Art quilts – Page 13

This one may take awhile

A part of creating original designs is figuring out how to accomplish them. I always say I have a huge tool box [of ideas and resources] I can use for my art. The ideas don’t always work as planned. Its OK, because sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.

Right now, I have an idea that’s pretty solid in my head. I want to create an art quilt using a photo I took at Muir Woods. First I need to make the background. I want it to appear as if the sun is beaming through the trees. I want to use pieced wedges of fabrics. Brilliant idea … I “think.”

Well the bugger is I don’t have a lot of yellow fabric. So, I went shopping at NC Quilt Symposium 2 weeks ago. They usually have some great vendors … not so this year. Sadness.

So, then I decide to use what’s already in my stash and make it work. Yes… Yes… I think I can do this. I spent an entire day cutting, piecing and sewing (remember I’m not using a pattern). I’m confident its looking good … but … not … so … fast. The final outcome failed. More sadness. The piece is not large enough to cut square and get the effect I desired. I don’t have enough yellow fabric to try again. The nearest fabric store is an hour away. With this “trial” run, I’m sure the idea will work, but I’m stuck until I can get out of town and go fabric shopping. Even then, there’s no guarantee that the store’s fabric selection will work with my idea.

I’m not defeated…just feeling challenged at the moment. I will get this one done, but for now its on hold. Sometimes that’s just the way it goes … this one may take awhile.

Fine-tuning

The past few weeks, I’ve been trying to fine-tune some techniques I’m using. Right now, I’m revisiting the Carolina Parakeets.

The attached photo shows the same quilt at different stages of the process. (If you click on the image you’ll get an enlarged view to see the details.)

With the image on the left, you see the fused fabric pieces and a little bit of coloring on the head/beak of the parakeet.

The bird on the right bird is completely colorized and has a sealer on it to keep it from smudging when handled.

When comparing the 2 images, look closely at the wing, tail feathers, and feet. The image on the right has more shading and definition. It doesn’t look so 2-dimensional. This is what I’ve been playing with.

I’m trying to make 2-dimensional applique look more like a painting. There are many different things I can use to accomplish this. Right now, my weapon of choice is colored pencils. There are limitations to using pencils on fabric, but there are also limitations to using pencils on paper. I’ll be experimenting with this process over the summer. I like where its going, so stay tuned, it still needs some fine-tuning.

Working in a series

One of the things I wanted to work on was small art pieces based on birds. I’ve completed a few already, but there are a whole lot more birds to choose from. The other day, while trying to get some inspiration, I did an Internet search for songbirds. Wow! There is definitely a ton resources related to neotropical migratory songbirds (birds that migrate during the winter months).

I studied “neotrops” in grad school and therefore have a personal connection to these birds. They’re another one of those creatures who’s populations are dwindling due to habitat loss. Doing the internet search opened up a plethora of ideas for me.

Starting with the Scarlet Tanager (pictured), I’ve decided to work on series. I’m going to make small art quilts featuring these pretty little songbirds. I’ll start a new one whenever I get into the “I’m not sure what to do next” stage of creating. The idea of working in a series has spurred a lot of creative inspiration. I know its going to be keeping me busy in the studio. It’s taken me awhile, but I finally understand the reasoning behind working in a series.

Either you’re in or you’re not

“Technically” I make quilts (2 layers of fabric sandwiching a middle layer of material, joined with stitches). Some people tend to classify quilts as craft.

Among the art quilt community, there is tremendous push to have what we do carry more respect in the art world. Some venues have strong views on art/craft classifications. Good and bad, I’ve seen a lot of art in my life. Some has me scratching my head in disbelief and other’s has me mesmerized in awe! Ultimately, art is in the eye of the beholder.

I’ve decided to go the way of my peers and enter more fine art exhibits. I’ve also pondered whether to ask a venue to clarify if they accept art quilts. After much consideration, I realized that asking is just casting doubt onto my own work? Do I really think what I do is craft? No! So why should I project a message of doubt?

It’s all relative and, take it or leave it, its all in the hands of the selection committee. The reality … its just a competition. Like every other competition in life, either you’re in or you’re not.

