Using Art to Connect and Stay Sane

Here are more of my dress cards. The first one is inspired by the Korean traditional dress- Hanbok. I never thought I would continue to make this but going through my scrap paper container keeps providing me with inspiration. Creating these helps me to relax and concentrate something that can be a challenge these last few months.

Surviving Stay at Home with Art and Connection

I knew that I needed to find something to do that would keep me being focused and creative. Both of these things have, at times, been difficult. Making dress cards has helped me not only stay creative but also a way to connect with family and friends. Covid has been a reminder that I need to let people I know that I love and care about them so creating a card with a theme (kimono/dress inspired) was a winner and has gone on for more than a month. I made a rule to only use my paper scraps. Silly, I know, but it keeps the focus and uses what I have on hand.  Not being able to go shopping has not been an issue for me. A limited pallet and supplies is something I often embrace. Hope you are finding time for creativity and coneection.

New Year, New Beginnings

I love making collages if I can stay out of my head. This is not easy at times, but when it happens, the world disappears. Creating "Quiet Joy" took a while to get to the get out of your head stage. I am happy and hope whomever takes it home, enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it.

The Brush Art Gallery and Studios has been good to me so when the opportunity to support them, I jumped at the chance. They are asking artists to create a piece of art on a 4" x 4" canvas. The event is called FOUR by FOUR for Education and is on display from March 4 - 14 with the fundraising event occurring on March 14 at 2:00.

"The Four by Four raises funds for the Brush Scholarship fund and Special Perspectives. A $1000 scholarship is granted to a deserving University of Mass Lowell art student. Special Perspectives programming brings art instruction to challenged adults, currently Megan's House, a transition program for young women recovering from addiction."

There is still time to participate. Deadline is February 26. Mine is in the mail! 

More Collages

 I have been collecting quotes for years so deciding which ones to use was not easy. And even though the 100 day challenge is over, I am continuing to make these mini collages. These were purchased by Marie Gnesda, another amazing ceramic artist at ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center. Creating these small collages have caused my creative juices to go into overdrive. I have done lots of sketching and made lots of lists. Now life needs to cooperate! Hope you enjoy.

100 Pieces of Art in 100 Days

 Jean Burnett issued a challenge for the Resident Artist of ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center to create 100 pieces of art in 100 days. I knew that doing 100 pieces out of clay would not happen so I decided to do little collages (approximately 4.5 x 5.25 inches). I am on a mission to use up what I own. I am happy to report that I made more than 100 in the 100 days. This also lead me to start making small journals and intention cards and it inspired a new quilt! I have been asked to share the collages so hopefully I can share 5 or so a day here. I am also hoping this gets me back in the habit of blogging even if no one reads it. These sold when the group got together to share. The reception of my artwork was a wonderful surprise. These are now owned by Linda Lee Kiepke. I encourage you to check out her amazing ceramics. Linda did pick a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Creating a Book Out of Memories

This one kept me up because I was so excited. It began as a three ring binder of sermons from the 30s and 40s from the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Most of the sermons were given by Dr. Peter Marshall (emigrated to the U.S. From Scotland and was appointed as the U.S. Senate Chaplain) but there is one from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. I added other letters, papers and a piece of cloth with the Old Rugged Cross printed on it. My family loves to keep keys. Do you? The photograph is from 1916 and is of Rachel Knuth Field. She married my dad's legal guardian in 1955. She was 43. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I still miss her even though she has been gone from my life for a long time. I hope she would be pleased.

Aunt Peggy's Student Nurses Apron

My great Aunt Peggy was someone I occasionally visited when I visited my grandparents in Maryland as a kid. She was my grandmother's youngest sister. Peggy's nickname was "The Queen" because her entire life she managed to only do what she wanted. She worked at the State Department beginning in 1940 for 60 years, never married, never had kids and lived in a small apartment. She never had much interest in me but I was interested in her. She was not boring.

Recently I learned that she had been in nursing school and quit one month before graduation. No one knows why she quit. I get the impression that this was something Peggy did. I did track down the hospital where she worked/studied and it was, at the time, an "insane asylum." Might make me quit too.

