Cay Denise

Strathmore Online Workshop with Traci Bautista

2012-01-21T23:58:00.001-08:00

In her Mark-Making/Doodling workshop, the overall message is to play, try out new materials and techniques, and layer, layer, layer!

I just finished the background in the photograph tonight. The materials used include watercolor paper, fabric spray paint, stencils, watercolors, acrylic paints, pens (Copic, Sharpie metallics, and others), oil pastels, liquid paper correction pen, and alcohol inks.

There were some really wonderful pieces done by classmates!

FFFC - December Challenge Result

2012-01-01T20:07:00.001-08:00

The challenge was to create a piece of art involving weather. Does this say 'windy'?

Notan Design (Asymmetrical) - in Paper

2011-11-11T09:21:00.001-08:00

Pinmoor Pin Caps

2011-10-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Recently bought a pack and really like them!

Unconventional Materials Challenge (result to be Quilt-Like)

2011-10-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Materials in this piece include: PVC pipe, screen, earplugs, pipe cleaners, plexiglas, broom fibers, rubber o-rings, copper pot scrubbers, metallic tape, wire, paint swatches, etc. It looks kind of strange, but was fun to make!

FFFC Challenge #61 Product: "Scrap It"

2011-10-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

Its good to be back to creating in fabric. This pieces is made entirely from fabric scraps including the binding, is 15"x15" and was made in a day.

Glamour Girl Class

2011-09-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Took a class from Julie Nutting today (author of 'Collage Couture') and made this in 3 hours. Learned alot of surface design techniques as part of the class.

Meinrad Craighead: Praying with Images

2011-09-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

This video is beautiful and soul-filled. It describes the incredible journey of an artist into the realm of making spirit -- art -- through the commitment of work, reverence and ceremony. This is art that has evolved the artist rather than what we generally hear as the artist's work evolving.

Meinrad Craighead: Praying with Images Preview from Amy Kellum on Vimeo.

Rejection - Reason to Feel Dejected?

2011-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, I received a rejection notification for an entry submitted for an upcoming exhibit back east. Yes, a rejection letter has an effect.

Shortly after reading this particular letter, I started asking myself what is wrong with my art (even though the rejection letter encouraged continuing to enter other shows). What was it the judges in this one were looking for? Why was my work apparently off the mark? Were they only interested in pieces that artists were willing to sell since the exhibit is a fundraiser? A whole host of additional questions ran through my mind as well.

What I can't do is to continue the wondering which contributes to impairing my confidence as an artist. Instead, I need to get busy with the work and produce, produce, produce!

Finally...the start to an art quilt!

2011-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight (for the first time in a long time), I played with arranging fabrics in a spontaneous design. I was originally trying to interpret a digital photograph, but it became something quite different. Looks a little turtle-like, don't you think?

What do you think of the above conceptual image for the stitching design?

Do You Really Want a Critique?

2011-07-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

My experience in taking the time to look at someone else's work and delivering well-thought out comments/questions considerately to the maker -- has suggested to me that a number of people aren't really interested in a critique when they ask for one...but rather are looking for a quick 'praise fix'.

Getting a critique can be difficult especially when it is on a piece I've made and love. But praise rarely helps me learn how to improve my work or technique. Take serious musicians for example, they generally take private lessons from someone who is a professional and has honed his/her abilities on the same instrument as the student's. This instructor can hear and see what the student needs to develop and gives the student feedback and lessons (to practice) -- for the student's development.

Serious artists need to work at developing their ability and honing their craft as well through learning about the masters of their chosen discipline, practicing technique, developing their design sense, learning to play, growing their imagination and creativity, and getting honest feedback from 'professionals' in their art form.

So, if you are a practicing visual artist -- who do you ask for feedback (if you do), in what form do you get feedback on your work, and what form of feedback on your work do you prefer?

Critiques from others...those you respect for their expertise...are vital. They are as much a key to producing fine art as one's muse.

Collage in Progress

2011-07-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Using an article from Cloth Paper Scissors (March/April 2011) by Susan Pickering Rothamel and Frankie Fioretti, I've started a restructured paper project...which looks like a collage and goes together like one. The Perfect Paper Adhesive dries quite quickly, and it looks like I'll have to coat it a few times to get the kind of finish I'd like especially because of the use of thicker papers and fabric leaves that don't lie flat. Here's Day 1 photo.

Finally...some studio time this weekend!

2011-06-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

I think it has been at least a year if not two since I used my sewing machine. But today, it was put back into action on a fabric project.

