Lighter and Light

Inspired by the wide open spaces we saw in Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, I did a deep cleaning in the studio. I now have ***space*** on the table top. I've got three projects with immediate deadlines so I am hoping tomorrow can be a full-time day in the studio. I will have to spend some time tonight designing some creative do-it-yourself distractions for the kids. (Or hit up some neighbors for play dates.)

Two of the three projects are closely related. They will be continuations of some themes explored in my 12x12 Water quilt. After my 12x12 Water was all done, it made me think of the "firmament" mentioned in Genesis 1:6. Which made me think it would be fun to explore that whole passage about what God created on the second day. (Metaphorically. Ahem.) Which made me think it would be perfectly appropriate for the Journal Quilt 2008 project which requires quilts be inspired by one of the four elements. Then Brenda picked "illumination" as our new 12x12 theme. One of the definitions of illumination is "The art or act of decorating a text, page, or initial letter with ornamental designs, miniatures, or lettering." Well, that's exactly what I was thinking. It's a bit freaky how all these ideas some together. Of course, I don't actually have a clear cut plan, just themes. I'll use the Genesis text for the journal quilt. But I want to use something different for the 12x12 quilt. What?

Movie Review:

Jeff and I finally rented Juno this week. It was great. We both really enjoyed it. I love smart, witty characters who use unique and surprising vocabulary. Lots of great performances, but in all the buzz about the movie, I never remember hearing anything special about Jason Bateman. He was superfantastic. And really, who doesn't love orange tic tacs?!

Today

No picture. In fact, no pictures at all. One of our hard drives crashed and we've lost more than 300 pictures from our vacation. Plus all the other pictures that were uploaded since the last back up. I think we'll be able to get them back, but it will cost a *pretty penny.*

In the mean time, I'm trying to find the perfect text to use in my version of an illuminated page for the new 12x12 theme, Illumination. Suggestions? (Don't say "Back up. Back up. Back up.")

Check out the stunning illuminated pages in the Saint John's Bible.

Wide Open Spaces

We've just returned from an amazing family road trip. It really was fantastic. Even better than I had hoped. Actually, I was apprehensive about some of it before we left. I shouldn't have been. Some of my worries did come to pass, but we got past them easily. I think when you keep "wide open spaces" in your heart and in your mind, it's possible to get past the bumps.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family. They are such fun people.

This wide open space is in Montana. I took it while horse back riding outside of Yellowstone National Park.

Off for a Bit

I certainly have not been a "faithful" blogger lately.

The lack of posts will probably continue for several more days. But I'll "rush" to write "more" at the end of the month!

Just so you know...

I've got several small pieces of fiber art hanging at the Starbucks in Denton across from the Golden Triangle Mall. A frappacino is so enjoyable on these wicked hot summer days. So, if you're looking for a caffeine-pick-up and some sweet cold frothy goodness, you see some of my quilts as a bonus!

I am member of the Visual Arts Society of Texas and they recently partnered with this local Starbucks to show work by area artists. I am thrilled to be the first featured artist. My work will be up through July 2.

I chose nine small pieces with some common elements. They all feature some embellishment and similar themes: houses, leaves and earthy colors. Here is Patina of Radiance and Encrusted Cobblestones 1.

 

And here are three of my house-themed small art quilts mounted on stretched canvas.

 

Please let me know if you stop by. I'd love to hear what you think.

Firmament

Here is my newest 12x12 piece. We revealed our "water" pieces yesterday. You must go check out the other eleven. You have to scroll down to all the June 1 entries. Go visit Joanne's blog too... she is creating along with us.

My piece took several unexpected turns. The process was a bit disconnected and I think there are several ideas here which come together in a somewhat cohesive quilt, but it would be interesting to explore them on their own.

I began by gathering fabrics and I made some sketches. I've been intrigued by book arts lately and I thought I'd incorporate that in some way.

 

I created a simple accordion book with two layers of fused fabrics. I cut each page separately and stamped various words on the pages. I brainstormed things that you might do with water and I just kept stamping the words until I ran out of ideas. Then I zigzagged the pages together and pressed them into an accordion format.

 

I used sequin waste as a stencil and painted the circles onto the surface of the book (and the rest of the quilt).

Originally, I was thinking of creating an abstract landscape inspired by my parents home on Lake Ontario. I even asked my dad to collect some smooth stones from the shore and bring them when they visited last month. The book concept took me a little away from the landscape.

But as the piece was in progress on my design wall I began to see some of the landscape elements I had originally sketched. The lacy bit on the bottom is a bit like foamy waves on the shore.

The striped fabric really makes me think of a sunset with just those few lines of orangy red mixed among all those watery cool colors.. The embroidered x's and the tiny seed beads at the top could be sky and stars. The arch could be a firmament.

That made me think of the familiar words from the creation story in the Book of Genesis.

God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Then I wished I would have done a piece all based on that bit of scripture. (Maybe I'll do that for the Quiltart Journal project. Participants are required to make a quilt based on one or more of the elements: earth, air, water, fire.)

I like the composition of the quilt. I've made several other quilts with that altar/shrine format. I also really like the variety of textures, fabrics and surface design. I think the book is cool, though I'm not completely sure it fits.

I have been completely humbled and thrilled with the comments about my piece on the 12x12 blog. This is really an amazing group of artists who have been so inspiring and supportive.

Our next theme is "illumination." Wow.