Monday, April 30, 2012

Dot To Dot Collective presents "Behold the Magic Bandana"

Ladies and Gents,

I'm excited to tell you that after much gab and taco consumption, I've become a part of a new art collective, Dot to Dot Collective.  We will host regular art shows at Nido Art Studio.  Each show will have a theme which will be revealed at the show.  Our debut is July 7th.  More info and marketing gimmicks to come.  Until then, check out the very clever member, Joanna Goss' blog post.  She expresses the mission perfectly:
http://joannagoss.com/blog/2012/04/local-campfire-girls-to-conjure-crafts-functional-objects-and-fine-art-this-july/
Collective Logo by Joanna Goss






Saturday, April 28, 2012

Fiestaware Ragtag Rugs

Detail of Rug
Nothing like beginning the weekend by finishing a project!  This morning, I completed the fringe on the last of four Fiestaware inspired, ragtag rugs.  I am pretty happy with how they came out, but more importantly, they inspired some new ideas and approaches that I want to apply to other rugs.  Here comes May with a new to-do list, a new haircut (I cut 10 inches off this morning), and hopefully Springier weather.  I suppose I am forever frustrated with the limits of time, mounds of housework, and psychic barriers to creativity.  I tell Pat that if I was able to work for 20 hours a day on just my art, it still wouldn't be enough.  How do I learn "enough"?  For now, I feel like I am creating in slow motion and my brain is an express train of ideas.  Any advice on learning patience?
Weaving

Weft, Weft, Weft

Twisting the ends to make fringe

Big rug

3 amigos rug

Rug detail

3 Amigos blowing in the wind

More 3 Amigos with a slice of the big daddy

two of the 3 amigos to the left and big daddy to the right

Sunday, April 22, 2012

"Earth Day" Open Studio @ Nido Art Studio













I was fortunate enough to spend Saturday morning at Nido Art Studio http://nidoartstudio.com/Nido_Art_Studio/Nido.html transforming egg cartons and Snapple bottles into vases of flowers in honor of Earth Day.  Later we began to transform the studio itself.  Furniture moved, primer purchased, new things are on the way . . .

Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Curse

The Curse

I was Five, You were Eight
You always knew so much
Too much
My insights proven incorrect
My knowledge full of holes
Out by the woodpile
I had enough
I would not stand
I told you something you didn't know

Someday---One day, in Fact
I would grow older, taller
than you
I would be wiser
looked-up-to
 know all

and--it happened, I became
old and tall
and wise

now, omniscient but deficient
I was searching (remembering?)
all that I knew (and you knew?)
in never never land
when I was Five and You were Eight


PS I should have wished to know how to write poetry

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Fiestaware Rugs--Part One and Other Stuff

Empty Dye Squirt Bottles
 I get fidgety when I don't blog in awhile, but I have been dragging my feet for a lack of a tidy package to post.  Alas, I must come to grips with the fact that I am at where I am, and here it is:

The photos describe the process of dyeing and cutting up t-shirts for rugs.  I am working on a commission (with the emphasis on mission) for a woman who wants four rag rugs that match her Fiestaware.  Being a Fiestaware owner myself, I am fully aware of their glory.  I feel there is even more pressure to nail it.  At any rate, I have a busy week ahead cranking these rugs out.  I'll definitely post pictures of the final product.  I have to mention that dyeing is always a kick.  I am entirely in love with color.  Dyeing at Nido Studio (http://nidoartstudio.com/Nido_Art_Studio/Nido.html) is like dyeing eggs times a thousand.  Thanks Lisa for your help in this process.

My quilt donated to Abe's pre-school was live auctioned this past Saturday.  Inevitably, there was a heated bidding war which resulted in the two rival parties mounting the stage and engaging in a tug-o-war.  Their fervent shouting of "mine" was only stifled by the ripping of my beloved quilt in half--dead center.*

I have "To Do" lists scribbled in every notebook, summer shows are filling my calendar, a secret society newly formed, and stories are written in my head.  When I get a quiet moment, I'll flush them out on paper.  For now, I will pick up my scissor and snip away at Tees and then weave like the wind!  Stay tuned. . .


*Story may be exaggerated for effect.  
Dharma Dye

Shirts Awaiting Dye Having Been Soaked in Soda Ash

Pouring Red

Stack of Dyed Shirts

Shirts Drying on Line (detail)
Shirts On A Line


T-shirt Balls

Friday, April 6, 2012

Egg-celent Day











 I love the tradition of dying Easter eggs, and this is the first time I've had the opportunity in years.  When I was little all of my siblings and cousins would gather at my Grandparents' house.  I just learned today that my Grandma would spread bacon grease on her eggs to make them shine.  My other Grandma, who oversaw the egg production, told me that her parents used boiled onion skins to color her eggs.

Though I'd love to try natural dyes, I am brightened by cups brimming with color, the odor of vinegar, and the bold reward of patient egg tending---deep, vibrant colors.  Nine grandchildren creatively colored nine dozen, hard boiled eggs this sunny afternoon in my parents' garage.  Egg-sperimentation with techniques:  crayon resits, tie-dye, and double dipping, lead to a variety of results.  The eggs above were created by my kids and nieces and nephews.  My niece Olivia drew the lippy face, a personal favorite. 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Totes and Goats

Front side of bag with two large pockets
 
  It's been hard to get back into routine and find inspiration after a long vacation.  However, I've been wanting to make a tote bag for awhile, and I was bewitched by the yellow and marigold canvas at the store.  The goat fabric is from Ikea.  It's leftover from a floor cushion I made for Abe.  I copied a small tote bag whose form I admired but whose size limited its function.  My sewing is far from perfect on this project, but it was quick.  Plus it is always fun to try to figure out how to make something.  I look forward to toting around my next projects.  I think I have some rug making ahead of me!
backside of bag with three pockets

inside pocket with three compartments

side view

my bag with inspiration bag above

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Annunciation House Calendar: Call for Submissions

Made the official call for submissions last night.  Now the nail biting begins.  I hope the word spreads especially among the Annunciation House community.  It would be more than nice to aid them in upcoming endeavors.  I guess there is a possibility of acquiring a new space.  I'll post any updates and/or clarifications here for those looking for more information.  Gracias!!