The directions for making a tie necklace were in the Spring 2011 issue of SewStylish, and I really liked the idea. Found a $6 silk tie at my local dry cleaners and voila...a really nice piece.

The broach used is a pin that lost its back shortly after I got it in which it couldn't be replaced. Now, it has found a great new life! How do you think it will look with a business suit? What color suit would you wear with it?

See Pulp Fashion in San Francisco, CA!

2011-06-08T18:57:00.001-07:00

Pulp Fashion is an exceptional exhibit! All the garments are made of painted and embellished paper. It is a truly amazing visual feast. The exhibit closes soon. So, if you haven't seen it and can possibly go, I highly recommend it!

Using Pastels on Leather

2011-05-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

The color is beautiful, but it needs to be sealed. What would you use?

Easter/Springtime Remembrances

2011-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

A fat quarter and color-coordinated decorative paper butterfly clip!

'W' Hotel - Chandelier Kaleidoscope

2011-03-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is a kaleidoscope created from a chandelier with red lights hanging in the 'W' Hotel in Washington, D.C. What do you think?

Imaginary City Logo

2011-03-31T20:16:00.001-07:00

I attended a FEMA training recently, and as part of the class exercises, we were to draw a logo of a mythical community we were assigned. Guess who the artist was in my group? This photo shows the logo we came up with for the County of Middleton. The County has a national forest, agriculture, mountains and a nuclear plant.

Telamadera Fusion - Mandala Plaque

2011-01-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

Finishing the varnishing of this piece which includes foiling and special glitter glue.

Selection of 'Shimmering Ornaments'

2010-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

In the November/December 2010 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, Beryl Taylor detailed her process of making Shimmering Ornaments. They looked great, so I've tried my hand at them.

These are a few of my completed ones. They take alot more time than I'd expected -- about 15 hours for 30 ornaments. Some of the work that took that time included embossing the metal tape and the wire-wrapping. But I'm pleased with the result.

Oh, each has been embellished with a combination of buttons, shells and/or adhesive gems (a bit different than the way Beryl finished hers).

Wonderful Barcelona!

2010-10-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Free slideshow customized with Smilebox

Mariscal at La Pedrera

2010-10-13T03:23:00.001-07:00

While in Barcelona, an art exhibit by Mariscal could be seen with the purchase of a ticket to Casa Mila (another Gaudi-designed development). So I went. His art is very imaginative and child-like. As part of the exhibit, there was an interactive element -- coloring in a mask based on his black/white design. Above is mine.

Lots of Inspiration in Barcelona, Spain

2010-10-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a first visit to Barcelona, Spain. This is a place I'd wanted to go especially to see Gaudi's architecture (La Sagrida Familia, Casa Balto, etc.). The adventure was not a disappointment, and I came home with lots of photo inspiration. Above is my first photo collage using three photos from the trip.

Being a Shaman in Your Art Studio

2010-09-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Love this excerpt from Robert Genn's newsletter today talking about shamanism in art and trying your hand at creating in magical/mysterious ways like:

*Making apparitions emerge, dissolve, arise
*Making talismanic, totemic or iconic images
*Making your passions visible and tangible
*Going for materials that exalt and inspire
*Conveying your spirit, your magic, your trance
*Making meaningful motifs out of slim evidence
*Finding reliable order in the midst of chaos
*Paying special attention to birth, death, and rebirth
*And, if all else fails, telling a tall story

If you were to play shaman in your studio today, what would you create?

Work from Telamadera Collage Fusion Workshop

2010-09-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

I went to a workshop yesterday in which Alma de la Melena Cox led a group of students through her Telamadera collage-making process. It starts with a piece of wood and a design. After transferring a design, the wood can be scored with a wood-burning tool if the artist wants to do so. Next is painting the wood and then adding fabric over the painted surface. The next step is to varnish one layer. After this, puff or other 3D paints can be added. To finish the piece a minimum of 6 more coats of varnish needs to be applied for a smooth, glossy finish.

The above is almost finished. It has two coats of varnish and needs five more. Overall, it is intended to be a color/depth study. How does it work from your perspective?

Collage 2 made August 7

2010-08-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

Collage 1 made August 7

2010-08-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Working with Layers in Photoshop

2010-07-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Took three paper collages I made and scanned and saved them as jpegs. Then they were combined into a digital collage. How does it look?

Empty Spools - Session V: Digital Photography for Quilters

2010-07-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

The class has now ended as of yesterday, but it was a great week in Pacific Grove, CA at the Asilomar Conference Grounds!

