Textile Art & Fine Craft
Inspired by the bounty of garden produce in August and September, I created a stack of dyed and printed fabric on warm sunny days. On rainy days, I trimmed select fabric into squares and finished the edges. I call them furoshiki (Japanese cloths for wrapping and carrying objects). The squares debut this weekend at Oak … Continue reading Furoshiki, Table Cloth, Sewist Stash
What is good art? Let me rephrase that: what is effectual art? I am filled with joy when one of my works evokes touch. Of course, I am filled with horror if the viewer is reaching out with hands that have just touched chocolate. I had lunch with a friend last week at The Village at Orchard … Continue reading Art to Touch
Providence. Not Rhode Island. Divine Providence. I had not intellectually encountered the concept until my friend Susan shared ideas from her seminary training about 15 years ago. And I periodically ruminate on them. This week I heard them in my pastor's sermon. I am preparing food for a church council supper this evening. I could … Continue reading A Bowl of Providence
I entered the aisle for fabric paints and saw a puzzled woman with silk shoes in her hand. I turned to the next aisle, paused, and came back to the woman. "What are you thinking about? You obviously are searching for a solution." Her face questioned me. I piped up, "I am a textile artist. … Continue reading Assisting Cinderella
My walking partner asked me today if I use all the rooms in my small house for studio work. Here is the bathroom three hours later. This is not an unusual scene.
I start most mornings sipping coffee in bed with little light for nearly an hour. I began this practice when I was a single parent of 3 adolescents. It continues to serve me well, although I periodically think I should wean myself off of this luxury of time.Last Wednesday I had a very busy day planned, including … Continue reading Practice: sitting quietly
Today my hands rinse strawberries in a bowl with holes. I know the farmer who raised the berries. I know the potter who fashioned the berry bowl. This is the community I have been seeking. I pop a berry in my mouth. I recall William Morris's Strawberry Thief. I value the decorative arts, creative expressions … Continue reading June Morning
Fresh. Daily. From the Coop. One of my first jobs growing up was to gather eggs. Since that opportunity to become appreciative of the role of the egg on the farm, the egg has evolved into a personal metaphor for creativity. Today I live in a small house that was a chicken coop in … Continue reading How Do You Like Your Eggs?
I began accepting commissioned work over 40 years ago; it remains an important part of my textile time. Two weeks ago I found myself praying for the courage of my gifts. I was in the middle of a custom table runner in which I was combining favorite techniques, new tools, and an unfamiliar size. The delivery date … Continue reading Evaluation and Commissioned Work
I am reinventing this fabric and lace by overdying it. This project is an intentional focus on two of this year's words: prepare and practice. The fabric is being prepared for summer projects. I am practicing with a new to me product: i Dye for Natural Fabrics.