This is the part where I'm suppose to write something coherent about my week with Claire and Leslie at The Crow Barn. A very rare occasion that words seem insufficient.
I have to acknowledge that all my fears and anxieties proved unnecessary! I stayed well and am still well! My stamina held until about Thursday when I began to slow down but still it was a full and amazing week for me! And every personal snafu that presented itself worked out smoothly for me which added to the joy and productivity.
I really don't even have adequate photos to convey the week I had because stopping to take photos was an inconvenience and using the camera rarely entered my mine but here are a few:
This is the beginning of a new cloth and a picture of my print table. The bottom photo on the right is me presenting my review to the rest of the group on closing day. My 2 goals where to create a palette inspired by a painting of Barbara Earl Thomas and end the week with paper lamination. I came very close to the palette and will continue to work with it here at home. One of the paper laminations didn't turn out. I used too much medium and I think my print table was too soft...at least it was softer then my own. The other is destined for greatness!
I have to give a shout out to my girl Bev, who came to my rescue. Over an hour from home and close to Cincy, Mo calls to tell me I left my silk screens. Bev lives just east of Cincy so I called her to ask where I could pick up some screens...and Bev, being Bev, had a friend, etc. She met me off the highway with 3 screens that she cleaned up for me! Thank you for the blessing Bev!
Later in the week Bev, and Kel who lives 15 minutes from the Barn, came up Thursday after dinner and I gave them a quick tour of the Barn and then on Saturday Bev (an artist but not textiles (YET)) went to Athens to view Quilt National! The treats within the treat was seeing Olga Norris' and Judy Martin's work in person. I think Olga captures bodily gestures like nobody's business and Judy meshes hand work and philosophy so gracefully. I identify with it somewhat but moreso, am mesmerized by it. However the one quilt that I would have taken home with me if I could was Vera Loves Her Gun by B. Michele Maynard. The sole factor was it's ability to make me laugh out loud and the strong narrative it held. I stood there in front of this quilt trying to concoct a story and laughing in between.
I've almost got everything put back in place in the studio but I'm also not waiting. I've made up 8 quarts of print paste,different recipes and varying thicknesses. Soda soaked fabric was left on the line to dry yesterday and I'm going in later today to over-paint with thickened dyes. My aha moment was being able to see where already dyed and over-dyed cloth still has room to take more dye. It was most apparent to me while ironing the cloth.
In addition to painting, I'm hand stitching Primordial. The base is silk paper to felt.
I am so jealous that you got to go see QN '!!! I am looking forward to seeing your work inspired by this class. So happy that you are feeling well.
Posted by: Gerrie | Friday, June 03, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Gerrie, I didn't know until Wed. that Sat. was opening day for QN! It was totally coinkydink!
Posted by: Karoda | Friday, June 03, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I'll just echo your WOW....glad it was amazing for you.
Posted by: Lauren | Friday, June 03, 2011 at 04:56 PM
and I'm jealous that you got to be at the Barn with Benn & Morgan! When I found out that they were going to be there this week, I was too late to sign up. Dang! It would have been great fun to be there with you!!
Can't wait to see your work. I'm in love with paper lamination, but haven't had a chance to do much.
Take care........don't work too hard!
xo
Posted by: Judy | Friday, June 03, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Wow, it sounds like you had a very productive time. What I can see of your work looks great. I'm hoping to see lots more of it.
Posted by: Beth Schnellenberger | Saturday, June 04, 2011 at 03:58 PM
Nope...it was all in the devine plan! I'm thrilled that everything went so well!
Posted by: Deb B. | Sunday, June 05, 2011 at 01:36 AM
Nope not a coinkydink! It was all in the divine plan!! I thrilled you had such a great time.
Posted by: Deb B. | Sunday, June 05, 2011 at 01:41 AM
It's great that you stayed well, and had such a creative time. Thank you for your kind comments on my work!
Posted by: Olga | Sunday, June 05, 2011 at 03:20 AM
Hi !!!
you truly inspired me! Your works make me gasp in amazement and joy. wish you all the best..
Posted by: Essay Papers | Monday, June 13, 2011 at 07:50 AM
All I can say is Awesome! The friends, the work, the health, the inspiration! Wow, it all came together so well. :-)
Posted by: Kristin L | Friday, June 17, 2011 at 07:39 PM