The class was led by Kerby Smith, husband of quilt artist Lura Schwarz Smith. His vocation is photography, and he has started quilting his own photographs on fabric. The class goal was teach those of us who attended (all quilters) how to get good prints from their own photographs on fabric.

As part of the class, a pre-assignment was to come up with 10 8"x8" photographs on a theme. I did 9 photos (as pictured above) and had a dual theme. One of those is red. Can you tell what the other one is?

Neat Paper Collage!

2010-07-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to In Stitches!

2010-07-03T16:37:00.002-07:00

A new digital magazine from Quilting Arts! Watch the tutorial below with Pokey Bolton to learn how to navigate through this downloadable magazine and all the extras it comes with:

Love this Old Calendar Page!

2010-04-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Embrace Life - always wear your seat belt

2010-03-17T21:09:00.001-07:00

Wonderful seatbelt commercial!

QA TV - Season 6: UFO Component

2010-03-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

This unfinished piece is one of a few UFOs (unfinished objects) in the Season 6 taping of Quilting Arts TV. The purpose for my submission of this piece is to get a recommendation on how to finish it. The manner in which they handle the critique/ recommendation is a mystery. But I received the photo image above in the mail with the returned piece plus a couple of hand-dyed fabrics (one brown and the other...a musty pink).

What do you think?

Sisters Quilt Show coming July 10!

2010-02-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

See a SmileBox slideshow of what to expect at the 35th Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Sisters, OR by clicking this post's title (which has an active link)!

Photo credit: Event poster
For show info, go to www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org

Beautiful Work by Linda Taylor

2010-02-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

See a short SmileBox slideshow of some exquisite work by Linda Taylor! Visit the active link by clicking on this post's title.

Lucille Clifton Remembered

2010-02-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

I just learned Lucille Clifton, wonderful poet and children's book writer, passed away Saturday. She was author of the Everett Anderson cihildren's books, and her children's book titled 'My Friend Jacob' is a special favorite of mine. Her poetry was deep and sometimes wonderfully amusing (e.g. Homage To My Hips). Lucille was one of my professors at UCSC and a lovely woman, and I'll remember her fondly. Blessings on your journey, wise woman!

Cirque du Soleil's OVO

2010-02-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

OVO is another creative and delightful Cirque du Soleil show -- this time about the bug kingdom! These photos give you a wee flavor of the show.

The wall in the first was huge that the green bug characters would climb and then fall off of backwards on to a trampoline that you couldn't see (at stage level) and then bounce back up to their position on the climbing wall. It was really cool!

The costuming of these green bugs was especially amazing! In fact, they doubled as grasshoppers throughout most of the shows by having legs attached (as in the second photo) and sliding along the floor. The garments were stunning especially these bug's headpieces which had parts that appeared irridescent!

Cirque du Soleil traveling big-top shows are always a mystery, and that's part of the fun!

Disney's Alice in Wonderland - Can't Wait!

2010-02-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

This is such an excellent and imaginative Mad Hatter! In fact, I would not know it is Johnny Depp without seeing his by-line in the trailer credits and reading the preview information. The image is great and a major part of that is thanks to the green patterned background! If it were to be removed, the image wouldn't be half as good.

UFO Project on QA TV

2010-02-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

My 'Hundertwasser Wannabe' project, that I don't seem to be able to go any further with, has been selected as one of 10 unfinished projects that will be on a segment of Quilting Arts TV.

The intention is to give those of us with pieces that we feel stuck on some professional design and/or construction suggestions so that we can finish them up. In addition, it will also give viewers some perspective with which to look at their own work.

I don't know how they're going to do it, but the segment is supposed to air some time in June.

The Quilt Show - Preparing for Free Motion Quilting

2010-02-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a series of videos on the topic of free-motion quilting. The first one is free while the others will require a membership subscription to The Quilt Show. To find The Quilt Show, this post's title has an active to it. Enjoy #1!

Honouring Canada's musical Olympic medallist - thestar.com

2010-02-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

Did you know that that arts were once part of the Olympic games (in the early 1900s)?

Honouring Canada's musical Olympic medallist - thestar.com

Japanese Quilts

2010-02-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims have produced a Smilebox video of quilts from the Tokyo Quilt Festival 2010. Japanese quilts are quite stunning and take traditional style to the edge. Click on the title of this post to be taken to the web page where you can view the video of some of the show's works.

Photo Inspiration

2010-01-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Not sure what this is going to inspire yet, but something calls out wanting to be made!

Patience Brewster - Art Sculptings

2010-01-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

This figurine work is so fun!

Ringling College - Business Degree for Artists

2010-01-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

In the current issue of Art Calendar, there is a neat article about a new four-year degree in the Business of Art and Design (at Ringling College)!