My ancestors are guiding me

I’m happy to announce that my quilt “Soar” will be heading to Herndon, VA in a couple months. It was accepted into the “Sacred Threads” exhibits which will be held July 7, 2017 – July 23, 2017 at Floris United Methodist Church.

“Sacred Threads” is a biennial exhibit that conveys the spirituality, healing and inspirational messages that transcend all people. Without emphasis on any particular religion or theology, it is an exhibit which allows quilt artists to share their stories and be a source of healing and strength for others.

Like many artists, my work has an under-statement that is frequently unheard. Exhibits often don’t share the artist’s statement about the meaning behind the artwork. The viewer is left to their own interpretation or reasoning. The Sacred Threads exhibit allows the artist to submit a statement which will be displayed alongside the artwork.

I knew I had to enter this popular and well-received exhibit. It makes me very happy that my artwork will hang along side kindred spirits.

Why is “Soar” worthy of this exhibit? Here’s my artist statement that will hang with it July:

“Birds fascinate me. Although I studied songbirds in graduate school, it is the large birds of prey which I call my spirit animal. I have had numerous encounters where they have appeared, soared at me, or simply left a feather as a calling card. I become captivated when I see them floating in the thermal breezes of a Carolina blue sky. It is something about their size, keen eyesight, tremendous strength, and virtual silence that calls to me. Each encounter stirs something deep inside and I am reminded to persevere, because my ancestors are guiding me.”

See “Soar” at:

Sacred Threads Exhibit
July 7, 2017 – July 23, 2017

Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road
Herndon, Va. 20171
(703) 793-0026
www.florisumc.org

Shoot for the moon

I’m working on some plans. There’s a check list of things to do. This year I really need to make a difference on how I approach my life and art. It’s somewhat scary to set out to rattle the cage, but that’s what I feel I need to do this year.

I’ve been living my life inside a bubble, but now it’s time to move outside that comfort zone. Someone recently advised me to focus on what gives me “fire in my belly.” Boy, do I understand that concept. Do you understand? It’s a feeling that something has ignited in your gut and there’s nothing that will stop you. Staying so focused requires a lot of energy. It’s easier to settle into the normal rut and lose motivation.

I want to prove a point this year, so my focus needs to remain fired up. I don’t want to lose momentum. I need to shoot for the moon.

Godspeed

“Soar” – 63″ x 31″ by Nanette S. Zeller (inspired by a photo by Brady Beck)

Yesterday at 4am, my dog, Dakota, woke me up to be let out. Although this sounds early, it’s kind of a ritual in our home to rise and shine before sunrise. I could have slept in, but my brain decided to engage full fire. I couldn’t get back to sleep. I think most of us have had days like these.

What normally happens when I can’t sleep is my brain worries about all that needs to get done. I feel overwhelmed and I panic a little about some huge to-do list ahead of me. Yesterday was different.

The thoughts running through my head at “oh-dark-thirty” weren’t overwhelming, but instead exhilarating. It was like my brain finally realized that I was into a new year with new opportunities. When it was finally time to get out of bed, I was ready to take on the day.

The enthusiasm has continued into today. All the things I pondered, in my time “off” the last 2 months, were ready for me to take on full speed. As usual, I don’t truly know where any of this is going. What I do know is that I can not sit back and ignore opportunity. I have a check list of things that I plan to do with deadlines that need to be met, quilts to be made and proposals to submit. It feels good to have direction and enthusiasm.

I hope this week you too see the potential in your life. Walk away for the negativity and focus on what you want in life. Remember, that the only thing you can change is yourself. Enjoy the journey and godspeed!

All the things you love

“Tournesol” (means turns with the sun) by Nanette S. Zeller

Only a few more days until the new year is here. Its all coming together — the holidays, the new year, and my fast approaching birthday. I spend a lot of time this time of year reflecting, but I’ve also stepped back and took a break these last couple months. I’m finding myself feeling anxious to get started in my studio again. I haven’t seen my studio very much the last 2 weeks and I think my sewing machines miss me. Well, at least, I’m missing them. We have a home improvement project planned for the rest of the week, so the machines will have to remain on vacation a few more days. Hang on 2017, we’re almost there.

