Artist book

I am leaping into the void.For quite some time I've watched other artists make exquisite, revealing books. I like their intimacy, the reveal as you turn the pages, the invitation to examine elements and to absorb the whole.

All through my studio bits I mean-to-work-with lie secreted or scattered. Last week, I finally put some together.

The mauve in these photos is just what was on my table, but looking at the photos I think it may become part of the piece.


Even if I cannot aspire to Jeanne Williamson's Quilt a week vow, I can resolve to continue this project. It feels like the logical progression from my both my larger work and the countless small collages I've produced and sold over the past
years.

Another Opening

The annual show for the Quilter's Connection arrives in style this weekend.
Here's yours truly after an evening and morning spent setting up the Boutique. Wonderful stuff: the full spectrum of needle arts --- everything from teddy bears to exquisite beaded pieces by Amy Ropple.

A number of my small collages are in the boutique, and two of my quilts are hanging in the show. I've never been "backstage" before. An amazing number of cooperative hands go into raising such a big show. From what was hung this morning, I can tell you the quality of the work is high, and the exhibit is beautiful, worth the time to visit tomorrow or this weekend.

As a bonus, gift from the gods, the exhibit by Virginia Fitzgerald was still up last night: stately, haunting, empty dresses made from rope, dog-tags, stones, even egg-shells. This morning she was just packing up the last piece, so I got a chance to meet her.

Come to the Quilt Show! It's at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, right next to Panera's. Plenty of free parking, and just the right amount to see. If you come tomorrow between 1 and 3, stop in the Boutique and say hi to me.

how to make something with nothing

how to make something with nothing
Originally uploaded by jamiekarosesdesign

Another rejection in the mail today. So I did my noon-day wander on the internet, and stumbled on Jamie Karoses.

She won first place in the Design Sponge Scholarship competition, out of 2000 entries. What a thrill, and so well-deserved. I recognize a couple of her pieces from the Women of Cloth exhibit. Her design is sharp, but what moves me is her transformation of old textiles into art. I like how she explores rips, tears, and fragments --- the natural fate of fabric --- and literally weaves fragility into her work. Makes me want to throw out everything in my studio but the oldest of lace, and start working. Wonderful.

Transition

This seemed like a good image to share right now. It is the completed version of a piece I posted in progress a while back.

So many lives in flux in the news. In the quiet of my personal circle, another friend is ill. More changes: A friend from college (don't ask me how long ago that is) visited. My daughter finishes at her school in a few days. An artist on our hall at Western Avenue Studios had her baby.

My studio mate, Laura, bought this quilt when I brought it into crit. I have more birds and trees to screen. I am poking along making pillows and purses now. My friend's funeral recedes. Spring unfolds with increasing warmth. I am almost ready to go back to the studio.