The program was apparently conceived based on the fact that today, most successful artists need to have well-developed creative minds as well as logical, left-brain skills with the ability to use both. The idea of 'starving artist' -- no more.

The curriculum sounds challenging, even to this business major. It includes marketing, finance, and project management in addition to arts classes. It even has electives that include museum curating and managing creatives. I'd be really interested in this program, if I were going for a BA now!

All courses have been 're-cast' to incorporate arts-related case studies and exercises, etc. For example, there's a leadership class that studies Cirque du Soleil and its growth over the last 25 years, core values, and long-term objectives.

What an educational concept...I love it!

Aperature Academy - Campbell, CA

2010-01-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Its a new business that features the photographic work of Stephen Oachs. But beyond gallery, Aperature Academy offers classes!

The range of classes include on-site photo shoots with tutoring from professionals on how to use one's camera equipment to computer classes (Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom). I recently took the introductory class to Photoshop for Photographers, and it was very good! I'm going back for more...to learn layers so I can start creating photo collages and montages with my digital images.

If you'd like to learn more, the title of this post has an active link to the Aperature Academy website.

My Poem on Gloria Hansen's Blog

2010-01-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

Check out my poem 'Emboldened' that has been posted on Gloria Hansen's blog (January 3, 2010 entry). It was inspired by her digial collage work titled 'London Dreaming' that is also posted there.

2009 Accomplishments

2010-01-03T12:11:00.001-08:00

Reviewing the year, my quilt art accomplishments have been slight with only three pieces completed in the year (one which was a gift).

As for art in general, I did the following:

*Created a Facebook profile and presence

*Created a Twitter profile and presence

*Created a LinkedIn profile and presence

*Read Artist's Photo Quilts (which I really enjoyed)

*Pre-washed and ironed all yellow, orange and red fabrics in my stash for future use

*Started working with a professional photographer on developing a portfolio/theme and discussing print types for a future exhibition

*Designed and made goody bags for visiting Chinese textile artists

*Entered three quilt art pieces in juried venues

*Went on various photo shoots and altered lots of photos taken

*Went to American Craft Council's annual art & craft show in San Francisco

THE RED BOOK by Carl Jung

2009-12-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

The New York Times ran an article recently about the exhibit of Jung's The Red Book in Chelsea. The book is a record of his dreamwork in visual and written form, and I understand it is pretty impressive. The exhibit is supposed to be at the Hammer Museum (Los Angeles) from April through June 2010. I think I'll go!

CBS Sunday Morning - American Folk Art Museum - Kaleidoscopes

2009-10-18T10:00:00.001-07:00

You can see some of Paula Nadelstern's work in this video as well as find out all about kaleidoscopes!

What about the Hundertwasser look?

2009-10-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Hundertwasser look is more recent. Do you like the direction this piece is headed?

Its that Fall Time of Year!

2009-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to everyone!

I just found a neat animated coffin toy at the resale shop. It has a spook whose eyes light up and there are screams from it, when motion is detected. If I were a kid, that would be pretty scary. Anyway, I had to get it for a fun and ghoulish porch display to go with the pumpkin haunted mansion.

The photos are from a recent outdoor quilt show in Livermore, CA. Its so fun to see quilts hanging in the out-of-doors, and they just add special to the environment!

By the way, if you think you notice (in one of the photos) a piece that looks like Laura Wasilowski's work...it is Laura Wasilowski's work. She was there and brought many delightful pieces.

See Some of My Work

2009-09-18T22:13:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Exhibition (Fiber Art and Technology) - Entries due March 2010

2009-09-17T22:54:00.001-07:00

The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles has just announced a juried International TechStyle Art Biennial, a signature event, to coincide with the ZeroOne biennial festival of art on the edge (that utilizes technology). For information on the exhibit, click on this post's title.

Another Altered Personal Photo

2009-09-17T22:51:00.002-07:00

Star Trek Exhibit Opens Oct. 23 at The Tech!

2009-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm an original Star Trek series fan...and this sounds like fun! For more information, click on this link: http://www.thetech.org/StarTrek/.

Helping Others to a Livelihood

2009-09-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Fabric of Life Boutique in Edmonds, WA is doing some very special work...giving a lifeline and livelihood to creative women in poverty-stricken areas of the world.

There is some very neat quilt/art work available from the shop. For a video of the shop and its offerings, click on this post's title. This story was originally learned about through a Quilt Show e-mail. For those of you who don't know about the show, it is co-hosted by Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims, and the website where you can find out more information about it is: www.thequiltshow.com.

