Build a Fortress, Touch the Divine,
Hide from the All-seeing Eye.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
MUSE-ings
“Muse” is one of my sister’s favorite rock bands, and I was inspired by the
lyrics in one of their songs, “City of Delusion,” to create a tribute to them. I
had the perfect pair of shoes for my artwork, but wanted my own twist on it, so
I changed the title to “City of Illusion.” I also chose some of my favorite
lines to rearrange into a more hopeful mood.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
A little beading
A dear friend brought me these beads from her recent trip to China. They are Lucky Fish, with some surprising carved artwork in the backs (Warning: Adult Content! They remind me of Kama Sutra figures).
They are so beautiful that I wanted to bead them as pendants ... one for her and one for myself. Here are the results.
The green crystals are Czech, and the topaz ones are Swarovski. They are stitched onto a base of craft felt, and then the Lucky Fish were mounted on some of my fiercely-hoarded deerskin, which was then cut away to reveal the secret carvings. Simple crystal loops were stitched for the bails.
I hope my friend will like hers ... she will have her pick of which one she wants. This reminds me of my childhood days of “trading disks” with your friends ... “Besties forever!”
They are so beautiful that I wanted to bead them as pendants ... one for her and one for myself. Here are the results.
The green crystals are Czech, and the topaz ones are Swarovski. They are stitched onto a base of craft felt, and then the Lucky Fish were mounted on some of my fiercely-hoarded deerskin, which was then cut away to reveal the secret carvings. Simple crystal loops were stitched for the bails.
I hope my friend will like hers ... she will have her pick of which one she wants. This reminds me of my childhood days of “trading disks” with your friends ... “Besties forever!”
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Quilt Auction!
My friend Liz Broussard alerted me to the live auction of some fabulous quilts, to be held at the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston Show (at the Stafford Center) on July 12 and 13, 2013.
The quilt shown above boasts Modern blocks created and donated for the auction by the Beyond the Sunset bee, which were arranged and quilted by Liz Broussard. (I would love to have this quilt myself!)
They are expecting over 20 quilts in the Live Auction ... including the one pictured above, plus a quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics, an Edyta Sitar basket quilt, a Texas quilt, a "house" quilt, an applique quilt of historical missions, and traditional quilts ... there should be something for everyone! Sizes range from throw/ lap size to bed size.
They will also have three different services for professional quilting available for auction, so if you aren’t in the market for a quilt, you might consider getting one of your own quilt tops professionally quilted.
According to Theresa Dodson of the QGGH, they will also have a basket raffle (roughly 25-30), which you need not be present to win. Some raffles will include fabric, some may be holiday items, and even possibly a sewing machine (to be discovered)!
Make your plans to be there, see the wonderful show that they always exhibit, and scarf up on the goodies!
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| "Round Peg in a Square Hole" |
They are expecting over 20 quilts in the Live Auction ... including the one pictured above, plus a quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics, an Edyta Sitar basket quilt, a Texas quilt, a "house" quilt, an applique quilt of historical missions, and traditional quilts ... there should be something for everyone! Sizes range from throw/ lap size to bed size.
They will also have three different services for professional quilting available for auction, so if you aren’t in the market for a quilt, you might consider getting one of your own quilt tops professionally quilted.
According to Theresa Dodson of the QGGH, they will also have a basket raffle (roughly 25-30), which you need not be present to win. Some raffles will include fabric, some may be holiday items, and even possibly a sewing machine (to be discovered)!
Make your plans to be there, see the wonderful show that they always exhibit, and scarf up on the goodies!
Monday, April 08, 2013
Book winner!
We had our drawing this evening for the winner of a copy of Martha Sielman's new book, Art Quilt Portfolio: People & Portraits.
Our Commenter #18 is Cathy Permutter! Cathy, please email me within 3 days and let me know your mailing address.
Congratulations, Cathy!
Our Commenter #18 is Cathy Permutter! Cathy, please email me within 3 days and let me know your mailing address.
Congratulations, Cathy!
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Praise for the Goddess Sheet
I know I've talked about the Goddess Sheet before ... such an indispensable tool in our quilting and art studios. Anytime you need to mix fabric, fusibles, and heat, this is the best I've found.
I already had the original Goddess Sheet (10-3/4" x 16-1/2") and the Big Goddess Sheet (17-3/4" x 24"). But I recently "discovered" the Fat Goddess Sheet (21" x 27") and boy, what a difference it makes!
I actually had it in my supplies, but had not used it ... I kept defaulting to my Big one because it was already on my work table. (You know how lazy I am!) When I finally pulled out the Fat one (that just doesn't sound right!) and used it, I couldn't believe what a big difference those extra inches make. And, of course, it was made the perfect size for fusing fat quarters, which I hadn't even thought about.
