Good News!

The National Museum of Mexican Art has decided to extend the exhibit Rastros y Crónicas: Women of Juarez until July 4, 2010! From the museum, "Unfortunately, many institutions are currently cutting back on their budgets and exhibition programming due to the current economic situation we are facing at this time.  It is for this reason that the NMMA feels it is even more important to continue to support exhibitions that otherwise be the first to be eliminated in times like this, such as is the case for Rastros y Crónicas: Women of Juarez. Therefore, we have extended the exhibition run until July 4th, 2010." If you are in Chicago, please go and see this moving and powerful exhibit. I still cannot believe that I have a piece in the show. It is so fun to be a fly on the wall and listen to what people have to say. This is an amazing museum. 

How to Spot an Artist

My neighbor was walking her dog and stopped me on the way to my mailbox. She wanted to know if I was an artist. I said, "yes" even though sometimes I struggle with the idea. Her quick reply was "I thought so."  When I asked her how she knew, she just replied, "It was easy to see." I was cold ) no coat and her dog was impatient to continue walking so further conversation didn't happen but it has gotten me thinking. Painter Mary Todd Beam has a list. An artist:

• Knows whare she keeps her her muse.
• Knows how to play and take risks.
• Searches for meaning through universal experiences.
• Senses the "flow" and runs with it.
• Defines herself though her work.
• Works toward a goal.

Thoughts?

Art vs Craft Debate

First, thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind words. They are appreciated more than words can express. I've thought a great deal on the art vs craft debate and know that it will never be definitively decided. Whenever I am asked about quilts being art, I always say, "yes!" However, I also say that I feel quilts are a lot like photography. Millions of people own cameras. Millions of homes are filled with photographs. The same can be said about quilts. Are all the snapshots art? No. Does this make them less valuable? Personally, I think not. Does it make them all art? No.

There is also a great quote by Martha Graham that I had posted in my studio for years that I also think expresses my feelings better than I could ever say.

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through your action.
There is only one of you in all time.
Your expression is unique, but if you block it, it will never exisit through your medium: and will be lost.
If you block it, the world will not have your expression.
It is not your business to determine how good your expression is, not how it compares with others expressions.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. What you have to do is keep open and aware directly to the usges that motivate you.
No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. No artist is ever satisfied.
There is a queer, divine dis-satifisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps up marching and makes us more alive than others."

I want to be alive. I'd be lying if I told you that I do not want approval. With that said, approval no longer guides me. Always with gratitude, Karen

Tote Bag Crazy

At first I wasn't going to share my lastest obscession which is making tote bags for family and friends for the holidays, but obviously I've changed my mind. A friend shared that she didn't think this counted as "making art" and I don't totally disagree. However, I am having fun playing with fabric and color combination AND making something for people I love. It has also gotten me into the habit of being in my studio every day. I can't thank Lisa enough. It also frees my brain to think and I have to tell you my brain has been on overdrive! The dresses came out of creating them so I can't totally agree that these tote bags are not about creating art.

Green Dress

I didn't over dye this one because I liked the green wool felt's color. I did felt by hand the collar. The necklace was purchased a while ago from Silver Crow Creations which has lots and lots of  cool things. I avoid visiting too often because the temptations are great. Anyway, I love the necklace but found it too short to wear comfortably. I think it adds a nice surprise.

I do feel that I will be able to continue working everyday beyond the Art Every Day Month challenge. I can't believe that I did work all 30 days including Thanksgiving in my studio. I have lots of ideas that are waiting to happen. Back to the studio!

Red Dress

I can't seem to get away from exploring small clothing. For this one I didn't follow a pattern. It's about 14" wide by 18" long. I overdyed the wool felt with chestnut dye. The beads are made out of fimo and the yarn is recycled silk sari. I wove the fabric through cut slits in the wool. I love the organic feel which was the goal. I'm working on a green one and have plans for another which will be even larger. The ideas keep spinning in my head.

Cat's Play

I finished a quilt that I started years ago when I was teaching at a local quilt shop so that I could donate it to the Cat Guardians, a nonprofit, no-kill cat shelter. They are having a silent auction at the
Naperville Art League Fine Art Center
on Saturday, January 9 from noon-4 to raise funds.

I love the fabric I used for the cat. It's all gone now and I'll miss it. It's all hand appliqued and machine quilted. My thirteen year old cat, E.G., was feral. I rescued her from living in a storm sewer not far from my house in Houston. I always credit my dog, Meg, for taming her.  I hope my it will raise some funds and help with the cause. Cats have always been a big part of my life. I've recused many over the years and it has always been worth it.