Studui Art Quilt Association info

Christmas is coming, and we're all a' planning, but that's not today's issue.

Just a quick note about SAQA. Studio Art Quilt Association is an international organization of like-minded artists involved in promoting Art Quilts, Fiber Art, Textile Art. Whatever you call it as long as stitching and layering is involved. The organization is currently surveying members to re-define the art quilt definition.

I'm fortunate to belong to the Northern California region. Today's meeting was a wonderful retrospective of SAQA's "12 Voices" led by former SAQA president Judith Content. It is currently on exhibit at the Pence Gallery in Davis and is definitely worth a trip. Works by Judith Content, Linda Colsh, Elizabeth Busch, Clare Pflug, Kathy Weaver and others are displayed.

We've participated in a "Whisper Challenge" which our regional reps got published in "Quilting Arts" magazine. We critiqued part of SAQA's Trunk Show which culminated in a SAQA Journal article. We have consistent quality quarterly meetings with amazingly inspirational show and tell from our membership.

It's a great organization, and I hope you all consider joining.

Innovations in Fiberart

Innovations in Fiberart V is being exhibited at Sebastopol Center for the Arts in Northern California through December 4. This exhibit, juried by Melissa Leventon, features many Art Quilt pieces along with other thought-provoking, unconventional and innovative fiber artworks expressed in a range of materials from copper and brass to teabags. There are many other works exhibited. I didn't get pictures of each item. If you are in the area, stop by to see the exhibit.
I don't know all of the artists who created these pieces, but I credit them if I do. Please do not copy these photos. I am sharing them for educational reasons only.

The piece to the left is by Napa Artist, Cathy Zeleny. Cathy is a member of Northern California's Pointless Sisters group and exhibits nationally. Ms Zeleny's focus in her quilts is on value change.

Hundreds of used teabags make up this twin-sized bed covering which is stitched and quilted together. There are many different brands of teabags and their colorful tags add a touch of whimsy to this piece.

SAQA member Carol Larsen created this colorful piece. Hand-dyed fabrics with many layers of surface design add texture and create movement throughout.

This piece is made with a see-through wire armature and colored threads are woven down to mimic man's shirting.

Surface Design Associate (SDA)member Joy Stocksdale hand paints silks and creates exquisite free-floating designs mounted on Acrylic armature.



This small wall-hanging features a portrait of a woman totally thread painted, including the background. Commercial fabrics border the portrait.





Hand made and commercial papers were rolled and secured to create this imaginative art work.











This piece uses screening as its base and looks to be created with painted fibers. The technique is unusual but very effective.











Hand-dyed, shibori-clamped pieced and quilted wall-hanging seems tame and almost traditional in this setting.















This dress is created with eggshells glued onto a screen base.


















Who knew old books can be re-purposed to become art objects?




















Two beautifully-woven pieces.



















Copper wires, some round, others flattened and woven together form this dramatic piece.
















This dress was made with recycled plastic bags. Oh so clever.

This collage is my piece for the 12 Connected Fiber group. We were asked to portray the word "reminiscence" in a piece of fiber art. My "date" with Paul was a perfect way to reminisce about the Beatles and their music. The rest of the group will be posting their pieces on the 12 Connected blog today. Check it out.

Fabulous Fiber

Want bright?
Some of the fabrics painted with Jacquard DynaFlo in Liz Berg's workshop.


I added metallic to give it a little bling.

I believe this is out of focus, but you get the idea.

This might mix with some shibori-dyed pieces I've been hoarding. All of these pieces and more are painted on a very supple Pima cotton from Dharma and they still have a soft hand. They are for wall art.

Back in the Art World

Liz Berg

I am getting back in the fiber art world in a color and surface design workshop by Bay Area artist Liz Berg,who is shown strutting her stuff to interested students.

Two whole months since I've blogged!. But I really have an excuse this time. A couple of falls from my "Unbalanced" self left me with a broken collarbone and cracked head with another concussion. But I'm on the mend again and moving on.


Workshop students Selma, Lisel, Nancy, Pat, Eva, and Linda pay attention to the teacher.


Genie and Linda paint fabric

After a day of intensive color theory, we were ready to tackle surface design by painting their fabric. Some of us have used these techniques extensively, others tackled the fabric and Jacquard Dynaflo with a little trepidation.