Now I realize that I don't ever want to "make do" with just one or two of the Goddess Sheets ... I need all of them! Yes, I've used parchment paper, it works too ... but it gets wrinkled, torn, and very quickly unusable. I've decided that ultimately I will save money by just using the Goddess Sheets.
I became obsessed with them when I fell in love with Mistyfuse (which I love by the bolt).
So thank you, Iris Karp and Mistyfuse, for both of these essential tools. Now I'm considering (would "coveting" be a better word?) the little Hobbico Iron for spot-fusing ... hmmmm.
I already had the original Goddess Sheet (10-3/4" x 16-1/2") and the Big Goddess Sheet (17-3/4" x 24"). But I recently "discovered" the Fat Goddess Sheet (21" x 27") and boy, what a difference it makes!
I actually had it in my supplies, but had not used it ... I kept defaulting to my Big one because it was already on my work table. (You know how lazy I am!) When I finally pulled out the Fat one (that just doesn't sound right!) and used it, I couldn't believe what a big difference those extra inches make. And, of course, it was made the perfect size for fusing fat quarters, which I hadn't even thought about.
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| This picture doesn't have anything to do with Goddess Sheets ... I just liked the image of the "goddess head" and put it here to entertain you. ;^) |
Now I realize that I don't ever want to "make do" with just one or two of the Goddess Sheets ... I need all of them! Yes, I've used parchment paper, it works too ... but it gets wrinkled, torn, and very quickly unusable. I've decided that ultimately I will save money by just using the Goddess Sheets.
I became obsessed with them when I fell in love with Mistyfuse (which I love by the bolt).
So thank you, Iris Karp and Mistyfuse, for both of these essential tools. Now I'm considering (would "coveting" be a better word?) the little Hobbico Iron for spot-fusing ... hmmmm.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Book Giveaway: People & Portraits
I just LOVE Martha Sielman's series of art quilt books. I had already pre-ordered her newest one, "People & Portraits", but then received an extra copy from the publisher for review. (They needn't worry about my review ... the book is absolutely gorgeous.)
So now I have an extra copy, and will give it away, FREE to a Commenter. The winner will be chosen by my Random Number Generator (aka "Fifi"). The drawing will be held this coming Monday, April 8, so please leave me a Comment if you would like this book.
And now for the review ... Well, I'm always impressed with Lark books in general, and with anything put out by Martha Sielman. The combination of the two makes for a beautiful reading and browsing experience. The paperback cover is sturdy and the pages are very high quality, so that the pictures (after all, that's what we buy these books for!) are large, sharp and clear. As far as I can tell from the images of art quilts that I've actually seen in person, the color reproduction is spot-on.
There is a clear Table of Contents that is broken down by artist and by gallery type ... Happiness, Contemplation, Community, Icons, Family and Friends, Work, and Play. I love being able to compare and contrast the individual works in these categories. In addition, there is an alphabetical Artist Index, plus 21 well-written profiles of major artists.
Of course, I long for profiles on each of the other 100 artists, but you can only cram so much into a beautifully-produced art book, retail priced at $24.95! Martha has done a masterful job of selecting the artists, the art, and the photography for this book ... not to mention the writing. I am a happy owner of this new treasure, and it's definitely a "keeper"!
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| Here's a link to Martha's website. |
And now for the review ... Well, I'm always impressed with Lark books in general, and with anything put out by Martha Sielman. The combination of the two makes for a beautiful reading and browsing experience. The paperback cover is sturdy and the pages are very high quality, so that the pictures (after all, that's what we buy these books for!) are large, sharp and clear. As far as I can tell from the images of art quilts that I've actually seen in person, the color reproduction is spot-on.
There is a clear Table of Contents that is broken down by artist and by gallery type ... Happiness, Contemplation, Community, Icons, Family and Friends, Work, and Play. I love being able to compare and contrast the individual works in these categories. In addition, there is an alphabetical Artist Index, plus 21 well-written profiles of major artists.
Of course, I long for profiles on each of the other 100 artists, but you can only cram so much into a beautifully-produced art book, retail priced at $24.95! Martha has done a masterful job of selecting the artists, the art, and the photography for this book ... not to mention the writing. I am a happy owner of this new treasure, and it's definitely a "keeper"!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Connie Fahrion is featured this month in Quilting Arts Magazine
Connie Marie Fahrion, of my FiberVoices group, has a new article in the current issue of Quilting Arts Magazine (April/May 2013).
Her article on creating innovative paper quilts using coffee filters,
paper towels, paints, inks and dyes, is lots of fun and gives a
wonderfully different take on art quilting. Check it out!
