Conversations in Fabric

The exhibition at the Ohio Craft Museum went very well. Betty Talbott and her staff always hang a show so nicely. We had a good turnout and the show will be up until November 1st. I would recommend going to take a peek. The blue and brown piece above is mine. It is a collage piece: cotton, canvas, oil paint, pieces from recycled magazines and embroidery floss. It is called Past, Present, Future.

Party hats

Look at these amazing hats!! Each of our QSDS teachers was presented with a hat that their class made especially for them. They wore them with grace and STYLE!!!!! But they were not alone. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of QSDS everyone was given a hat to decorate any way they wanted. You should have seen the variety! Feathers, glitter, flashy-blinky things, fabric (of course), gummy bears and other assorted foods...You name it and someone had it on their hat!! We had a great time!!

I wish I was at QSDS

What I wouldn't give..... to be at a class at QSDS right now!! and I am not saying that because I run the whole thing! :) I have just been working on some new pieces and I have been looking at them for so long that I have lost all sense of what is good and what is not! That is the problem about not having someone to bounce ideas off of. Does anyone else feel that way?

Post QSDS

I can't believe it is over!! 16 days of creative bombardment and then, POOF, it's finished! Time to go home.

I was so excited to go home and sleep in my own bed! But then waking up and knowing that we had to unpack and reorganize everything that we had taken to the Plaza. Tables, boards, computers, files, signage, artwork, t-shirts, 2009 info and now the new 2010 info , supplies, notes, washing machines, hot water heaters, buckets, ironing boards, irons, millions of extension cords, spotlights....I could go on and on. It takes a month for Linda and me to get everything back to normal. But it is worth it. The artists who we work with and the artwork we get to see.....it is so worth it. I am already looking forward to next year.

Fabric Exhibition

Hand dyed /surface designed fabrics from all over the world. All are works of art even before they are used in an art quilt. The layers and depth are so delicious!! I could just eat them up!

Go!

QSDS is underway!!! Here is a sample of the artistic energy that is happening-- and this is only after one and a half days!!! 

The photos are of Rosalie Dace's class. Rosalie Dace is an art quilter from South Africa and the class is called "Earth, Wind and Fire." The pieces they are making are influenced by the four elements. Some of the artists in the class are feeling the heat in their creations, some are feeling breezy, some are very grounded and the rest are wet and wild!! Stay tuned for more QSDS goings on!

COMPUTER CRASH!!

Nothing will make a person feel more helpless than not having a computer!! Especially right before the busiest time of my year! QSDS starts in three days and I am scrambling to get all of my computery things finished! But let us look on the bright side. I do have a shiny new computer now!! yea! But no photos this posting because I have not transferred my photos from the old computer yet. But I will have lots and lots of photos coming up in the following two weeks. Lots of art quilts and surface design and goofy acting artists (including myself). Don't get me wrong, we take our art very seriously, but most of us only get together once a year so we have to make it count!

I've been thinking... does my obsession with eyes (abstract and realistic) give the impression that I am telling everyone to "look at ME"?

........I'm just kidding.........or am I. Even if I am waiting (and silently signaling) for the world to check out me and my artwork....is that so wrong?

Which do I prefer?

Which do I prefer? Red or White? The crisp fruitiness and refreshing clarity of the white? Or the robust deep and smokey flavor of the velvet red? Well, in this case I really seem to be drawn to the red. Because I like the taste? No. I choose the red because I love how it reflects the cheesy Mexican fiesta table cloth underneath it!

I love how the edges of the glass somehow create that dark bowl shape that looks like it is floating in the fluid, and the dark inner mass that all at once looks menacing and all-seeing--like a dark Scarlett crystal ball.... and what does the crystal ball tell us is in our near future? A Mexican hat dance? You look and tell me what you see.... ole!

The all-seeing eye! I have always been fascinated with the human eye. I know it is the window to the soul and all that jazz, but it is something more than that. It is a miniature work of art. Everyone's eyes are different. A different shade of blue or green, or mixture of gold and brown.... No matter what we look like physically, everyone's eyes are beautiful. They are our personalized fingerprint- no two are alike. The design of my eyes can never be duplicated.

Katy

This is Katy. She is the other diva in the family. I don't know what we do to our animals that gives them this air of confidence! She is an outdoor/indoor cat that hunts and socializes with neighbors while outdoors and insists on having her "lounging blanket" (as seen in photo) moved to the warmest spots around the house when inside. She is quite the lady. Her other favorite past time is hanging out with me in my studio. It does not matter if I am working with clay or paint or fabric, she always wants to be right in the middle of it and I am sure she influences me subconsciously!

So, this brings up another whole question.... am I wrong to label my work "non-objective" if I am being influenced without my knowing it? Does that mean I should describe my work as "subconsciously abstract"? Or since I am now consciously aware of an influence should I just come right out and call it abstract? Any thoughts?