Fabric drying

We were very lucky to have a gorgeous Sonoma County day after surviving multiple weeks of rain. Half yards of fabric were painted in different colorways and left to dry in the sun.
On to stamp carving, foiling, screen printing and various mark making techniques. What a way to jump back in.!

Happy Valentine's Day

Alex Anderson posted some redwork designs online available for our use. Since beautiful embroidery eludes me, I chose to color the images with Caran d'Ache Supracolor pencils and make Valentine cards.



I made an extra and send to each of my friends. Happy Valentine's Day.

Happenings

I was going thru some old pictures and came upon this beautiful Christmas card sent to my grandmother by her sister. Obviously, I come from an Italian heritage. I saved it originally because I thought it unusual. I think I will use it in my Christmas wishes this year.


This is the message from the card. I never learned Italian, so hopefully I can get it translated. But while going thru this container of old photos, I found a picture of my mom as a baby (which I won't post here for privacy reasons.) It was a fun trip into the past.
I try not to post about personal issues, but I wanted some ideas how to make this card contemporary.
Today, Linda Morand, Nancy McDermott and I as representatives of the Pointless Sisters went to Napa to meet with some people who were starting their own Art Quilt group. We met several very nice quilters who needed info to get them moving towards a cohesive group. We brought pieces to show and gave as much info as we could about what we do and how we go about it. I introduced them to the Quiltart list and SAQA so I hope we did enough to help them get started. We saw some of their work which was a treat. Tomorrow we meet as Pointless to work out our water challenge. And I'm happy to report I sent 2 applications out for upcoming exhibits. We'll see!

On the Wall

Wow, its been a busy month. I sent my largest piece so far, "A Few of my Favorite Things" off to Pacific International. And hung my "Undersea Symphony" at Gary Farell Winery in Healdsburg (Sonoma County wine country). Our Pointless Sisters show at the Sprint Center came down, but we are working on pieces for two upcoming shows. The photo above is just an idea not yet coming to fruition. The background is a piece I dyed some time ago and has been waiting for a design. I don't think this is it.

This is something I've had on my wall for a couple of months and still am not sure what to do with it. I love to discharge fabric and enjoy the surprise of the final colors. I've been spending several hours a day learning the Corel program in a class from Quilt University. I used to be a whiz at this stuff, but I'm really challenged learning this. I've had the program for several years and took a class with Caryl Fallert but then had the stroke that stopped everything for so long. It's slow going but I'm determined to learn it.

This photo is a peek at a corner of a piece that I finished painting tonight. I dyed the fabrics for the base colors I wanted and fused the pieces in place. Then I painted in some detail with Shiva oil paintstiks. It's mostly quilted, but I plan on adding a bit more surface design. If it is accepted in an upcoming SAQA show, I'll post a picture of it.
I'm also trying to keep up with my painting on canvas. I'm currently working on a good-sized acrylic and a small oil. I need more hours in the day. I promised myself I'd try to post something this week and I met that goal. I was really lucky that I had power all day. This storm really blew and thousands are without power all over the bay area. We really need the rain and we got it. Record amounts! Off to bed.

Fiber Art Portfolio

This is the cover of my self-published "portfolio", a compilation of some of my fiber art pieces. I happened by an art supply store that was having some items on clearance. I found this jewel of a program on the table. It is called "Storyteller" by Epson. It retailed for over $30.00, but I paid significantly less for it.

The back cover includes even more photos of my work.

So, the program creates great images of the photos of your work to include in the book.

I don't know where to get it anymore. If you areinterested, try googling Epson.

