by the jazz that surrounds me. Improvising with notes of colour. Below are a few samples of what is happening… and the happy disorder that invades my studio when I am at it!
The last photo is a composite of a September fabric-dyeing session with Barbra and Ellen, my accomplices (with camera credit to Ellen!). Some of the fabrics I dyed that day are “in the works”…
In mid-December, I will be the fibre artist component of a “group of seven” who will show their work at Muse Winery, in North Saanich, Vancouver Island. I am very delighted to have been asked to join this group. I hope you take some time to come sip some wine and check out the art on the weekend of December 10-11! Make a day of it: there is a great restaurant across the road: the Deep Cove Chalet.
Take a look at the other artists’ websites: Craig Benson, Heather Hamilton, Mark Hobson, Dave Hutchison, and Pauline Olesen. A nice mix.