Heard of the Smile Project?

2009-09-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

To help reassure people during these difficult economic times, Artist Bren Bataclan had an idea and is making it real. He is leaving his artwork for people to find with the message that the art is theirs and just asks that the receiver smiles at strangers more often. So far, he has left over 400 free paintings througout 20 U.S. cities and 20 countries. Read more about the 'Smile Project' by clicking on this post's title.

2009-08-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Great new book! Charlotte Ziebarth has done what I hoped she would (after seeing her art quilts) which is to create a how-I-did-it book. She provides the guidelines on how to 'play' with your photographs in Photoshop to digitally alter them for printing on fabric and then using that fabric in the creation of unique art quilts.

The book itself is easy to read and beautifully photographed. Also, the steps for using Photoshop's layers to create the kinds of images the author uses in her quilts were clear and photographs were used to further illustrate the results of each step. It is interesting that the photos used in the authors works haven't been the best in terms of focus or quality, but they have served to create wonderfully etheric forms and effects for the author's fabric art pieces.

The author's goal for the book is to inspire readers to play with their photographs in Photoshop. Well, I'm inspired and planning to do just that!

ABC News about Iphone Paintings

2009-07-26T21:23:00.001-07:00

Some really neat work is being done quickly and quite effectively with this application!

Stream of Consciousness - Paper Plate Mandala

2009-06-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Using Angel card with word 'Peace' on it as inspiration:

Waxing moon
whispering stem
blowing stories of a flower's blooming
fired by seed and
sun
green phoenix rising
in a a dance of orbs.

Theater Etiquiette

2009-06-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

In the New York Times today, there is an article with 15 rules for theater etiquette. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the author! You can find the article by clicking on this post's title.

In this day and age, when common courtesy seems to be a rarity and our once-known and -observed respectful actions seem to have all but disappeared, this list would return theaters (including movie theaters) to environments where you could go for good entertainment feeling like the play, concert or movie was just playing to you (since you wouldn't be distracted by your audience neighbor).

Let's get back to some sanity and self-control!

Floral Tablerunner

2009-06-20T21:03:00.001-07:00

Social Networking Sites used to Market to a New Generation of Potential Audiences

2009-06-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Interesting article today in 'The Dispatch' about how arts/culture groups are using social networking sites to entice people to see shows, exhibit and buy tickets. To read the article, click on the title of this post.

Magazines for Trade

2009-06-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

The magazines listed below are available for trade. If interested in exchanging embellishments for one or more of the following, please contact me at caydenise@pobox.com and note in the subject line 'Interested in Trade'.

Machine Quilting Unlimited - Winter 2008
Quilting Arts - April/May 2009
Belle Armoire - May/June 2009
Gifts to Make - 2008 by CraftStylish
Marie - April 2009
FiberArts - April/May 2009
Irish Quilting - Vol I, Issue 2

'Tornado' - From mix of Architecture and Photoshop

2009-06-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

Little Time

2009-06-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

I've had very little creative time lately! But I have managed to finish 1/7th of a large wall quilt that is all curves and is being hand-pieced. This is a major accomplishment!

New Album by David Lynch with Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse

2009-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Preview this upcoming album release NPR by clicking on this post's title. It reminds me of a Beatles release of decades ago but a bit more blues-y!

Cool little video "The Sand Dancer" from CBS News!

2009-05-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Mom's Day Tablerunner - In Progress

2009-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

This will be a tablerunner for an upcoming Mother's Day brunch I'll be preparing. Its pinned and ready for quilting and then binding which I hope to complete by mid-day tomorrow. It should add a bit of fun and cheery ambiance to the table that will also be topped by a vase of colorful flowers!

Gives New Meaning to the 'Funky Chicken'

2009-04-30T20:29:00.001-07:00

Consignment Store Finds!

2009-04-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

I found these pairs of earrings at a local consignment store yesterday for $5 each. The metal ones were very tarnished and looked pretty poor. But I polished them up and they look great! The metal ones are going to be fun once I finish adding some beading to them through the pre-existing holes.

Quilting Arts TV - Series 100

2009-04-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've just finished watching the Series 100 DVDs. The segments that were most interesting to me were those with Beryl Taylor. The interviews with her can be found on DVDs #1 and #4 of the series. I also enjoyed seeing Pokey Bolton's work and watching the studio segment she personally does at the beginning of each show.

States of Dress - Wyoming

2009-04-25T12:35:00.001-07:00

Neat video that shows how artist goes from sketch to image!