Yesterday's post that I never uploaded:
No new art today, although I may do some pencil sketching after this post. I spent the day watering my front yard and my Earth Boxes, my attempt at growing vegetables on my deck in these special boxes. Then I sat in the sun and read a part of Mark McEwen's book, "Change in the Weather, Life After Stroke". It is interesting how lives cross paths. Me, a former television producer crossed paths with Mark, a former television personality, both felled by a stroke at a fairly young age. I'm not far enough into the book to make any judgements, but it sure brings back memories of the early days of my stroke. I don't remember much from the first days, but I am so grateful for the friends I nicknamed "the peanut gallery" who came to visit me in rehab and kept my spirits up. I know, without a doubt, that I would not have progressed as far without their support. Thanks again, my faithful friends.
I visited a fellow artist on an Open Studios weekend. Gen Zorich included a fabulous jewelry designer and a watercolor artist at her open studio so visitors got a "three for one" visit. It was a great idea and well-recieved by visitors .
Sunday, I visited and worked at the Santa Rosa Quilt Show. My art pieces were well-received. This show was excellent! There were over 400 pieces on display and many vendors to tempt our checkbooks and credit cards. I was good and only purchased two pieces, an oriental panel and a fun black and white piece from Aiko's Asian Fabrics, www.aikosasianfabric.com, a delightful booth of wonderful pieces

Art and needles

It's June already! goodness this year has flown. This weekend is the Santa Rosa Quilt Show and Sale. So, if you are available, head on over to the Veterann's Hall in Santa Rosa for a great show. I have four pieces being exhibited. The Obama tote bag, the vineyards piece. Counting crosses, which didn't make it in to Sacred Threads. These areall on previous posts. The fourth piece is a partial collection of Art postcards I recieved after my stroke and some from a swap I participated in a f
few years ago.

I bought a bunch of artichokes this week. They looked so captivating that I had to draw them. This is a colored pencil drawing. I got so relaxed while doing it, that I think I'm going to be doing more of these.

This is a portion of the large wall=hanging I'm doing. I's almost finished, I have to make one more dragonfly. It is the first piece I've done for myself and it will be part of an exhibition later this year.
I just remembered that I never took photos of my portfolio book, but I'm "too pooped to pop" now. I had my first acupuncture treatment today. It seems to have taken some pain from my neck. I'm hopeful it will balance me out.

Submersed in Art

How about the newest picture of my niece? She is adorable (and will be greeting a sibling this summer). It just makes me smile and want to snuggle up with something. So I'm wrapped in a comfy shawl, warmed by a cozy fire and ruminating on the last weeks. I've been extremely lucky to live in the SF bay area where two creative regional meetings were held. SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) regional held the yearly weekend meeting and Marion Coleman gave an inspiring and instructive lecture and trunk show of her public art projects. Show and tell was eye candy and inspirational. Today, I journeyed to SF for the SDA (Surface Design Association) regional meeting held at a member's loft in an artist's building. That was inspiration in itself. The encaustic textile artist Daniella Woolf gave a presentation of her work. I have been familiar with this medium for several years, as I have a friend (Lisa Schoutsen) who paints in encaustic and attended another demo in encaustic painting at AWS (Artist's Workshop of Sonoma County). I like the process, but, as Carol Larsen says, " I work in textiles because I love the feel they create." Me too. There were several Sonoma County artists present, some of whom shated gorgeous work). And last, but not least, I spent the last two weeks working in a small series for Liz Berg's Advanced Design class (See previous post). I'm not completely finished, but have a good start. I found it amazing what I learn about myself as I work on my pieces. And working like this led me to fashion my ideas about a very personal piece I've wanted to do for years, and have finally found the courage to begin.
My thanks to those who comment publicly or privately and provide the encouragement I need. And now my finger is tired, plus Paul Mc Cartney is on the Grammys. Till next time.

Freedom - SAQA Trunk Show

"Freedom" is the realization of a dream. A Democratic President willing to bring values back to the American people and the world. I sure hope it works. So I got my photo uploeded in time, but I misread the call and trimmed my piece to 8X8 inches. Oh no! That's the size of the opening and I needed aminimum of 9 inches square. I blame it on my stroke. I blame all my missteps on my stroke. Maybe I need to pay more attention or get someone to help me. I get confused so easily now. Oh well, I was hoping to get a place in SAQA history. Not thistime, but I'm sure proud of those who will make it. (congrats Carol, Jill and the others)

O's for Obama

I'm sure these circles are really O's, since today is inauguration eve and I am sending my best wishes to President Obama. I did this piece for Liz Berg's Advanced Design online class. Every media I see or hear is all about tomorrow's ceremonies, and rightfully so. I was in my teens for JFK's ceremony and subsequent tragedy. I wept for Bobby and Martin Luther King. To be alive to see this history is remarkable.
I watched the concert and was so proud of all the talented performers and of the huge crowds. I am hoping everything stays peaceful.
The piece is mt hand-dued cottons and is quilted with Superior Neon Orange.