My mother was the executive of her estate and brought home boxes of things after her death. My mother is now going through things and disposing of them.  I have become the keeper of her nurses aprons (two), her nursing hat and medical book as well as some photos. This is a work-in-progress. I already see changes I want to make. The silk was dyed with avocado skins. I dyed the hanky bit. The other things were passed on to me. The gloves were mine and wore them to church on Sundays.  And so I continue to contemplate on why we keep the things that we do and what things will my children discover about me when I am gone. I do know I ask a lot more questions of those I love. Have you inherited things that now make you wish you had asked more questions?

Working, Working, Working

I am trying to be very disciplined and focused. It took a while to harness my nervous energy and now I just flow from one thing to the next.  I have completed a couple more collages. I work on them while the glue is drying on the assemblage pieces. Today I hope to actually fill some of the assemblages with stuff. I truly appreciate the time and space that A.I.R. Studio and my family has given me. It is a gift and one that I plan to make the most of it. Now that the Labor Day holiday is over, I have begun open studio hours. It should be interesting to see if anyone stops by. If not, you will find me working.

I do plan to venture out. Today I am making a trip to an art supply store named Ephemera Paducah. Does sound right up my alley! I will also make a trip to the Quilt Museum before quilt week starts. Until next time, go do something that makes you happy!

A.I.R. Gallery

I am pleased with how the gallery space at A.I.R. Studio is coming along. I need to take a photo at night for you to see it in its entirety. This will give you a taste.

I had two people stop by yesterday evening and both of them were draw to these new collages I made the week before I got here. I found that interesting. Brenda said that they spoke to her deeply. To say that I was surprised is to put it mildly and deeply touched. I loved making them and I plan to make more while I am here.

My newest in my "A Woman's Work, A Woman's Story" series also got attention. This one has the subtitle "The Crow" because I do collect things. I dyed the silk dupioni by placing it in the ground for several months just to see what would happen. The earth turned the very white fabric a very nice shade.

Now it is time to go to work! I am determined to make the most of my time here.

A.I.R. Studio Artist Residency

If you have read my blog, you know that I feel strongly about doing things that put me outside my comfort zone. For the next two weeks, A.I.R. Studio in Paducah, Kentucky. 

So what am I hoping to accomplish?

In 2013, nine of my friends died (some expected, most a shock) and my mother-in-law from Alzheimer's. The following spring, my dad died. I grieved. Each year brings loss of another family member and more friends. So much of my art in recent years has dealt with pain and loss, which has helped me come to terms with my own mortality and the need to not put things off. Having inherited things from both family and friends has also lead me to exploring the relationships to possession, loss, the notion of value and the act of keeping other people's memories.

I know that my children will not want most of what I own so it is my hope that I can take what has been given to me and create something that has new meaning and others will love. Cannot wait to share with you my new adventure. Setting up the gallery now. Photos soon! And if you're in town, stop by!

Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone

Reaching for the Boro'd Moon

I like storms. They let  me know that even the sky screams sometimes too.   
                                              - Alice James-Book

For more than fifteen years, I have made putting stretch marks on my comfort zone a practice. Whenever I feel I am getting complacent, I look for something that makes me uncomfortable. When Cathy Neri approached me at Fantastic Fibers and suggested I do an artist residency in Paducah, I was hit with an uncomfortable moment. Crap! I applied and to my surprise, I was granted a two week residency at A.I.R. Studio in Paducah, Kentucky. I begin on September 2 so the count down has begun and I will be sharing more about what I want to accomplish in the days to come.

A Woman's Work, A Woman's Story

But first, I want to catch you up since I have been terrible about keeping this blog up-to-date. I have been going through old journals. I had high hopes after a crushing 2013 with nine friends dying that 2014 was going to be better. Only it wasn't. It was a year of lots of rejection, my husband being laid off from his job and all the stress that it caused, and my dad died. Remembering these tough times makes me appreciate all the great things that have been happening in my life. I try my best to practice gratitude. I have had lots of successes the last 19 months to the point that I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.  My work continues to be accepted into gallery exhibits. The most recent is Something Boro, Something Blue at the Brush Art Gallery and Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. I entered two pieces and both got in! Not only that but "Reaching for the Boro'd Moon" was selected as the postcard image for the exhibit! To honor the Japanese tradition of boro I only used fabrics leftover from other projects that included a discarded print of my hand and arm and the indigo dyed dupioni moon. My other piece is a dress that is part of a series. It is titled "A Woman's Work, A Woman's Story." The opening is next month (August 11). Wish I could be there. If you get a chance, send me your thoughts.  Keep creating! 

