Success & Failure – Page 17

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

Kindness and no regrets

And the count-down is on. A week from Friday my exhibit opens at Campbell House Galleries. This week I’m wrapping up the final details: framing the last few pieces, installing new hanging slats to the large pieces, and adding labels to the newer pieces. Once this is completed, I will be photographing all the quilts.

This has been a very interesting process for me. I’ve always said that I love to learn…I thrive on learning… and I’ve learned a lot about myself this year. Preparing for this exhibit has reminded me to keep moving forward. I know I will continue to grow as an artist and I’ve already thought of ways to improve some things. Yet, there are a number of things I still haven’t figured out. Therefore, I will continue to learn and that’s what makes everything so enjoyable for me.

Any free time I’ve had this summer was devoted to studio time. So I didn’t have time for some of the opportunities I’ve been considering. Once this exhibit is hung, I will take a short break to re-energize, then I’ll be tackling the many ideas I have in my head. What I’ve learned during this process is to always keep moving forward. Sometimes that can be as simple as just putting one foot then the other. Moving forward also requires having the strength to only look back with kindness and no regrets.

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

Where this road takes me

Four weeks from now, I will be hanging a show at the Arts Council of Moore County’s Campbell House Galleries. The exhibit entitled “Paper, Canvas, Cloth” features my work and that of 2 of my friends. We have known each other many years and we each have very different styles. Sharon who paints and draws is a classical realist. Marilyn paints in oils with a tonalist style. I am mixed-media art quilter. Although very different styles, I know our art will look good together because we share similar themes and color palettes.

This is a pivoting point for me. I’ve been in art exhibits before. I’ve been a featured artist in several local art galleries. But, I’ve never been in an art gallery show where I am featured with just 2 other artists who aren’t art quilters. It will be interesting to see how people view this exhibit. Will they consider what I do as art?

Because this exhibit is pivotal point for me, it makes me ask what’s next? What is the long range goal? Some decisions will be based on the reception I get in November, but more so, it is about what I plan to do personally to move forward.

Working to prepare for this show next month has given me time to process my feelings about what’s next. I know that there are exhibiting opportunities that I plan to apply for at the end of the year. I know I have a solo gallery show scheduled 2 years from now. But I also know I’m going to have let it all play out, because part of the challenge is affording to create the art.

When you exhibit, you have to hoard your work so you have enough to hang on the walls. If you’re hoarding, you can’t sell your work unless the owner is willing to give it back to you during the exhibit dates. But then, some galleries want all or a significant portion of your work for sale. Some exhibits want to keep your work for several years. There has to be a balance of making enough to sell and making enough to exhibit. I’m considering ways to streamline my processes, so I can make things faster.

What others have done is seek teaching and publishing opportunities. This is something I’m seriously considering. But, teaching and publishing also takes time away from making; another balancing act. For now my goal is to get this show hung, then use November and December to re-group and set the stage for what’s next. My plan is to start 2017 with boots to the ground, running. We’ll see where this road takes 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

Self-doubt

Being an artist can be a very isolating. I spend a lot of time alone in my studio, especially now, as I prepare for my November exhibit. I’m down to crunch time and all I’m thinking about is getting things done. I feel like I’m running out of time. I need to be in the studio more. And I wonder, how will I accomplish all of this? I take comfort that it’s all going to be OK. So I breathe. I know I’m not alone, many artists face the same angst. It’s par for the course.

As an emerging artist, there’s also this underlying insecurity. What will people think? I think my work looks OK, but I’m very biased. It’s like saying your baby is the cutest. And “everybody” thinks their baby is the cutest.

I’ve realized, I’m in a different place right now. My ideas are coming from deep in my soul. It’s a life-long journey coming together and expressing itself in fabric. My art has purpose to me…I’m no longer making it just because. I have stories behind each piece. I’m moving forward. The isolation is there and the angst, but I do my best to ignore it. I’m not going to let the negative speak defeat me.

A few months ago, I made a decision to let go of something that I was deeply invested in. As I walked away from that activity, I was reminded of a call-for-entry deadline that was fast approaching. A friend of mine frequently reminds me that we never get accepted if we don’t apply. So, I pulled my stuff together and, with a kiss on the cheek, I sent in the application. Of course, I hoped for the best, but would be OK with any decision they made.

Today, I received a phone call from out of the blue. An affirmation. They are impressed with my work. I’ve been offered a solo show in a public art gallery. I had a choice of 2 dates, so I picked one. I’m going big, so I’ll need the time. September 2018. As one door closes, another opens.

Having an affirmation like this is a kick in the pants that says don’t give up. Keep trying. There’s no room for self-doubt.

Good karma following along with me

I’ve been in my studio a lot the last week. I’m trying to create a regular work habit. I’m under pressure to get some new pieces finished for an upcoming show in November, so there’s no time to waste. I’ve put priorities in place and that’s helping me keep focused. I’m seeing results and that’s helping me be motivated.