Here are some the pieces that I finished using the "loop embroidery" technique. I am almost finished with another series of the eyes and can't wait to start a new set! I guess you could say I am being a little obsessive compulsive about them, but I think all artists are when it comes right down to it. We just can't stop, and it consumes us at all times. But I love it! I think I am going to collage them with some oil paintings that I have chopped up (That is the best way to get out aggression--chop up some old artwork). I will post those when they are done, but for now.....back to looping!! Whoo-hooo! :)

Tenley's Tuesday Inspirational Photo!!

Here she is showing off her latest outfit. She was feeling sporty that day! the photo that we decided to show is from a series of closeups. I get some of my best ideas from photos like these.

I have been out of blogging commission for the last week due to a sprained ankle! but this has given me lots of time to sit and do some art work. So today I decided to climb up the stairs on my hands and knees to the computer room and tell you about it!
I have been really mixing up my mediums to create some interesting collages lately! And I have just found a new technique that I have become kind of obsessive about. --loop embroidery!!! I will take a few photos as soon as I have my first piece done. It is small, but I am planning on cutting it out and combining it with some of my oil painting and some beautiful textiles. I am so excited!!
O.K. my loop embroidery obsession is calling to me. I must now slide down the stairs on my backside and get back to work... Photos to follow!!

Here is an awesome recipe for St. Paddy's day that is fun, colorful and EASY!!!

Surprise your favorite little people on March 17th with these wee emerald pots filled with sweet, edible gold.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
3-ounce box of lemon-flavor gelatin
6 limes
Sugar
1 teaspoon of whipped cream
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with plastic wrap, leaving several inches of overhang on each side (this will make removing the gelatin easier). Combine a 3-ounce box of lemon-flavor gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water in a medium bowl, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water, then pour the mixture into the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill the gelatin for 4 hours or until firm, then slice the gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes. 2. Cut off the top quarter of each of 6 limes, then, without cutting into the fruit, slice a thin layer of peel from the bottom of each one to help them stand upright. With a small knife, cut around the inside of each lime's rind to loosen the pulp, then spoon it out to make a shell. 3. Place a pinch of sugar and 1 teaspoon of whipped cream in the bottom of each shell, then fill each lime pot with gelatin gold. Makes 6.

TENLEY TUESDAY INSPIRATIONAL PHOTO

It is amazing how much inspiration I find for my paintings just sitting around my home. This is an eggplant that I grew in my own garden. I set it on a rug in my laundry room and....whaa..laa! An idea for a painting is born!

Thursday's ARTISTIC EDIBLES!!!!
What is the hot trend right now in art you ask? MIXED MEDIA!!! Is the piece you are working on just missing that "something" that will make it just right? Why not try a little edible media in the next piece you create. Below you will find some great recipies for just the color or texture your artpiece is looking for...Just try it...you never know! :)

Edible Art Recipes
Pudding Paints: Ingredients: Vanilla pudding** (pudding can be made as per box instructions or, if thicker paint is required, add less milk to pudding mix) Strawberries (finely mashed or pureed) Blueberries (finely mashed or pureed) Carrots (steamed and finely mashed) Peppers - Yellow, Red, Green (Steam or bake at low temp. until skins can be removed then mash or puree remaining pulp) Decaf Instant Coffee (dissolve in small amount of water to syrupy consistency - makes a good brown color) Tagboard or Heavy Paper (cut to picture size)
Fruits and vegetables are chosen for color and texture so prepare and use whatever suits your purposes (kiwi fruit, radishes, parsley, etc.)
Mix: ¼ cup prepared pudding 1 - 2 Tbs. prepared fruits or vegetables (adjust amount for desired color and consistency) 1 - 2 Tbs. instant coffee syrup (adjust amount for desired color)
Thoroughly mix separate cups of pudding and individual fruit/vegetable and coffee additives so that you have all the colors you need to make a SCRUMPTIOUS painting!
Apply Pudding Paint with fingers, plastic spoons and forks (use creatively by spreading paint with back of spoon, spoon/fork handles, fork tines, etc.) or new paint brushes (do not use brushes that have already been used with paint). Paintings may take several days to dry thoroughly and should be dried on a flat surface (a wire cookie rack works great!).
**Other puddings, such as chocolate or pistachio, can be used alone for their color, no fruit/vegetable additives needed.
Corn Syrup Paint: Ingredients: Light Corn Syrup Strawberries (finely mashed or pureed) Blueberries (finely mashed or pureed) Carrots (steamed and finely mashed) Peppers - Yellow, Red, Green (Steam or bake at low temp. until skins can be removed then mash or puree remaining pulp) Decaf Instant Coffee (dissolve in small amount of water to syrupy consistency - makes a good brown color) Food Coloring (can be used alone for color or added to fruit/vegetable mixture to heighten color) Tagboard or Heavy Paper (cut to picture size)
Fruits and vegetables are chosen for color and texture so prepare and use whatever suits your purposes (kiwi fruit, radishes, parsley, etc.)
Mix: 3 - 4 Tbs. Light Corn Syrup 1 - 2 Tbs. prepared fruits or vegetables (adjust amount for desired color and consistency 1 - 2 Tbs. instant coffee syrup (adjust amount for desired color)
Thoroughly mix separate cups of corn syrup and individual fruit/vegetable and coffee additives so that you have all the colors you need to make a DELICIOUS painting!
Apply Corn Syrup Paint with fingers, plastic spoons and forks (use creatively by spreading paint with back of spoon, spoon/fork handles, fork tines, etc.) or new paint brushes (do not use brushes that have already been used with paint). Paintings should be dried on a flat surface (a wire cookie rack works great!) and will "set" after a day or so but may remain tacky.
Condensed Milk Paint: Ingredients: Can of sweetened condensed milk Strawberries (finely mashed or pureed) Blueberries (finely mashed or pureed) Carrots (steamed and finely mashed) Peppers - Yellow, Red, Green (Steam or bake at low temp. until skins can be removed then mash or puree remaining pulp) Decaf Instant Coffee (dissolve in small amount of water to syrupy consistency - makes a good brown color) Tagboard or Heavy Paper (cut to picture size)
Fruits and vegetables are chosen for color and texture so prepare and use whatever suits your purposes (kiwi fruit, radishes, parsley, etc.)
Mix: ¼ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 - 2 Tbs. prepared fruits or vegetables (adjust amount for desired color and consistency 1 - 2 Tbs. instant coffee syrup (adjust amount for desired color)
Thoroughly mix separate cups of sweetened condensed milk and individual fruit/vegetable and coffee additives so that you have all the colors you need to make a DELECTABLE painting!
Apply Condensed Milk Paint with fingers, plastic spoons and forks (use creatively by spreading paint with back of spoon, spoon/fork handles, fork tines, etc.) or new paint brushes (do not use brushes that have already been used with paint). Paintings should be dried on a flat surface (a wire cookie rack works great!) and will dry after a day or so with a high gloss shine.
Use each of these edible paints alone or in addition to any of the other paints to create a YUMMY mixed media work of art!