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| See the Quilting Arts Magazine information here. |
Sunday, March 24, 2013
A Farewell
On March 10 the world lost a kind and gentle soul, as well as an incredible artist, when Oscar Silva passed away in his sleep. I can't think of a better tribute than that written by his great friend and partner. "We have lost a talented and clever artist - he will no longer urge us to look at objects for the art that is inherent in their very structure - no longer to push the limit - we are left a little hollow by his leaving us."
I didn't know Oscar well, but whenever I ran into him (usually at art openings), he was so kind and generous that I always wished to know him better. We always think "there's plenty of time" ... when there isn't, always. I am among the many who will miss him dearly.
Below are a few of my favorite fiber and mixed-media artworks by Oscar. He may have been best known for his use of his own hand-made paper, rug canvas and hardware cloth, as well as unusual found objects, especially objects from nature. His creative mixture of "hard and soft" elements is one of the things about his work that intrigues me most. Please see his blog for much more. http://www.oscarsilvaartist.blogspot.com/
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| Art of Meditation Oscar Silva |
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| Milagro Oscar Silva |
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| Red Sky at Night Oscar Silva |
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| Prophet Oscar Silva |
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| Asiatic Oscar Silva |
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| Wood Nymphs Oscar Silva |
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| Nomad Oscar Silva |
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| Seed Quilt (detail) Oscar Silva |
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| September, 2012 exhibit of "The Charismatics of Fiber" Oscar Silva |
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Acts of Kindness are not always easy.
With all the political and social tensions in the country today, I sometimes feel overwhelmed, confused, and angry. It's often my cat who brings me a level of peace and tranquility, just by climbing onto my lap and loving me.
Our pets are more than "just animals" ... they are deeply loved members of our families. The pain of losing a beloved pet is bad enough when we know what has happened ... disease, injury, or old age.
But when a pet disappears and you never find out what happened to her, that has got to be the most awful feeling. A few weeks ago I witnessed a dog being hit on the busy, high-speed I-10 between San Antonio and Houston. I actually screamed out loud (luckily, I was alone in the car), and drove for miles to find an exit and go back to find out if it survived.
By the time I got back to the dog, she was dead. I foolishly (!) crossed the freeway on foot to get to her. She was the most beautiful black-and-white collie ... maybe a border collie. Her fur was rich and luxurious, obviously very well cared-for and loved. I struggled to pull her farther off the freeway, so that her body wouldn't be hit again, and removed her tag in order to notify the owner.
Then followed a full day of stressing over not being able to reach the owner, and questioning my decision to remove the tag from the collar. The tag had the dog's name and the owner's address and phone number. When I couldn't reach the owner, I began calling veterinarians and groomers in the area, trying to find someone who knew the dog ... all to no avail.
On my way back home later that day, I drove to the owner's home address in the small town near where the dog was hit. (Thank goodness for GPS, as I'm hopeless with maps.) No one was home, so I wrote a long letter explaining what had happened, and where the dog's body could be found. That night I had nightmares about not being able to rescue her.
I later received a phone call and several texts from the owner. She was devastated at the loss of her beautiful pet, and said that she was "an escape artist" but had never gone onto the freeway before. The lady was very grateful to have been notified, and for the return of the tag. Although I'm still upset over not being able to save the dog, I feel better that at least the owner knew what happened, and was able to retrieve and bury her.
It's not the kind of "random act of kindness" that I enjoy doing, but it may have been the most rewarding.
Our pets are more than "just animals" ... they are deeply loved members of our families. The pain of losing a beloved pet is bad enough when we know what has happened ... disease, injury, or old age.
But when a pet disappears and you never find out what happened to her, that has got to be the most awful feeling. A few weeks ago I witnessed a dog being hit on the busy, high-speed I-10 between San Antonio and Houston. I actually screamed out loud (luckily, I was alone in the car), and drove for miles to find an exit and go back to find out if it survived.
By the time I got back to the dog, she was dead. I foolishly (!) crossed the freeway on foot to get to her. She was the most beautiful black-and-white collie ... maybe a border collie. Her fur was rich and luxurious, obviously very well cared-for and loved. I struggled to pull her farther off the freeway, so that her body wouldn't be hit again, and removed her tag in order to notify the owner.
Then followed a full day of stressing over not being able to reach the owner, and questioning my decision to remove the tag from the collar. The tag had the dog's name and the owner's address and phone number. When I couldn't reach the owner, I began calling veterinarians and groomers in the area, trying to find someone who knew the dog ... all to no avail.
On my way back home later that day, I drove to the owner's home address in the small town near where the dog was hit. (Thank goodness for GPS, as I'm hopeless with maps.) No one was home, so I wrote a long letter explaining what had happened, and where the dog's body could be found. That night I had nightmares about not being able to rescue her.