My art is comprised of a lot of phases. It’s never as easy as saying, well let me throw this together. I get an idea and know what I want it to look like, but how it gets there is always process. For example, the piece that is currently on my design wall is pretty large. I’m working on a forest scene. I could slap some fabric down and have you imagine that they are trees, but I want it to be more realistic. I need to work on the shading. I have lots of options. That’s were things get interesting and challenging.

I never choose the same option. On the parakeet quilt I just finished, I used colored pencils for shading. I love working with them, but had a couple glitches I didn’t expect. Fortunately, I was able to recover from the issues and I’m happy with the final outcome. The glitches do put me in a panic, because they could turn into a irreversible catastrophe.

The current piece I’m working on also needs some shading. Because of it’s size, I decided to use Shiva paintstiks and a stenciling technique to add depth. On this too, I stumbled with a few glitches, but in the end I’m good with it. Another catastrophe diverted.

Of course there’s more to this quilt than just a couple of grey trees. In the foreground of the photo, you’ll see a paper cutout that I used to find the right proportions for an ivory-billed woodpecker who is going to play in these woods. Layer upon layer, the design forms. Each step, I get to choose the options to create what I envision. But with each step, I’m also at risk of another irreversible catastrophe. It is harder to recover from these on larger pieces, there are a lot of hours invested in what you see. There’s a lot more hours ahead. After each layer, I pat myself on my back and get ready to move forward. I’m ready to move forward on this piece…and looking to good karma following along with me.

Making Progress

I‘m still trying to make progress on the Carolina Parakeet piece. Unfortunately, I’ve had some interference with my time, but I’m doing my best to keep focused. I thought for sure this quilt would be done right now. So close…yet far enough away that I feel a bit frustrated.

I was talking to a friend this morning and reminded her that she was indeed making progress on something she was working on. The progress was just taking longer than she expected. —Ah, just another validation that talking out loud sometimes solidifies your own thoughts. — I too must remember I am making progress.

I’m happy where this is art quilt is going. I’m sharing a comparison photo that clearly shows I’m getting somewhere. The birds and branches are all detailed and I’m working on filling in the background with quilting. This is taking time, however…

The good news is that I’m creating dense quilting. Something I’ve wanted to do in the past, but just struggled doing on my domestic sewing machine. My Sweet16 sewing machine, with its sweet 16″ neck opeing, is making my work so much easier. I can sew and sew and sew and sew without having to re-adjust the bulky quilt so frequently. Makes me very happy.

The bad news is I’ve developed a muscular strain in my back and neck which is causing me great discomfort sitting. I’m working on resolving the issue, but I’m still limited to just short runs at the machine. Again, the key is patience, I am making progress.

Stay tuned

Last week I mentioned that I had been working on a few pieces that were experimental play, where I could focus on a specific technique and work out the bugs. I have another one to show you.

Awhile back, I posted sketches for a quilt I was planning to make (see the story here). I took the sketches and used them as templates to make fabric birds. Although the fabric birds have been done for awhile, I was hesitant to move forward with my idea. I have never thread painted birds and I wasn’t sure how that would work out. If I composed the design on a large (finished-sized) background and then did my thread work, I would be in a world of hurt if I messed things up (that dreaded point of no return again). I was intimidated to move forward until I finally figured out how to get past this hurdle. Then I got an idea…

I am involved in a monthly mixed-media art exchange with 10 other artists. The intent is for each of us to create a book of artwork. We each submitted guidelines on what we wanted for our books, e.g., theme and page size/orientation. The challenge coordinator gave us a schedule of who we will be creating a book page for each month. Then, every month for ten months, I create a piece for someone and someone creates a piece for me. It’s fun!

For May, my artist had a theme of “birds,” size 8″x10″, and vertical orientation. Ah-Ha! Since my birds were the right size, I could test my thread painting technique on Leni’s page. Yep, I used this small quilt to help me gain confidence to proceed with the larger quilt.

I am pleased with the results. Currently, I’m auditioning backgrounds for the large quilt where 7 happy Carolina Parakeets will be hanging out. Things won’t be exactly the same on the larger quilt, but testing the technique allowed me to know what will and won’t work on a larger scale. Stay tuned…

Great Things

Now that I’ve released myself of a lot of responsibility, there’s silence, a lot of it. I can hear the computer humming.

Starting this week, my focus is on making my art career work. There’s plenty to consider, namely how do you make money? Make art and make money – is this an oxymoron?

I’ve met a lot of artists in my life. Most of us struggle with the financial side of the job. I know a couple who have succees. Many pick up side jobs; barista, sales clerk, etc. For a majority their art is the side job, juggling a full-time job and creating whenever time is available.

The mantra is you have to put in the time. There are a lot of things to consider, but my plan is to put in the time this summer. I guess the reason I volunteer so much is that it’s easier to do tasks which are clear and direct. It’s someone else’s vision, not mine. Sure, I have some clear ideas of what I need to do, but it can be overwhelming to think about specific tasks that need to get done. The ideas are clear but the path isn’t always very direct. I feel like those inflatable dancing advertisements, bending and swaying, moving up and down. It’s mesmerizing, but I need to look away and show up. Once I’m there, I stand still, refocus, then start. The magic will happen.

So, it’s time for me to get to work. I’m looking forward to showing you some great things.