Nature Inspired Art – Page 17

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.

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

Emotions into a quilt

Last week I took a trip to visit my aunt in the San Francisco area. I use to visit a lot when I was younger. As I grew older, I had fewer opportunities to visit. Most of my visits as an adult kept me close to Silicone Valley. If you know the area, you know that it has it’s own distinct beauty, but it is also very congested with humans. Last week I visited Marin County, which, too, is over-populated, but contains some hidden natural gems; namely Muir Woods and Mt. Tamalpais.

Considering all the rain they’ve had the past few months, we were blessed with sunny weather each day. On one of these sun-filled days we took a drive up to Mt. Tamalpais. I was impressed with the vast mountainscapes (or as Californians would call them hillscapes) we discovered so near the urban sprawl. State and National Parks secure the forested lands and it was all breath-taking.

On our way down-hill, we made a side trip to Muir Woods National Monument. I don’t recall ever visiting this magical place before. As we strolled along the trails, I was overcome with awe over the gigantic Sequoia sempervirens. These trees, commonly known as the Redwoods, are massive and endangered specimens.

I don’t often have experiences like this, but I truly felt it was a spiritual encounter. I totally understand how John Muir (the monument’s namesake) viewed nature as a form of religion.

In some respects, the spiritual nature of my experience revolved around my concern over the continual loss of habit. My feelings were also due to the sheer size of these trees, reaching up to 380ft tall and 30ft in diameter; I felt small. It takes time to grow to this size, these trees are known to live 1200 to 1800 (or more) years old. I am very sure that the spirits I felt were greatly due to the age of these trees. They witnessed many evolutions of this coastal region. They emitted an energy and seemed powerfully wise, but I’m afraid few people actually stopped to listen.

Now that I’m home, I’m processing all of this and trying to figure out how I will interpret these emotions into a quilt.

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.

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

Be thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day! Although, I try to be thankful every day, Thanksgiving is a celebrated day of reflection.

Our show at Campbell House is still hanging. We have an Open House scheduled for Monday, Nov 28 and a gallery sale on December 2 & 3 (see details below). I’m grateful that this exhibit is hanging for an extended period and that there are many options for people to visit. Looking at the pictures of my art hanging along side the artwork of my friends, I’m reminded of this journey I’ve been on.

Several years ago, I was in turmoil. I wanted to be an artist, but didn’t know what that meant. People told me that I already was an artist, but I didn’t agree. At that time, I had a specific grasp of understanding about this label. In my mind, an artist was someone who created original ideas and they also hung their artwork in “art” galleries.

As I step back and look at this exhibit, I can reflect on the journey and how I got here. I can see that my artwork portrays original ideas and hangs in art galleries alongside “fine art” paintings. I’ve created the persona that I was striving for so many years ago. This journey wasn’t easy and there is still a road ahead.

Along the way there where so many people who influenced me, helped me, and believed in me. That’s ultimately what I’m thankful for this weekend. I’m also thankful that I didn’t give up. I may have gone on some detours, but I always got back on track. I believe that spirit of never giving up comes from those who are no longer with me on this big blue marble. They set the mold, pushed me out the door and then stepped away. It’s all part of some giant plan that continues to unfold.

I’m also thankful for having the ability to share this journey with you. My hope in each of the personal reflections I share with you is that they remind you that you are in control. If you want it, then believe it and you’ll achieve it. Just remember to stop along the way to reflect and be thankful.

Join me for:

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

Open House — Monday, November 28 — (2-4p)
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

In person

gallery shot of solarworship — “Solar Worship” [Osprey Wing] hangs alongside the artwork of Marilyn and Sharon in the Paper-Canvas-Cloth exhibit at Campbell House. (“Solar Worship” was inspired by a photo by Brady Beck

This morning I went to the Campbell House galleries to visit our exhibit Paper, Canvas, Cloth. It was a beautiful morning and I haven’t seen the exhibit since the reception almost 2 weeks ago. Today, I took a lot of pictures from every angle and it gave me chills that this is real.

Today reminded me that I’m on a journey that’s continually evolving. Each step I make I can look back and see how much I’ve learned. I can also see how much I’ve grown.

Sometimes it’s embarrassing talking about yourself, because you may sound too boastful. But if I don’t tell you (a stranger or friend) that I have an art exhibit down the road…you probably would never get to see it. I’ve put a lot of time and energy into this and it means alot to me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy these snapshots and if you have the opportunity, please, come see it in person.