Ending 2017 on a High Note

I'm going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life. 
                                                     -Elise DeWolfe

2017 ended on a high note. "Simpler Times" was juried into Big Fun Art at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in Dowell, Maryland. The exhibit will be in the Kay Daugherty Gallery from February 16 - September 23. The idea behind the exhibit was to bring joy in these often troubling times. I love being a part of something that will hopefully make people happy. Truly wish I could be there to see it. 

"Simpler Times" was created to remember the summer I played Jacks with my best friend. The summer was not just about competition but finding the perfect spot to play. We declared the "tournament" a tie and planned a rematch the following summer. However, she moved at the end of the summer so a rematch never happened. And while she only moved three blocks away, her step father ended our friendship. It was the first time in my life that I was called "white trash." "My step father says that I cannot play with you anymore because you are white trash." I was ten at the time and had no idea what that meant.  I simply grieved. 

"Simpler Times" was created to turn a bad memory into a good one. It was to see if creating it could also help me heal. Whenever I decide to embrace a major change, I am forced to evaluate my thoughts and beliefs. The older I get the more I realize I need to pay attention to what is happening with my thoughts. So one of my goals for 2018 is to eliminate the unnecessary and I think my art is going to help me achieve that goal. 2018 is going to be an awesome year! 

Triangular Notebooks

We can’t script every detail of our lives. But we can solve the riddle of fulfillment when we plan ahead while simultaneously embracing the surprises of each moment. 
― Gina Greenlee, Postcards and Pearls: Life Lessons from Solo Moments on the Road

Christmas evening had me anxious to create something and too tired to do something that took a lot of thought. Now don't laugh, okay you can laugh, I was thinking about Valentine's Day and what I could make as gifts when I remembered a triangle book I had seen on Pinterest. However, Pinterest didn't have a how-to so I did a Google search and turned up a nice post by Making Lovely. The instructions were clear and easy, except I could not get my stapler to work and my notebook would not close. Instead of continuing to be frustrated, I sewed the pages into the books and I added a button and fiber closure. I am so happy! I think this will make nice gifts and I used supplies I had on hand (one of my goals for 2018). It also helped me feel creative again. I went to bed feeling really good. Are you planning ahead? What goals are you making?

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Plans!

One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you can't change. - Unknown

A few months ago I developed a lump about the size of a pea on my right side. When I went for my mammogram, I was told it was a cyst and not to worry about it. I had it checked out during my physical on November 30. My doctor said that he could easily remove it, but recommended that I wait. At the time, I thought, "why not remove it," but trusted my doctor. Well just 12 days later, I started to have problems. Went back to the doctor, got antibiotics and told to apply moist heat. To make a long story short, the antibiotics did not work so the infection got much worse. New antibiotics and lancing had to be done. Needless to say, I could not use my right arm much. I could not sleep well. This has been a long two weeks. I could not do much so I decided to plan out 2018.  I put together lots of lists. Things I want to explore. Things I need to do to prepare for my artist residency. It has kept me hopeful and surprisingly happy. I am so thankful that I was ahead of the game this year or it might have been a different story. I do hope that your holiday was wonderful and that you too are looking forward to 2018. I cannot wait to share it with you. 

Putting Stretch Marks on My Comfort Zone!