Viva Vino

I posted this picture several weeks ago, but it needed work, so I redid parts of it. I got some excellent suggestions from Quiltart members. The finished piece is below. What do you think?

I even changed the name from Autumn Splendor to Viva Vino

This piece is being exhibited at Moshin Winery, Healdsburg, CA thru February. Stop by if you are in the area.

I jist finished watching the Barbara Walters special on Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa. Boy, if anyone needs inspiration on how to deal with tragedy, this will help. The man is amazingly courageous and BW did a great interview.

Oh Deer

Remember the cute pair of twins that were born on my property? Well, I have been enjoying them. Yesterday I noticed the circling vultures and later found that they were feeding on a dead fawn. Today there seemed to be many more buzzards (vultures) flying around and they were driving my dogs nuts. When I finally finished my seven hour marathon of sewing, I looked out my kitchen window and saw several of the buzzards under a tree and many more waiting on tree branches. It was like a horror movie. The worst part is that they were feeding on the other fawn. I don't know how or why they died. They had lost their spots and grown by leaps and bounds. They had plenty of food and water. In spite of my sadness at their deaths, it was interesting to see the circle of life in action. I had never seen this side of life. It is rather haunting.



So here is the fiber art piece I finished. It will be given at Christmas and now I have to finish the rest of the gifts. Happy holidays!

Alzheimer's Quilts Plus

I had to start with this photo. This is my grand niece, Addison. There is a photo of her baby quilt in a previous post. She is one of the prettiest babies I've ever seen, si I thought I'd share her with you all.

This has been an interesting and productive week. At Tuesday's Pointless Sisters meeting, we played with stamping fabric. I brought dyed, discharged and overdyed fabric to play with. I also brought my own handmade stamps. This piece includes fabric stamped previously. New pictures at another time. This is one of my Alzheimer's Quilts for AAQI. It is hand-dyed, stamped and painted fabric fused and soft-edged applique. I called it Sailing thru Life. If only we could.

IThis is another one of my Alzheimer's Quilts for AAQI. Paradise is Not Lost. It is hand-dyed and painted fabric fused and soft-edged applique. A message of hope.

Another AAQI quilt. Circle of Life. Hand-dyed and commercial fabric, fused and soft edged applique. With a gorgeous piece of rusted fabric from Lois Jarvis, donated specifically for AAQI.She also is dinating $5.00 per quilt using her Rust-Tex fabric and registered before 11/5. I made the cut-off date.

On Thursday I attended a Community Service "retreat" with guild members. I quilted 2 baby quilts and 6 doll quilts, all of which will be donated to needy families and children. Our group is very active and has donated 1050 quilts so far this year. Some go to Wounded Warriors, others to YMCA shelters and hospitals. If you ever need to purge your stash, our group would welcome the donation. Everything is put to good use.
On Friday, I attended a wonderful lecture and demonstration by Claudio Jiminez Quispe, a Peruvian artist who specializes in creating Retablos. The pieces he created for this exhibit focused on Day of the Dead scenarios and some Frida Kahlo works. He will be exhibiting and teaching next at Shasta College in California. Check their website for info. He does amazing work with few tools (small toothpick, large toothpick and small knife). There were also beautiful alters done by various artists included in the exhibit. I learned a lot about the creation of the Retablos and the tradition of the Dead ceremonies.

EPU II Cultures in Cloth

EPU II challenge and artist statement.

ABILITY WITH DISABILITY
My photo-transfer collage features a Sonoma County sunrise, my love of horses, the strength of my Italian grandmother, the wisdom of my Irish/English mother. I actively participate in my world . I’m now “Unbalanced” ( my quilt title in the collage) but my art is still my passion in spite of my disablity.

Look at this cool rusted fabric from Rustex by Lois Jarvis. It will be used for the Alzheimer's auction after I use it in my piece. Lois is donting $5.00 to the cause for every piece registered. Hooray, Lois. I have a couple of pieces finished and an idea for this one.