Beneath the Surface

I have been accepted to a juried invitational exhibit by the Dinner at Eight Artists. They will present Beneath the Surface, a special exhibit at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, CA - July 22-25th at the Long Beach Convention Center.

detail

Shaking the Tree of Imagination Statement

In the artistic process, I discover more techniques, and inspirations along the way. This leads to more discoveries, an evolution. I make the art and then the art makes me. Each work is individual and a communication between my inner imagination and later, the viewer. This communication is the dream, wish and hope for my artwork.

I am a process person. My process is fed by my love of being outdoors. I’m passionate about coming up with ideas and working out the kinks. It speaks to me. Part of that process is photography. I can see the most exquisite scenes or combinations of patterns and want to share that beauty. My art represents these moments. They are what lie beneath. I bring them back to share, to remember, to remind. These moments become my source, my well. This is when inspiration strikes, allowing thoughts percolate up from the unconscious and become my art, or poetry or prayers.

Layers peeled back reveal the source, the inspiration, and my mad desire to capture thoughts, dreams and the beauty of nature.

Process

I made Shaking the Tree of Imagination for the Beneath the Surface Invitational by the Dinner at Eight Artists. I decided I wanted to explore my current interest in Photographic manipulation. The layering techniques I use in this process seemed suited to the theme.

I layered 3 photographs together to merge as one. The photograph started out as image from a walk taken in my local area’s forest. This is often the first layer to my artwork. The idea becomes reality though the process of my art, the inspiration. That is how the title of the work came to be Shaking the Tree of Imagination.

The other two photographs in this layering process were images of my painted fabric. This provides a rich source of color that can influence and change the final result, the digital layer. The photographs were divided on the computer into sections and printed using an Epson 2400 onto pre-treated inkjet cotton broadcloth. They were assembled on batting, cut apart and physically collaged. This was another layer, the physical. I printed 3 more sections on silk organza and fused those to the piece. Each section was creatively stitched with a spontaneous design. I added metallic paint accents, drawn with a fine nozzle bottle. The final pieces were mounted on a hand painted backing of cotton duck.

The piece was drawn from the imagination, layered digitally, printed, layered physically and then collaged.

Transfer the Way You Add Images to Your Art

Image Transfer Workshop

I love incorporating photography and fiber! An image transfer is transferring an image from one source to another, giving wonderful transparent effects. This allows layering of images or let the surface show through.

We had an intense but satisfying time at the image transfer workshop at my studio yesterday. We transferred with many mediums, hitting on a variety to make samples to remember and explore techniques. We used glue or what I call acrylic transfers, tried some with freezer paper and sheets labels. We even used a very non-traditional medium that works spectacularly!

transfer with trans-web, my favorite fusible.
printed on painted cloth

Secret Method

Transfers create a lovely aged and distressed image due to the natural imperfections of the technique.

I’m offering this again at Portsmouth Fabric Co. in Portsmouth NH on April 24^th.

I will be demonstrating some of these techniques at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Meredith Gallery on June 12, 11-2.

Ah, To be on a Blog!

Perceptions of Trees

presented at Art Quilt Elements 2010

I have been fortunate enough to have been selected to appear as a featured artist on several blogs recently.

Subversive Stitchers: Women Armed with Needles is a blog featuring a variety of folks who quilt, stitch or other wise make art using fiber. You will find quite a resource of quilters, surface design ideas, blogs and even work for sale. Why resist- check it out- here.

Ink AID featured my work along with Timothy Burns. They produce a group of products that work as a digital ground. You apply this to whatever you're inkjet printing on and it will preserve that image on your chosen surface. There is a sample set available that is perfect to try out. You really should check out the variety of things you can do with this product! here

I was featured on The Textile Blog. A diverse fiber blog covering international, ethnic, and historical as well as contemporary fiber work. The Textile Blog describes my process with exacting clarity. I was humbled and impressed by the insight the author demonstrated. An excellent article and blog. here

Thank You Everyone!