Exhibit in Buenos Aires: 'The Arcana in Silk' by Silke

2009-04-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

As a memento from a recent trip, a friend brought me a wonderful series of cards called "The Major Arcana" that show the textile work of Silke currently on exhibition at the National Museum of Decorative Art in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My friend loved the exhibit! The images of the work are stunning and evocative. There is great texture in the pieces. While one might think the work is made of silk (because of the exhibit name), I'm not so sure they are.

If any of you have seen this exhibition and/or know of the artist and her work, I'd love to hear more about her! To link to Silke's website, just click on this post's title.

Workshop on the Web - Maggie Grey

2009-03-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

In Bonnie McCaffery's latest vidcast, she interviews Maggie Grey. Maggie has developed a website with short workshops, authored by herself and others, downloadable via Adobe PDF files.

Maggie doesn't consider herself a quilter because of her interest in using a broad range of unusual materials. One of the teaser workshops is Maggie writing about using alcohol inks. In one of the current quarter's workshops, she writes about the uses of grungeboard. All workshop materials include photos.

For information, there are new workshops available every quarter. There is a reasonable fee (in British sterling) for accessing the workshops. You subscribe for the current year and have the option to request access to a previous quarter's workshops for a per quarter fee. After paying the fee, the subscriber is sent a password in order to access the password-protected and downloadable workshop documentation.

I'm tickled to have found the site! Click on the title of this post to be taken to it.

Micro Stippling Finished

2009-03-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

After 30+ hours of stippling (micro-level), my 29.5" x 41.25" piece is finished!

You can't see the stippling from the front (because its black on black), but you can from the back and here is what a part of the back looks like:

I used two types of batting in the sandwich one which is high loft and the other cotton. I'm glad I did because the overall piece feels strong, like canvas, rather than wimpy.

Stippling Challenges

2009-03-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

My 'Metamorphosis' challenge piece is backed with a bright colored fabric in which the stitching from the front can show through. Of course, now that means that the problems with stippling are showing through as well. They are even more obvious because I'm using a black top thread and orange bobbin thread. I've had a very difficult time breathing while trying to do the stippling tonight...not good! Its time to stop, then try again tomorrow.

Postscript: The problem was that the top thread was heavier than the bobbin thread. I've since changed the top black thread to a different weight black thread which is the same weight as the thread in the bobbin. The resulting quilting has not shown the kind of thread blobs as seen in the above photo.

Suggested Photography Exhibition

2009-02-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

I took an all-day photography class yesterday. Each of the 17 students received a critique of their work based on a portfolio of up to 30 images everyone had been invited to bring.

The instructor has suggested that I do an exhibition of my photographs. Wow...how validating! My photos are non-traditional (just like my 'quilt' work) as well as dramatic. The question would be whether the photography and quilt work could be mixed in a show, or if it would be better to keep the two art forms separate. (The instructor does not know I do quilt work.) Since there are different markets for the two types of art work, it may make more sense to keep them separate. I should mention that my husband's work was also critiqued in yesterday's class, and he was told he is also ready for a show, and that we could do a joint one if we wanted. We were the only students in the class that the suggestion of a show was made to.

Now I have a new door to think about stepping through with a willing teacher who has appeared (because a student is ready). Will I take that step and if so, where would I want it to lead? For my husband, those are questions only he can answer. But it would be intriguing to journey together on a more intentional creative path that we both enjoy more informally already!

Artist Files Lawsuit for protection from Copyright Infringment

2009-02-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

The street artist having done the artwork of now President Obama, for his campaign, has filed a lawsuit asking the judge to declare the artist protected under the fair-use exceptions to copyright law which provide for limited use of copyrighted materials for purposes like criticism or comment.

This is a pre-emptive suit that you can read more about at the link provided (click on this blog post's header).

Photoshop - Move Tool and Layering

2009-02-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

I just learned how to use a cool new-to-me tool in Photoshop. Its the 'move' tool followed by working with layers.

This image is based on a photo I took earlier today. First, in Photohsop, I intensified the original photo's color, and then did a 'filter-distort' and 'twirl' function on the image. Following that, I created a new page in Photoshop. Next, I moved one image to the new page, and then flipped the image on the original page and once done...moved that one to the new page as well. This was done until a total of 4 images had been moved to the new page.

Then I worked with layers to arrange/center them. This is so cool (and pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it...and I thank my dear husband for the tutoring on that score)!!!

Business is the Conversation?

2009-02-08T13:42:00.001-08:00

I just heard a radio show host talk about business being the conversations.

Blogs (e.g. Blogger, Wordpress) and social networking sites (e.g. Twitter, Facebook) are important to this activity, he says. Marketing your products (whatever they may be) involves sharing with people who you really are.

