One Good Thing Leads to Another!

 Isn't it fascinating how one art piece or part of one can lead down an interesting path in an entirely different and unexpected direction?

I've been working on a series titled The Industrial Shoreline, depicting scenes where shipping and other commercial interests meet the waters of our coastlines where mammals and sealife exist. The challenges of our urban environment are crossed against the industry of international shipping and the very really possibility of catastrophic accidents against our environment....

Along the Fraser

One constant feature of my artwork has been using marked fabrics over laid with paint for the sky. Often I will ask others to use markers and black paint to add their unique marks on the surface and then tone down the contrast with my own marks, this makes for a unique and vibrant background for the rest of the surface.

I usually cut these pieces into squares and rectangles and then sew them together to create a collage with incredible depth and texture. While I was constructing one of the "skies" I noticed the interesting marks and contrast of the back and thought they resembled shoreline, water and sky in themselves. 

A couple months ago I had assembled enough that I could look at them and figured out how to paint some watercolour paper, mounted the small squares on the paper and added stitch to create small land and seascapes. These pieces were a perfect addition to the 10 x 10 Show at the Ptarmigan Arts Gallery at Hope Bay, on now until March 7th. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of them!

Now I will also check the back of my painted and marked fabrics!

Spring at Brooks Point

Morning at Hope Bay

Through the Fog

DayBreak

I love the stitching part, so here's a closeup!

Mrs. Matisse Does Applique!

I've updated my workshop pages and have some great new ideas that I've love to share with you! I think they are all pretty exciting but I had so much fun designing this one, I thought I'd share it with you:

What if Henri's wife had great fabric and fusible web to play with?  Design a unique mosaic-style foundation with painted and dyed fabrics then cut out shapes for a still life or floral arrangement. Additional interest can be added with paintsticks, markers and coloured pencils. Explore the many design options possible with fused collage. Stitch and thread choices will be an important part of the day!

Check out other new ideas for your guild or group here: http://susanpm.com/category/workshops/ and here: http://susanpm.com/category/surface-design/

Soy Wax Article in Quilting Arts

I just received my quilt and fabrics that are featured in the latest issue of Quilting Arts Magazine. Here's the cover so you can pick out on the magazine shelf!

And here's some pictures of the fabric I made using an "innovative technique" that involves creating pattern with stitch, soy wax and dye!

You won't want to miss it! You can buy the February/March issue at:
http://www.quiltingdaily.com/blogs/quiltingarts/archive/2013/01/08/february-march-2013.aspx

Colour to Stitch - New Class!

I've added a new class to my website http://www.susanpm.com/ - This is an exciting class developed for quilters, stitchers, mixed media artists and everyone in between. Students begin with basic colour mixing theory using Procion MX dyes. They prepare and dye a range of fabrics and threads using a planned palette showing value, tints and shades. Students will learn how these fibres can be used in their work and there will be a focus on safe studio habits.

For a second day students will create and begin a plan for their beautifully dyed threads and fabric while exploring important design elements. Join in the fun!