Texas Quilt Museum ~ Enso II ~ June 30 - September 25, 2016

The exhibit: On the Fringe: Innovative Art Quilts from California and Nevada at the Texas Quilt Museum features 20 art quilts by members of the Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) and represents the unique character and geography of the West Coast. Connotations of “fringe” include areas on and near the Pacific Rim, looking toward Asia; the geography and topography of California and Nevada as western limits of the continental United States; and, artists pushing the boundaries of their medium.

“This exhibition exemplifies some of the more interesting work being done today by SAQA members,” says Museum Curator Dr. Sandra Sider, who also juried this exhibit. The exhibit runs from June 30-September 25. Enso II is one of 20 juried works on display.  

Also, On the Fringe ~ Innovative Art Quilts, is available for purchase at Amazon.com.

Hawaii Inspirations ~ 2016

Hawaiian time allows one to slow down, connect, and be inspired by all that surrounds you.  The land, the people, and the culture are reflected in the art created on the island.  My time on the island was spent reconnecting with a good friend and rediscovering my connection to nature.

After watching a fresh lei making demonstration by Kuana Torres Kahele, I will never look at flora and fauna in the same way again.  We attended a monthly "Full Moon, Talk Story" event where community leaders and performers share their special gifts in the true spirit of Aloha.  The evening of Hawaiian storytelling and entertainment is hosted by the Mauna Lani Resort at the Eva Parker Woods Cottage’s oceanfront lawn on the big island. 

Short Video from Full Moon Talk Story, May 21, 2016:

 

Photos:

Kuana Torres Kahele Lei Making

Fresh Lei made by Kuana Torres Kahele

 

Kumu Hula (master teachers)

Sun Set From Home in Hawaii

Honu resting on the beach

Aloha ... more photos to come.

Enso II - SAQA Juried Acceptance

Happily my latest work, Enos II (originally called The View), won a first place ribbon in the non-representational category at our local quilt show.  After the show, I asked an art professor, my current water color professor, Alfonso Lirani, at CSN to critique the design. With the attuned eye of an artist he talked about the design elements of the piece.  From the critque one change was made. While the change may seem minor it was critical to the balance and movement of the entire design. With the one revision, the overall quilt reads better. I recommend all artists seek out critiques from trusted sources.  I feel that critiquing my work can only make me a better artist while providing an other point of view. I am blessed to work and live in a community of artists.

To my great surprise and honor, Enso II has been accepted into SAQA (Studio Art Quilters Association) juried exhibition of “On the Fringe”.  The piece is traveling to two separate venues, Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange, Texas from June 30, 2016 to September 25, 2016 and Harrington Gallery, Pleasanton, California from March 9, 2017 to April 15, 2017.  After the exhibitions Enso II will return home to a private collection. 

My goal this year is to complete more art and to enter my textile work into juried exhibitions.  My passion is creating art.  I feel most alive when I am working on a piece,  tapping into those creative responses, and making my personal mark.  I am blessed to be able to share my visions through my art with others. 

Enso II with one change ;-)
Can you find the change? Look at the previous blog and compare the photos.  The change is very subtle, yet pulls the composition together with design element color moving the viewers eye around the piece.  I am always amazed how a small detail can change a whole work of art for the better.

Enso II - 36w by 38h, inches

Enso II _ Detail of hand and machine stitches

Complete ~Enso II

Each day I think about art and about what I am working on and what I want to work on next.  A feeling of accomplishments always comes when a piece is complete.

Detail #2

For our local Quilt Show, the entry deadline provided just the incentive needed to complete a piece I have been designing and stitching since last Fall.  I usually have several things going at once, so extended working periods are not unusual. A finished peice is always rewarding to see.  And the process from idea to completion generates new ideas for new work.

A View is a combination of hand dyed fabrics, eco-prints, mono printing, raw edge applique, machine and hand stitch.  I used 100% wool felt as batting.  This material was easy to hand stitch through and provided a stable, uniform foundation. Once the centered nine patch was created, a boarder was added.  The boarder repeated the design elements of shape and line through enlargement of scale.  A simple binding was turned to the back, creating a smooth edge. I am very happy with all the results!

A View (31 by 33 inches)

Detail #1

Exploring Needle Felting by Hand

The fun of needle felting is the opportunity to use the beautiful colors available in wool roving. The process is accomplished by using felting needles to secure natural fibers to each other. I have been experimenting with wool felt, wool roving, yarns, organza silk and cotton.  Below are some of my results.  Each piece is small and easy to complete in a day, leaving time to conduct further explorations.  Each piece is approximately 10 by 7 inches. 

Design and finished piece:

Wool felt pieces layered in design

Completed Abstract 1 ~

Detail

Completed Exercises in Felt and Stitch:

Abstract 2

Detail

Abstract 3

Passion Flowers 1

Roving Background

I am experimenting with the process, the materials, and the order in which they are applied.  Part of the process includes washing the fibers at different steps in the layering of materials. The outcomes are subtle, but rewarding and interesting. The final layers created are quite wonderful.