This coming year, I really want to get focused on a number of things with my art career and keep the machines humming. I know my biggest struggle is time. I guess we all have that issue because our lives are so full; family, friends, work, hobbies, staying connected, managing the household, paying the bills…it all takes time.

I’ll keep it short today and wish you happy new year. Thank you for following me on my journey and, in this upcoming new year, I hope you find time for all the things you love.

Bad art

While pondering my plans for the upcoming year, I started thinking… “What do I do with the ‘bad art’ I created?”

Now don’t get in an uproar, if you’re an artist, you know you sometimes make bad art. Most of us also are in a constant state of evolution. So something you made 2 years ago, may not necessarily be really “bad” but it doesn’t fit who you are anymore. It’s like that geek who’s hanging out with the jocks; the outliers uncomfortably stand out in a crowd.

So what do you do about it? People who paint on canvas can easily slap a coat of gesso on un-favored artwork and start over. There’s even evidence that Leonardo Da Vinci did this. But what if your work isn’t so easy to make a new? What do you do? This has been my dilemma. I have a pile of things that needs to go…but where? I’ve had the pieces for a number of years and they haven’t sold. I know why, too. ~smirk~

I have been known to have a sacrificial fire in the yard when we’re burning yard waste. You can’t keep everything, so making it turn to ashes puts the energy back into the universe. This might be a bit extreme for some people.

Some of the pieces I culled have a potential to be cut-up into small squares and set aside to be re-assembled and re-purposed. Maybe I could make them into small coin purses?

Frequently charities look for donated art for fund-raising events (silent auctions, door prizes, etc). I’ve done this a few times, but isn’t always the best way to go. One thing I don’t like is that the IRS only allows artists to deduct the cost of materials, not labor or the saleable price. A tax deduction for a tube of paint and a yard of cloth…just seems like too much effort to track for the amount of benefit it would have on my tax returns. Another thing about this approach of giving away bad art that’s no longer your style, it isn’t a good way to market yourself. You really should be publicly showing art that represents who you are…not some former self. So if I can’t get a tax deduction and I’m not gaining anything as a marketing benefit, is donating bad art really a benefit to me the artist?

I really don’t know the answer to this conundrum. I guess in the end, releasing outdated pieces from the heard, is probably requires a combination of many methods. Until I figure out what to do with the culled pieces, I guess I’ll just have to hang on to my bad art.

The process

Tomorrow is December 1. Sorry for being cliche, but “Where did the year go?” They say this phenomena seems to happen more as you get older. Days just whiz by, then swoosh you’re another year older.

My mission for December is to finalize a plan of attack for 2017. There are a couple of major shows I want to enter and a number of ideas that I plan to take action on. And of course, I need to keep creating new art pieces as I prepare for my solo show in 2018. Seems a long way away, but I’ll need about 30 pieces for that gallery space. I definitely have lots to think about.

This past Monday, we had the Open House at Campbell House Galleries. Sharon and I greeted our visitors while working on our art. I started working on another Carolina Parakeet piece. This one is small (12″ x 12″) and I’m using it to demonstrate some of my techniques.

To me fabric alone always looks too flat. Someone on Monday referred to it as looking like cartoon cutouts. I agree. It needs something else to give it rich dimension. If you look closely at the photo, you can see how the bird and branch in the lower right has more depth, than the bird and branch in the upper left. I’ve created the dimension by coloring the fabric with Prismacolor pencils.

Of course, if you’ve been following my work you know there’s more to my work than that. I always add thread to increase the level of interest and depth. I’ll show you more of the progress as I go along, because I thought you might be interested in seeing the process.

Join me for:

“Paper, Canvas, Cloth”
November 4 – December 17, 2016

Holiday Art & Jewelry Sale – Friday, December 2 — (9a-5p) & Saturday, December 3 — (10a-4p)
Campbell House Galleries, Southern Pines, NC
featuring the work of
Sharon Ferguson, Marilyn Vendemia, & Nanette S. Zeller