Surface Design Association's Confluence Conference Highlights

Jason Pollen, the SDA guru and inspirational leader for so many years, stepped down from his leadership role this past year. His exhibit at the Confluence conference was another play on combining diverse materials with textiles.

This year, due to health issues, he had time to ponder a nearby fence. He thought his usual mantra- "What IF- I used wood with my textiles"? So he did! The result was the exhibit, Sentinels, opening this past weekend.

A row of wooden and textile objects line up, side by side, on one side of the wall. To stand guard?

 I got the feeling they were watchers. Looking at us while we gazed first at the cleverness, unity of color and design and the absolute creativity of Jason. Watching as we looked closer and closer to see how the designs were executed. The innovative use of materials. Even discussion on what they were actually made of.

Jason was on hand to describe his inspirations and materials.
The well deserved responses of 'ohh' and 'ahh' were heard among the explanations and musings of the
watched.

more info here

Art Quilt Elements 2010 again!

Wonderful show of cutting edge work. I was proud to be in attendance. Here's some press and vid's about the show.

Enjoy!
We received great press from the Philadelphia Inquirer in the Friday Weekend section that should bring in many more visitors.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/weekend/20100423_A_rich__lively_competitive_exhibit_.htm
from Carolyn Lee Vehslage

John Hopper of The Textile Blog wrote about the exhibition, its history and showed 6 examples of the work as well as the 3 minute teaser video of the collection. John's posting remain on top for a week, so please direct viewers to it. http://thetextileblog.blogspot.com/

And a visitor named Mariee has be making multiple postings on her blog about the various pieces in the exhibition in terms of Texture, Print, and Color.
http://colored-thread.blogspot.com/

Finally, above, photo of all the artists who made it to the opening. I'm on far left- (hmmm).
and a personal note from John Hopper!!

Hello Wen
"Just to say how impressed I was with your entry into the ArtQuilt Elements 2010 exhibition. I came across Perspective with Trees when the organizers asked me to help publicise the event. I must admit that it is my favourite and I wish all the success you so richly deserve."
John (the Textile Blog)

(I'm gushing!!)

Art Quilt Elements 2010

I have just attended the SAQA Symposium at the Wayne Art Center in PA. This cutting edge show encourages joyful endeavors into the wide variety of art quilting- from collage, free form, digital and surface design- the show is sure to stimulate the creative juices.










Folks were warm and pleasant- all kindred spirits.

We were treated to the background roots of the

jury process with a panel discussion of jurors Jason Pollen, Robin Schwab and Deborah Warner.

I particularly enjoy Jason's effervescent, embracing spirit.

Later, Sandra Sider gave us insight into the art critique followed by a lively dialogue SAQA's president, Lisa Chipetine on

using the available technology for promoting

ones work. This was

followed by a short mentoring session by attending artists.

I always learn or am surprised by something at these events. Today, I had the pleasure of putting work to faces, to meet many of my favorite artists. And seeing the work eyeball to eyeball highlights the textural aspects, the myriad of innovative constructive techniques. I've included a few images of the show here-

some whole and some details.

However if you can't come here, they do offer a lovely catalog, a nice addition to any art quilt book collection. here

works shown- Robin Schwab, myself, Fenella J Davies, Yael David-Cohen, Luanne Rimel, Peggy A. Brown