Join me for:

“Paper, Canvas, Cloth”
November 4 – December 17, 2016
Campbell House Galleries, Southern Pines, NC
featuring the work of
Sharon Ferguson, Marilyn Vendemia, & Nanette S. Zeller

Where they take me

And so it goes, “Paper, Canvas, Cloth” is hung. The artist reception is over. Now I need to step back and take time to breathe. Between now and the end of the year, I’m re-grouping to decide “what’s next?”

I’ve been working on this exhibit pretty much non-stop since August. I haven’t had time to pursue other opportunities. In some ways, it’s been a tough year. In other ways, it’s been a rewarding year.

I’ve felt some negative blows the last couple weeks, but I’ve also had positive affirmations. It’s time to explore all those things I’ve been putting off and see where they take me.

Join me for:

“Paper, Canvas, Cloth”
November 4 – December 17, 2016
Campbell House Galleries, Southern Pines, NC
featuring the work of
Sharon Ferguson, Marilyn Vendemia, & Nanette S. Zeller

Native plants and animals

Today I hung the show “Paper, Canvas, Cloth” at Campbell House Galleries. This has been an amazing journey for me. The show is a collaborative effort between me and 2 friends. Our styles are quite different, but the theme of our art works well together. We each appreciate the beauty of nature.

On this journey, I’ve realized I have a pretty strong artist voice. I really love making nature-inspired art. I also love the challenge of making an art piece which expresses a concern for the environment, but I don’t want it to scream environmentalism.

“Silenced” is all of this. This piece features Carolina parakeets, the only indigenous parrot in the United States. These colorful little birds would form huge flocks near bottomland hardwood forests and were listed officially as extinct by the American Ornithologists Union by 1939. The species decline was apparent in the 18th and 19th century and was attributed to deforestation. Vigorous flocks were still noted in the late 1800s, but the bird had virtually disappeared by 1904. The reason for this rapid population decline isn’t known, but hunting played a significant role. They were hunted for their beautiful feathers and to reduce predation of crops. Their flocking behavior made easy killing, because they would return to the vicinity of dead and dying birds. The final cause for it’s rapid extinction is speculated to be poultry disease, but there is no evidence to prove that.

As humans, we are constantly altering our environment to better our lives. I hope “Silenced” reminds the viewer of the natural beauty around us and also shows how fragile our world is. While making this piece, I wondered how do we rationalize our communities continually growing and creeping into natural landscapes. Something usually has to give and that something always seems to be native plants and animals.

Join me for:

“Paper, Canvas, Cloth”
November 4 – December 17, 2016
Campbell House Galleries, Southern Pines, NC
featuring the work of
Sharon Ferguson, Marilyn Vendemia, & Nanette S. Zeller

Very pleased

I am 3 weeks from hanging the show “Paper, Canvas, Cloth.” Realizing I’m a little bit light on small artwork, I’ve been trying to make a few more things. I’ve allowed myself the time to work on these last minute details. I’m very fortunate to have a supportive husband and employer who allowed me to take this much needed time off from my regular responsibilities. I’m feeling confident about where I am right now. Thankfully, I’m not pushing myself into a last minute frenzy…I hate that feeling. Since I’m the rookie in this exhibit, I’m thankful to be working with 2 pros. We all know what’s expected of us and we’re getting things done with little to no stress. I love this about my friends!

My cohorts in this show are considered traditional artists and they are experienced framers. Their work is always framed beautifully to showcase and complement their art.

Art quilters don’t normally frame our work. Art quilts are usually hung with a rod through the back, reminiscent of tapestries. In an exhibit of all art quilts, this is fine. However, in a fine art gallery show where the quilts hang along-side framed artwork, the quilts don’t command as much respect when they hang on a rod, especially the smaller pieces. As my dear friend notes, the quilts “look like potholders” on the wall. I also think a framed piece makes more sense to a buyer. They know how to hang a frame on the wall, but they’re not so sure about hanging a “tapestry.”

Last week my task was to frame my smaller art quilts. It took me a couple months to figure out exactly how I was going to do this. I wanted the style to be “neutral,” something that would work with most any decor. I also wanted the framing to look a bit modern, not too stuffy. I decided to go with floating frames. With the help of Eye Candy Gallery in Southern Pines, NC, I got the job done.

With floating frames, the art is supported from behind with a small gap between the outer edges and the frame molding. The art appears to float within the frame. I must say the end results are more than I could have imagined. I’m very pleased.

Join me for:

“Paper, Canvas, Cloth”
November 4 – December 17, 2016
Campbell House Galleries, Southern Pines, NC
featuring the work of
Sharon Ferguson, Marilyn Vendemia, & Nanette S. Zeller