I later received a phone call and several texts from the owner. She was devastated at the loss of her beautiful pet, and said that she was "an escape artist" but had never gone onto the freeway before. The lady was very grateful to have been notified, and for the return of the tag. Although I'm still upset over not being able to save the dog, I feel better that at least the owner knew what happened, and was able to retrieve and bury her.
It's not the kind of "random act of kindness" that I enjoy doing, but it may have been the most rewarding.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
QuiltCon 2013, Part 2
| Here are the rest of the photos of quilts that were juried into the first QuiltCon, held in Austin, Texas. It was a beautiful show, with exciting quilts and many great vendors. Please let me know if you enjoy seeing this little slice of the event, and how you feel about the Modern Quilt Movement. |
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| Impracticality Angela Walters |
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| Impracticality (detail 1) |
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| Impracticality (detail 2) |
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| In Defense of Manmade Thomas Knauer |
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| Is There a Court Jester in the House Lynn Douglass |
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| Kelsey's Crosses Modern Quilting Bee quilted by Mary Workman |
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| Log Pyramids Liz Harvatine |
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| Overgrown Alison Glass |
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| Paper Shredder Pamela Johnson |
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| Pods Heather Grant quilted by Angela Walters |
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| Pods (detail) |
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| Rainbow Rocks Kathleen Baden |
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| Red Concentrate Lavialle Campbell |
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| RonQuilt: The Ron Swanson Quilt Monica Solorio-Snow |
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| RonQuilt (reduced for viewing purposes) |
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| Self Image I Chawne Kimber |
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| Spin Dr Angela Walters |
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| Spin Dr (detail) |
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| Sunrise I Erika Mulvenna |
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| Time Travel Barb Forrister |
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| Trajectory #2 Megan E. Dye |
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| You Rule Brigitte Heitland |
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| You Rule (detail) |
QuiltCon 2013 - Modern Quilts, Part 1
I finally finished processing the photos I took at QuiltCon last week in Austin. It was a wonderful (if short) road-trip with my friends Sharon Dixon, Barb Knoblock, and Betty Baker, who drove in from Houston. Only TWO people-pictures, I promise! The rest are quilts.
Here are some of the modern quilts that were on display ...alphabetically by title. I tried to include the quilter's names when possible, but didn't realize until too late how many were quilted by long-armers, and neglected to get all of the names. If you have information on the names of the quilters (as opposed to the quilt top makers), I will be most happy to add them here.
What do YOU think, so far? I must admit that I wasn't in love with the Modern Quilt Movement when it first emerged a couple of years ago, but I was surprised and pleased at how many of them at the show that I did like. It's definitely a different take, although there still seems to be some confusion and disagreement over what constitutes a "Modern" quilt.
MORE pictures tomorrow ... please check back ... and please leave me a Comment on your opinion of the Modern Quilt Movement.
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| Standing in front of the QuiltCon quilt: Me, Betty, Barb, and Sharon |
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| Lynn Douglass, Sharon, Barb, Betty |
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| A Very Long Conversation Rossie Hutchinson |
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| Add It Up Jacquie Gering, Katie Pedersen and Angela Walters |
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| Bang! You're Dead Jacquie Gering quilted by Anne Christopher |
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| Broken Cogs Jacquie Gering and Angela Walters |
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| Broken Cogs (detail) |
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| Broken Diamonds Kati Spencer |
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| Cancer Sucks Austin Modern Quilt Guild gift for Cindy Crowell |
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| Coded Paragraph Joel Ignacio |
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| Coded Paragraph (detail) |
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| Connected to Jon Sew Connected (group); quilted by Angela Walters |
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| Couldn't Keep it to Myself Denyse Schmidt |
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| Curried Plums Debbie Grifka |
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| Don't Blink Caro Sheridan |
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| Don't Blink (reduced in size for viewing) |
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| Double Edged Love (Best In Show) Victoria Findlay Wolfe quilted by Lisa Sipes |
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| Double Edged Love (detail) |
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| Fifty Shades of Groovy Leslie Tucker Jenison |
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| Fifty Shades of Groovy (detail) |
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| Flying Saucer Lisa Alexakis |
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| Hope as the Anchor of the Soul #3 Denyse Schmidt |
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| Hope as the Anchor of the Soul #3 (detail) |
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| Hope as the Anchor of the Soul #4 Denyse Schneider |
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| Hope as the Anchor of the Soul #4 (detail) |
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| Hurle Burle Marx Daniel Rouse |
What do YOU think, so far? I must admit that I wasn't in love with the Modern Quilt Movement when it first emerged a couple of years ago, but I was surprised and pleased at how many of them at the show that I did like. It's definitely a different take, although there still seems to be some confusion and disagreement over what constitutes a "Modern" quilt.
MORE pictures tomorrow ... please check back ... and please leave me a Comment on your opinion of the Modern Quilt Movement.
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