Textile Art & Fine Craft
Textile mural, 14' wide and 7.5' long. Constructed in 17 separate panels. Photo courtesy of Nancy DeForest. She snapped it with her phone as a great kindness to me. I had not yet seen all the panels hanging together because it is too large for my small studio. Here is what I wrote to the people of … Continue reading Trinity: a Mural for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
This is the Hour of Lead - Remembered, if outlived, As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow - First - Chill - then Stupor - then the letting go - - Emily Dickinson Death came to our family this week. Weary people wait, watch for the snow to recede.
My art friend Marsha once defined my style as complex primitive. I rejoiced to hear that. I have worked for years evolving complexity in my work. Initially I used it to create greater energy in the compositions. Today, I employ the techniques to give depth. I work to express hope and love in my art. Complexity … Continue reading Traveling in Spirals: Artistic Style
Wilderness time. Imperfect squares. Unfinished edges. Stitched together with variegated thread. Repeated shapes. Repeated patterns. Creating discipline through practice.
I stood behind the receiving table for an art quilt exhibit wearing white gloves and holding a tape measure and a seam guide. It was my responsibility to check for accurate quilt size and the position and construction of the hanging sleeve. I requested each entrant to place submitted work flat, with the back side facing up. I wanted to … Continue reading Traveling in Spirals: Size Matters
Where do I begin? Do I clean up holiday clutter? Do I assemble what I need to achieve new year's resolutions? I prefer to begin in a familiar place, taking a couple of steps. And then a few more. I discover new vistas through well known landscapes. My breathing eases and my mind quickens. 2015 art … Continue reading Traveling in Spirals: Begin in the Present
This art piece was doomed to be unfinished, untouched for months but still in the range of daily examination. The aha! direction found me as I drove over the mountains, pondering my child's life. "He's never going to be happy until he learns to dance on the rim of nothingness." I thought. "No, it is I that … Continue reading Advent Interlude 4
The Terpening siblings met face to face in this month; we usually meet monthly via video calls. We talked about work environments. We visited in Paul's workshop. We discussed Beth's stand up desk. We are confident that for all of our days we will share creative chat, that we will listen to each others' creative journey. … Continue reading Listening Together
The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. --Marcel Proust
Summer conversations with pastors presented me with a design challenge: create hand crafted art stoles for $75. The stoles will conform to the studio's standard craftsmanship. Techniques will be simplified and limited, but the art will still have my signature look. Emily, my daughter and partner, wants six ready for October 15. I found fabric for all five liturgical … Continue reading Searching for the Way to Create Clerical Stoles for Smaller Budgets