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. - Neale Donald Walsch

Yesterday as I removed the cover on my yogurt the message was "Think big. Dream big." It made me smile. Last month I decided it was once again time to do something that scared me so I applied for an artist residency with A.I.R. Studio in Paducah, Kentucky. It was my understanding that acceptance was heavily placed on artwork and project. Only four people knew that I had applied (three were my references and Cathy Neri, who had pushed me to apply). I spent a lot of time telling myself that it would not be the end of the world if I did not get accepted. When the email arrived, it took me an hour to get the courage to open it. The message started out by thanking me for applying and ended with my acceptance! While I did not get my first choice for time (May), I did get my second choice (September 2 - 15). I will have lots of time to put together a plan to maximize my time in Paducah. The mission is to add to and fully complete a body of work that explores loss, memory and the things we leave behind when we die. While I always begin each year optimistic, 2018 is already looking pretty good to me. It is my hope that it will be the same for you. 

More 8 x 8 in 8

To get through the hardest journey we need only take one step at a time, but we must keep stepping.  -Chinese Proverb

I am surprised at how many people said to me that they could not do artwork in 8 minutes. My response is, "Have you tried?" Don't think of it as making great art. Think of it as play. Teaching in places like Georgia (country not state) and Kyrgyzstan, taught me that having limited resources is actually a good thing. I limited my resources so I had fewer choices which helped me create quickly.  I kept things simple. I decided it was fun. I also allowed myself, if the spirit moved me to create in a series, which also made things easier. I am sharing part of a series that occurred about nine days into the month

I think it is important, no vital, for me to do things that put me outside of my comfort zone. Each time I do that I learn more about myself and what I am capable. I think we are all happier if we know ourselves.  And one closing thought, just because you make something does not mean you have to share it. I will tell you that there were days after I finished my collage that the trash can was the best place for it. I am glad that I resisted this urge and let the work rest because pieces that I thought deserved the trash actually have provided me with the need for further exploration. So be kind to yourself and just create. 

8 x 8 in 8

Art replaces the light that is lost when the day fades, the moment passes, the evanescent extraordinary makes it quick silver. Art tries to capture that which we know leaves us, as we move in out of each other's loves, as we all must eventually leave this earth. Great artists know that shadow, work against the dying light, but always knowing that the day brings new light and that the ocean which washes away all traces on the sand leaves us a new canvas with each wave.  -Elizabeth Alexander, The light of the World, a memoir

When my friend Barbara suggested that we do an quick art project a day and then share it, I was all in. I loved when I made my 8-minute collages (the time it took my oatmeal to cook). After some back and forth, we decided to create 8-minute collages that were 8" x 8." And so each morning for a month, we created. Some days were easy and others I struggled. I really believed since I had done this before, I would not have any problems.  Wrong! I limited mine to whatever was on my work space plus one box of scrap paper. I loved playing with used tea bags and using my stencils. The days that I struggled had to do with overthinking. I also noticed as time moved on my collages got simpler. I highly recommend projects of this kind. If you can find someone to do it with you, it keeps you honest and it helps create a habit. I will share a few more of my collages next week. Enjoy! 

Swedish Death Cleaning and More

Shattered

It's your road, and yours alone. Others my walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. - Rumi

A few months ago, I read an article about Swedish death cleaning, dostadning. Move over Marie Kondo! I do think this will be the next big thing. Margarta Manusso, the author of "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" will not be available in the U.S. until January, but it has already had a huge impact on my life. Margareta suggests that people focus on simplifying their lives beginning at 65 until you are living with just a few items upon your death thus freeing your children. I am not 65, but I think the time is now for me. My friend Barbara has also been caught up in getting rid of things that no longer are useful or bring joy. 

Margareta feels we should not leave our children to deal with our stuff. My dad made that promise after dealing his guardian's estate. Alas, he did not and I spent hours shredding years and years of old, really old bills. For me, getting rid of things has been a process that has been occurring for years. As an artist, I think it is even tougher, especially now that I am taking things my mom and dad saved and turning it into art. However, I do want to live more simply. I want to have as much joy as I can and so I know this is a process that has a destination.

I am also reading "The Light of the World: a memoir" by Elizabeth Alexander. It is beautifully written prose about the unexpected death of her husband. It is making me cry--a lot. And yet, it is also helping move beyond my losses. She pays her husband's cell phone bill for 18 months because she does not want to loose the text messages. I have not deleted dead friends numbers from my phone even though many are disconnected. And as I write all of this, I realize I am ready to move on.

