Week 22 - in the Studio

This past week I've spent time getting pieces finished and ready for the show opening next week. I mentioned last week that I wanted to change the designs up a bit, adding new elements and playing with the designs.

I gathered a bunch of stuff and figured out the dimensions, combining painted papers and fabrics was a bit challenging, trying to stitch through heavily painted paper with out cracking it...yikes!

Here is the initial layout, strips of fused organza and linen with paper and a base of gessoed fabric

Finished and waiting to be mounted onto a wood panel.

You might notice that I've used a very controlled and neutral palette...a recent podcast had me considering the concept of scarcity and how it might encourage creativity. If we work with limited resources (paint, fabric, dye, thread) does that change our approach to our art? If we spend more time thinking and looking before diving into creating our work, will the art improve?

One study shows us that when we stop buying new things, we look at what we already have in new ways and come up with new uses for products we own. In other words, scarcity drives creativity. When we aren’t surrounded with ready-made solutions to problems, we have no trouble coming up with our own.

https://www.fastcompany.com/3053909/the-science-of-why-scarcity-makes-us-more-creative

While I am not suggesting we ditch our stash, it might be worthwhile to experiment with limiting our selection for some approaches and see if our art develops in new ways. What do you think?

I am so happy with the photos I've taken on my new series Timeless Moments, its tricky to take good photos with glass - too much reflection! After several tries of taking the glass out of the frames, it seemed to work best to close my blinds, turn off the lights and photograph further away and crop.

Here are two of my favourites:

At the Still Point

At the Still Point - detail

Through the First Gate

Through the First Gate - detail

These works are 12" x 12", mounted on acid free matt board and then framed to 16" square. The paint, collage and asemic text are applied to vintage paper from an old photo album and have a lovely suede-like feel. Each title is from favourite passages in poems by TS Eliot. They are for sale, message me for details....

Every Wednesday until the end of June I am taking a Drawing class online, this past week we studied abstracted architecture - by working designs that resembled buildings but were not realistic - more representational. We used Conte crayons - a new-to-me product and not as messy as charcoal, working with value and shading....a great exercise and I think my work is quite "quilt-like"...

Learn all about Soy Wax!

Curious about how Soy Wax works, all the possible ways to apply and use Soy Wax? Looking to expand the techniques you already know?
Then join me for an exciting two days of dyeing, printing, painting and more as we make beautiful cloth!

 

Set aside March 12-13th for a colourful blast of fun! Students design their own unique one-of-a-kind fabrics using simple tools, dyes and soy wax…no messy clean-up, just wash this wax away!

Students will be using colour and pattern in new ways with sponging, stamping, drizzling and dabbing. You're sure to have so much fun making dynamic and exciting fabrics for all to admire.

Simple techniques and perfect for the beginner designer!

 

The workshop will be held in Duncan, BC in a beautiful 1200 sq ft. studio, located in a country setting. Join me and many others while we create and inspire each other!

 

You can get further details here: http://www.studiogart.com/workshops/ or email me: susanpm@shaw.ca

Old World Map Stencils

Maybe a little late for Christmas giving (or getting) but I've added great new stencils to my store! What a great way to get started on some new art projects for the new year....only 11 more days :)
These are the Old World Maps series from Artist Cellar...think of the many ways you can be creative with paintsticks, powders and more!

 

Amsterdam

 

London

Pari

 

Venice

 

You can order them individually or in a full set pack of all four stencils. Check them out here: http://fabricimagery.com/category/interesting-extras/

Five Different Ways to Kick Start Your Creativity

Here are some "no-sew" tips you will find useful to get going in 2012:

1. Grab one of your quilting books and pick a project, choose fabrics only from your stash, decide on the layout and size. Get inspired, 'cause you aren't required to make the quilt, just get excited about what you already have!
2. Make a Design/Inspiration Board for your studio and pin photos, ribbons, postcards and anything with colours, patterns or designs that you love. You will enjoy looking at it all through the year! If any item begins to bore you, take it down and tuck away for another time.
3. Pick out a magazine you already own, find an advertisement with colours that appeal to you and choose all the embellishments, threads and beads that match those colours. Take a photo and pin it to your Inspiration Board.
4. Pick a few pieces of china, glassware or jewellery from the cupboards, group them together on a little table and add a small bouquet of flowers.
5. Group some fat quarters together and tie up with a pretty ribbon. Keep them in your studio ready to give to a friend who needs some hugs!

Mish Mash and Bash 2011