learning

 

It is good now and then to put on student shoes and take oneself to a new place.  

Two weeks ago, I joined  Linda Germain at her Haverhill studio for a day of gelatin printing on paper. I learned that printing on paper is a whole different animal from fabric work.

Each student got a private table, with plenty of room for a large palette, a gelatin plate,  multiple brayers,  and piles of paper. We had free reign with  supplies: stencils, found objects, stamps, paints and papers, even a moldy gelatin plate.

I felt continually surprised and sometimes frustrated. Still, each print suggested another.  

I came home with an armload of attempts and a brain on fire with ideas. 

I was so tired, I went to bed at 8 but I saw gelatin prints all night in my dreams.  

So now what?  Frame? Make books? Work back into them? 

Tear them up and collage? Or print some more?

In flight

These pieces have been brewing for months. 

Finally I stopped, focused, and let them arrive.

Above

Live Fully

Each one started with a reclaimed cotton sheet, probably from Goodwill.

I random-dyed the fabric, then printed on it with original thermofax screens.

Fly

 Once the fabric was mounted on 6x6 inch cradled boards, I started painting.

Each surface now has several layers. 

Some wanted text, another lace. (Hand-made tatting: the labor involved amazes me.) 

All of them wanted the moon.

Blue Moon

They will be for sale at Loading Dock Gallery starting October 26.  

Unless, of course, you'd like to buy one directly from me before then.

Ideas in Progress

From my sketchbook: a morning spent in the shade, drawing what the world provided.

The birds were small as mice, and moved as fast.

Seed pods and tiny berries: they hold still for their portraits.

Birds are the ultimate gesture drawing.

This last started out as a yucky print, so I just kept going. I like the flow of words across color. There's an idea there.

Harvard Square: Stebbins Gallery

A cooperative gallery requires energy, focus, flexibility as well as dedication. That magic combination has resurfaced at the Stebbins Gallery, a lovely space under the First Parish Church in Harvard Square.

My quilt greets you at the door:

Perspective

You'll find hand-made lampshades, jewelry, cards, scarfs, hats and art for your wall. I gallery sit most Saturdays, 3-6. Please come in and say Hi!

Stebbins Gallery

Zero Church Street

Thursday and Friday evenings, 7-9

Saturdays 1-8:30

Sunday 1-6