let's do it together!

it takes little energy, which is good 'cause mine is low, it helps the world while it helps yourself, all it takes is a little love....
so you up for it?

Quilting as collective conciousness.

I have been thinking a lot about quilting lately. I have a piece that I started over a year and a half ago and have never finished, but am planning to once the weather cools off a bit and I won't mind it on my lap. And I am always inspired by Tracey Emin's quilts, especially since her technique is totally renegade like mine. So in interest of quilts I have been seeking them out a bit. For inspiration and wondering if it is a good direction to move in for a series.
So I was excited to find the quilts of quilter Sun Smith-Foret (great name). She makes intriguing very contemporary quilts inspired mostly by films.

I find her approach to creating still quite abstract quilts but working to evoke and comment on the emotions and feelings of contemporary and often complicated films fascinating.


I fine myself particularly drawn to the quilts inspired by female actresses and films about women.


Her website is very thorough and has an excellent statement explaining her inspiration and connection to film. I recommend popping over and giving it a read.

seeking...

comfort... from fatigue, from the heat, from never knowing what the heck I am doing.
You know, normal existence.
Yesterday, I took a much needed "personal" day. Got my toes painted, ate a great baguette sandwich, and saw Julia and Julia. The AC of the theater was SO great in this horrible heat we've got here in the city. The day of decompression was a relief and comfort.

Sometimes, I wonder what the heck was I thinking when I chose this unpredictable crazy path of artist. Not that I actually chose it, it sort of just chose me.
And I get so afraid that I will not be able to keep it up. It can be a little scary when you have everything you've ever dreamt of at 31. You get very afraid of losing them and very afraid that as life changes you will not be able to maintain the life you have created, physically, financially, and emotionally.

In those times it is so nice to take comfort in a silly movie, a long hug, a beautiful day, and hopes for the future.

Community Yoga.

Check out my new blog to promote my Yoga classes.
Feel free to pass the word.

Namaste!

new homes.

I just sold this piece to a friend for her to give to her man as a gift. I always love selling text works to people I know and seeing what they select, so revealing. With this one I wonder if she is rejecting his negativity, he is rejecting hers, or they are rejecting the worlds together. Either way awesome.
If I was giving one to C, it would say "I reject your incessant teasing"- I guess once a big brother always a big brother!

A while back, I sold a really lovely little piece that said "I am flawed" to a guy- giving it to his wife for Valentines. I hope he was giving it to her, admitting his own flaws- 'cause if so that is super sweet.
I'd love a present like that.

It is always interesting to see or imagine where your work ends up once you have sold it. I know I have work in a babies nursery, a big bedroom, and a famous celebrities house. But I wonder where the many others are, what do they make their owners feel, what do they share space with, what rooms are they in?

I am sending 2 more works off today to a new home and owner. One of which is one of my recent all time favorites. I hope there new home loves them as much as I do.

hungry?

Loving the decadent work of artist Julie Allen. Julie embroideries, sews, and beads our sweet desires, savory wants, and guilty pleasures, all while exploring memory and family ritual.


She makes it look even better then the real thing.

my mom's fave the B.L.T.

In her recent show at McKenzie Art the press release stated:

In this new body of work, Julie Allen has created sweets and savories sewn by hand in silk organza, vinyl and plastic. The sculptures are of desserts and first courses, ranging from banana splits and chocolate sundaes to salads, with their multitudinous ingredients, and even a hamburger. They are extraordinary in their details, with great attention given to the ornamentation: embroidered and knotted seeds in kiwis and strawberries; minute stitches used to create a pert banana; and a three-dimensional ring of onion nestled in an embroidered sesame-encrusted bun, all sewn from lightweight fabrics and thread. While commenting on desire and consumption, the works also possess a great sense of humor and playfulness, and hark back to childhood experiences of family and ritual. Also in the exhibition are embroidered drawings on mylar, which again deal with childhood memories and desire: the things you need and crave to soothe you when you are sick, among them Campbell's soup, 7-Up, cold medicine, and an orange.

Some of her embroidered drawings illustrate on of my favorite combo's a grilled cheese and some Campbells.

NAUGHTY WORD again!

So this piece got finished last week and I am finally posting it to share with you. And putting it (and this) up on Etsy at my little shop.
I love it- the language, the color on the round white eyelet doily, the handwriting. Quite happy indeed.

Today began a bit frantic- getting some work off to a place in Chelsea and desperately needing to prepare for some other things too- a little exhausted.
So I am just trying to get motivated and in the meantime working on some small things while listening to some Ella Fitzgerald. Wish that I could have an entire day of doing that and nothing else.
But only one day, I am very happy things are going so well- even if I do need a nap and a deep breathe.

See my feature at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio blog and many super sweet comments.
Another feature about the work at Craft Gossip.
and a very sweet mention amongst some very fabulous artists at the always wonderful Design for Mankind.

colorful beauty.

I am too tired to write about her. So you will just have to be happy with images of the luxurious, colorful beauty of the work of crochet artist Xenobia Bailey.

Just gorgeous. The color is astounding. The patterns are inspiring.


See more.

Updated.

So happy to announce that I have finally updated my website, partially.
There are lots of new images of work in my fiber gallery including some details.
Forthcoming will be some new images in the photo gallery, but my life has suddenly gotten very hectic so that update will have to wait for a month or so.
Hectic? But why. I have been teaching so much, I am about down dog-ed out. And I have been frantically getting work done to send to 2 more shows/showrooms, and I am preparing for my embroidery class and trying to promote some new yoga classes in the fall.
Wooh, I am tired just thinking about it.

Next week I HAVE to take a day just for me, a day off art, blog, teaching, everything. Maybe I will even get my raggedy hair cut.

Let me know what you think of the website.

Yeah! Super fun class!

I am so delighted to announce that I will be teaching this class starting THIS MONDAY!
So if you are around it is going to be super fun so join us!
Or get the word out by letting people know.
Thanks.

Hiya! As a last minute summer treat, we are pleased to add a very special Embroidery Workshop to our class schedule: Artist Joeta Maue, who's work can be seen at her website (www.joettamaue.com), will be instructing this fun class where you will unleash your creativity : Mondays August 17, 24 & 31 from 6-8pm In this introduction to embroidery each student will begin their very own original custom sampler. Instead of following a pattern each student will design their own sampler using either their own unique handwriting or provided stencils. We will learn everything from the most basic skills of preparing the fabric, using the hoop, and threading the needle to finishing the project for final display. 6 traditional embroidery stitches will be taught: the split stitch, stem stitch, back stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, and the ever mysterious french knot. With the skills learned you will be able to continue making beautiful pieces of art or simply embellish items of your own. Students are encouraged to work with a found, inherited, or vintage linen as their base. If you choose to do so make sure that the linen is either 100% cotton or linen and washed. Students can also work with a raw piece of fabric purchased at Brooklyn General. Feel free to bring stencils and quotes that would would like to include in your sampler. Supplies needed: a variety of embroidery needles 100% cotton embroidery cloth- amount and color depends upon individual design. water soluble marker embroidery hoop Found linen or 100% cotton/ linen fabric. Size is up to the students decision. Scissors Creativity All materials can be purchased during the first class. $120/session Call the store at (718) 237-7753 to sign up and reserve your spot before the class fills up! See you at the shop!

Brooklyn General Store Store Hours: closed Mondays Tuesday-Thursday:12 pm - 7 pm Friday & Saturday:12 pm - 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm 718.237.7753