I've tried to limit my blog posts to the purpose of this blog which is sharing my art and musings about artsy things. So, on the occasions when I've had difficult days at work, or been concerned about things going on in my life...I haven't posted those things. The question is whether I'm missing connecting with more of you by not blogging more about life in general.

What are your thoughts? Please consider leaving a post about what you'd like to see more/less of.

Goody Bags for Visiting Artists - Buttons

2009-02-03T07:00:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend, I helped assemble goody bags for visiting Chinese artists. One of my contributions were buttons made of painted/dyed Model Magic (MM). MM is a great product...it is lightweight and air dries!

I made about 150 buttons by painting the MM disks with acrylics, Adirondack dyes, glitter and glitter glue. I sealed them with a light varnish so that the glitter would remain.

Are these fun or what?

Viewing Art Quilts: Playing with a Full Deck

2009-01-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, I viewed this show at San Diego's Visions Gallery. What a great exhibition theme! All quilts were a unified size, and all unique.

The project involved an artist being paired with a specific card from a deck of cards, and then interpreting that card in her/his own way in fabric. All 52 cards were represented! The neat thing is that the exhibit is owned by a couple who purchased it to ensure the pieces would remain together...just like a deck of cards! The 'King of Hearts' on the cover of the book about the exhibit (above) is one of my favorites in addition to the 4, 8 and 10 of Clubs and the 8 of Hearts! After San Diego, I don't know where the exhibit has gone, but it is worth seeing if you get the chance. Its just fun!

Metamorphosis Challenge

2009-01-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a challenge piece which is to use a vintage quilt/block as inspiration. The instructions are to think deeply about what the quilt/block says to you and use this as inspiration to reinterpret the vintage quilt pattern or block into a vision for today.

I decided to use this log cabin block as my inspiration:

What does this block design say to me? The block's motion goes around and around and around. This led me to think about spirals, which then led to thinking about galaxies and red dwarf stars. What if I did a spiral out of different size and overlapping squares? What if it had raised red reverse applique circles to represent red dwarfs and smaller white ones to represent white dwarfs? What if I mirrored my fabric representation of a spiral galaxy?

This morning, the work began. I started by making a fabric weave. Then I cut out my abstract impression of a spiral galaxy with its mirror image from that weave. This is where I am so far. It is now tacked to my design wall over black fabric. I think the quilting of the piece will be where the motion truly comes alive by using bright colored thread and dramatic arcs of stitching. Should be fun and dynamic when done!

Taking Surreal Photos

2009-01-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

I love taking photos that are difficult, if not impossible, to figure out what the subject is. Its so amazing to 'see' real things that don't make sense! They're out there, it just takes practice in the noticing of them.

Do you take the time to really look and notice fully what is around you? Feeling pinched for time makes true looking difficult, because it is in the calmness of being present to your surroundings when you can more fully see...and there are such marvels just awaiting your notice!

Neat Graffiti

2009-01-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

Graffiti can be destructive as well as constructive. How many times have we passed rail cars, an overcrossing, signs, etc. that have been painted over with the intention to vandalize? On the other hand, in blighted neighborhoods, graffiti can be used to coat a building with new life through color and contribute to improving the perceived quality of that neighborhood.

In recent excursions, I've had fun discovering some delightful art graffiti on buildings in unexpected places. Here are some photos of some of those places:

Moving on...

2009-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Tree has now been taken down and its memory only a shadow. Even dark things can hold beauty!

Off Art Topic: Odd Couple Friends Tara and Bella

2009-01-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Check out this cute video from CBS News!

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4696315n

Happy New 2009!

2009-01-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

It is a new year...a time for beginnings. Its an opportunity to refresh, reframe or remake ourselves, our attitudes, behaviors and/or choices. So, what will we sow/sew in this new year and what will we reap?

Well, I plan to be busy!

Art Goals:

*Work on improving my quilting skills by quilting one muslin sandwich every two weeks
*Finish a memory quilt in progress
*Complete a series of art quilts (series minimum: 3 pieces)
*Have my work (quilting and photography) published in appropriate magazine venues
*Enter 4 quilt competitions with new work made this year
*Sell 3 pieces
*Read 4 quilting books
*Go to the International Quilt Festival in October
*Become a member of IQA
*Watch my Quilting Art Workshop videos (7 of them) and use at least two techniques/ideas in a project this year
*Pre-wash my entire stash of cotton fabric
*Have my website layout updated

Hopefully, these are reasonable and achievable. There is no sense to create goals that are overwhelming. It can be difficult to get a start on any of them, if we feel overwhelmed by their number or the amount of work involved.