I want to thank the Northwest Suburban Quilters Guild. They are one of the most caring, wonderful group of quilters I have ever encountered. They helped me renew my love of teaching. I cannot wait to see what the group creates. You have my deepest gratitude.

I want to close with my thoughts on the term one-size-fits-all when it comes to life, art. It plants the idea of "one way-ness," when for most things in life there are many, many ways to achieve, measure and value the things we do. My way might be a good fit for some people, but how can just one size really be considered a viable for all? Your thoughts?

Living, Grieving and Creating

"Hope After Sorrow"

We are going to suffer. 
Ant it is going to shape us
Somehow.
We will become bitter or better,
closed or open,
more ignorant or more aware,
more or less tuned in to the thousands of 
gifts we are surrounded with 
every single moment
of every single day. --Rob Bell

I have not posted for a long time and yet, I cannot remember a time when I have been more creative. The ideas just keep flowing out of me as if I am possessed. If you have read my blog, you know that in 2013, I had nine friends and my mother-in-law die. My dad died the following spring. The death of family and friends has continued. This year my friend of more than 20 years died unexpectedly and my cousin Sandy died from cancer. Sandy was convinced until the end that she could beat it. I suspect that Marti might have given up. I have inherited her UFOs and slowly finishing them and finding places to donate them. I do not think I will ever stop grieving, but I also know that if not now, when? 

And so I have given myself permission to explore whatever I my heart desires whether it is assemblage, printing, collage, quilting, etc. I continue to explore "why do we keep the things that we do?" My mother sent me my great aunt's nursing school apron from the late 1930s. I have been turning it into a piece of art. I have also been entering and getting into gallery shows and admit that every success is a surprise and also encouraging.  For months, I have been exploring eco dyeing and pretend I am a mad scientist. I have made more than 50 napkins because they are fun and my grandchildren adore them. I say, "I love you" often and with meaning. I hope you do too. I spend Fridays once a month creating with my friend, Barbara Wester, and feel truly blessed that she is in my life. Art heals. Art has saved me.  I thought I could walk away from this blog and just concentrate on creating, but alas, it is important to me even if no one reads it. 

What Am I? Chopped Liver?

My goal is to be filthy rich:

Rich in knowledge,

Rich in adventure,

Rich in laughter,

Rich in health,

Rich in family,

Rich in love.

-Anonymous

I have been extremely lucky lately with getting into gallery shows. My latest was Fantastic Fibers at the Yeiser Art Center in Paducah, Kentucky (runs until June 17). More than 300 artist entered and 38 were accepted including me. My piece Gathering Stillness was my entry. It was the 30th anniversary of the show so I decided to attend the opening (April 22). It was a nearly 7 hour drive. I am thankful that I had handwork to do in the car and that my husband agreed to go with me. The weather was rainy and cold. There was not much going on since quilt festival did not begin until the 26. We arrived a little early and I identified myself as one of the artists and the person's reaction was, "Oh, then I don't need to tell you anything." Okay, not the reaction I was expecting, but I was there to see the art and hopefully meet people. I kept trying to figure out if there were any other artists present when Pat Owoc approached me. We had a delightful conversation then went looking for other artists. Pat expressed exactly what I was feeling, "Why don't we have name tags?" Once we connected with the other artists present, they too had the same thought. Marianne Williamson  had traveled all the way from Miami, Anita Cooke (won an award) from New Orleans and Roxanne Lasky drove from South Carolina. Roxanne took lots of photos so do check out her website. I bought the catalog because I always feel funny about taking photos where there is one. Silly me. Anyway, I have been to five openings this year where I have had work in the show and only one (Tall Grass Gallery) has had name tags and purposely acknowledged and encouraged the people attending to interact with the artists present. I do not get it. I love talking to artists. I want to know all about the work that they created and why. I was touched when Pat said, "Please tell me about your piece." I bought the catalog so that I could read the artist statements. Most of the galleries did not even have artist statements available. So my question is, don't you want to met the artists? Would meeting the artist have any impact on your purchasing the work? 

And don't get me wrong, I am thankful that I went.