TENLEY'S TUESDAY INSPIRATIONAL PHOTO!!!!!

Tenley is my constant companion (see photo above left) She is my lahsa mix, 4 year old best friend. She is sassy and independant. She is the diva of the house! She also is with me when I go out to find inspiration with my trusty camera in hand.

So, every Tuesday I am going to post a photo that Tenley and I find inspiring.

We love taking pics that make us look at things in a whole new light.

Zoom in...get close...focus on the little details. This is where I find my inspiration.

It is time for what is to be my weekly Thursday posting: ARTISTIC EDIBLES

yes, every Thursday I will attempt to come up with a fantastic, artistic, colorful recipe that will be as delicious as it is fun!

This is a recipe for meatloaf cupcakes! Yes it is true! When you look at them, they look just like sweet cupcakes! That is because you cook the meatloaf in foil cupcake wrappers and the "icing" is whipped potatoes with food coloring in them! AWESOME! Take them to an opening or to a friends potluck and watch everyones faces as they bite into delicious meatloaf! :)

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Meat Loaf
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Potato Frosting
3 cups mashed potatoes
Food coloring
1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line 12 muffin tin cups with foil bake cups. 2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the meat loaf ingredients until well combined. Divide the mixture evenly among the lined cups (the liners should be about three quarters full). 3. Place the filled muffin tins on cookie sheets and bake the cupcakes for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. 4. Divide the mashed potatoes among three small bowls and stir a few drops of food coloring into each batch to create blue, yellow, and pink pastel frostings. Spread a generous dollop on each cupcake. Makes 12 cupcakes.

What draws me to fabric and creating something with it? I love cutting it up and piecing it back together with other materials to create something totally new. I love feeling the textures as I hand sew the layers. I love the sheen of the fabric and how it catches the light. I love that it is portable so I can take it with me anywhere to work on it. and to be honest.... I love that it doesn't break when I drop it. I can be very clumsy.

My Quilt Surface Design Int. business partner, Linda Fowler, and I have just finished curating 3 exhibitons for the upcoming year. And let me tell you that the work was amazing! I have been totally inspired by the art quilts that we viewed and have been working in my own studio non-stop for the last week!
The first and second exhibion will both be held during our symposium this June. One at The Cultural Art Center, Downtown Columbus and the other at The Works, in Newark, OH.
The 3rd will be in October and held at The Ohio Designer Craftsman Museum in Columbus Ohio. If you would like more details on the shows, check out our website at: www.qsds.com

I never thought I would start a blog! I am very much a "pour the paint, sharpen the pencil, break the crayons" kind of girl. But there is so much to talk about when it comes to Art Quilting and Textile Art and we want to expand our conversation to include the world!
On this blog I will chat about upcoming exhibitions, Art functions and gatherings around Columbus and my own experience creating with textiles.
I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!