May your goals in this new year be reasonable, based on your circumstances, and achievable, based on the time you envision being available to work at them!

The Holidays...two weeks off to enjoy!

2009-01-04T22:14:00.001-08:00

Even though much of my time off wasn't scheduled beforehand, the calendar filled up quickly with abundant activity.

Some of the highlights from the last two weeks include:

*Visited Lick Observatory and experienced the snow, slush and cold of it's elevation (photo above is looking out from the observatory high atop the Diablo Mountain Range)

*Saw Itchiku Kubota's Kimono exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Art and Timken Museum

*Saw Art Quilts: Playing with a Full Deck at Quilt Visions in San Diego

*Saw 'Phantom of the Opera' in San Francisco

*Purged 2/3 of my book collection and organized my office/studio space

*Watched the entire Season 2 of 'Lost'

*Watched 'Wall-E'

*Completed and sent in my Rock On! Art Quilt Challenge to Quilting Arts Magazine

*Played pool

*Bought a great floor lamp for my office which adds so much needed light!

I hope your holidays were joyous in whatever way you celebrated and your gifts...sweet treats to your soul!

Working with Acetate

2008-11-30T21:06:00.001-08:00

I've been working with acetate this weekend because a piece in progress needs some transparent colored wheels as embellishments. I finally found acetate yesterday at, of all places, Tap Plastics! It comes on large rolls and in multiple colors, and the clear comes in multiple thicknesses.

Interestingly...I read an article this morning in the latest Quilting Arts magazine about Katie Pasquini Masopaust and her work. In it, she describes working with acetate as a standard part of her quilt design process!

Acetate is fairly easy to work with including sewing through it. It does have a desire to curl, so to use it flat requires some manipulation. In any case, it was great to have found and just perfect for what it is being used for!

Fabric Weave with a Design

2008-11-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

For a fabric weave with a planned design element, placement of the design element has to be precise or the design edges won't match up. How fun to see the product of that effort especially when it works!

A New Video - From Beginning to End of 5 Projects

2008-11-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

History Made

2008-11-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Whatever your political persuasion, we are all witnesses to a historical event this morning with the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

From a creative perspective, what does this history-making event feel like? Does it bring tears to your eyes? Does it remind you of an event in your past? Does it fill/deplete your energy? Ask yourself a series of these types of questions, and answer them.

Now take those answers and imagine how they would look in color...map it... then cut and arrange fabrics according to this map. Now, think about imagery. Look for fabric prints that contain those images and fussy-cut them. Add these to your developing composition. Next...are there words that come to mind based on your earlier answers? Consider stamping them on a bit of solid colored fabric and adding them as well.

What you're trying to accomplish is to visually describe your internal processing of this event and how this history-making vote looks like in fabric from your perspective. If you feel motivated to try this, I'd love to see the results!

2008-10-31T18:47:00.001-07:00

Cameron Carpenter - Liberace at the Organ

2008-10-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

NPR did a recent article on Cameron Carpenter, a young and talented pipe organist, who has the ability to play a broad range of musical styles on this instrument. You wouldn't think a pipe organ could be versatile enough to include soft jazz, but Cameron makes it so. He has a flambouyant style and is a young master of expanding the traditional range of a pipe organ.

For people who don't know anything about the pipe organ, it has multiple keyboards for the hands to play and another keyboard of pedals that the feet play. By clicking on this post's title, you'll be taken to the NPR link where you can view Cameron's performance of a classical piece (Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude") in which he uses his feet to play the notes that would normally be played by the left hand. You'll also see why I've referred to him as Liberace at the Organ.

#1 - How It Was Made Video

2008-10-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Collage in Progress - Additional Photo

2008-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

There was an article in Quilting Arts Magazine this year titled 'Against the Grain' (authored by Wiebe). The author's process begins by printing her digitally-altered photographs on to tissue paper. Then she applies them to a fabric backing (muslin) with gloss medium. This is the first step of creating several layers, so that the end product is very textured (and it may not even resemble the original tissue paper photos used).

I started the process and am free-wheeling it a bit. But I started out with prints on tissue paper and then added a host of other things (transparencies, prints on paper, netting, silk leaves, painted fabrics, lace, etc.). I've started to free-motion stitch the piece (which is the next part of the process described in the article). Due to the variation in thicknesses, it isn't easy.

The maroon areas (created by painting maroon dye over red metallic netting) look to me like leaves...or maybe wannabes. It does have a sort of Fall sense to it so far.