Be Careful What You Wish For!!!

You ask, what have I been doing since I last blogged? I spent the second half of December and all of January working on two pieces that I submitted to a juried exhibition organized by the Art Cloth Network, of which I am a member. The show is titled Unexpected Pattern: Quake.




Artist Statement for Fear of Others:

Fear of Others causes fault lines between races, religions, countries, etc. When faced with fears erupting from UNKNOWN differences, physical and emotional boundaries are erected in the form of fences, camps, gated communities, and barrios, which violate the openness upon which this country was founded. Why do we not, instead, learn about and celebrate these distinctive differences?



Artist Statement for Fault Lines:

Having lived in California most of my life, I have experienced the forces along fault lines which alter patterns in the landscape both vertically and laterally. Fault Lines was created to explore the unexpected patterns that result when a richly decorated piece of cloth is ripped apart and partially mended with the strips shifted up and down from their original positions.

I have also spent time since September on fulfilling my dream of having my own teaching studio. I believe the first step is to teaching fiber arts on a regular basis. This will enable me to achieve my goal of encouraging students of any age to learn to develop their creativity in a supportive atmosphere by giving them the knowledge and tools to express their thoughts/feelings or to tell a story.

Consequently, in January I gave a lecture on Art Cloth at Tubac Center of the Arts which initiated a series of workshops at several different venues in the Tucson area. I have taught the following courses since the beginning of February:

• Landscape Quilting
• Silk Paper Wall Hanging
• Introduction to Art Cloth using fabric paints
• Creating Stamps and Stencils for Art Cloth

Three of these classes are new ones for me. As a result I have spent time writing curriculum and student booklets; preparing samples; packing supplies and schlepping them to each venue. All the work is worth it. Even though I am very busy, I am enjoying each of my courses. My students have learned new techniques and have stretched in their creative endeavors.

Also in February, I started an artist in residence at the Little Red School just outside of Nogales, AZ. I have five hours with each of four classes; kindergarten through third grade. The kindergarten and first graders are making fabric belts and the second and third graders are creating fabric wall hangings of masks of persona who exhibit one or more of the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

Another artist in residence, Will Clipman, is working with older students. They will be creating actual masks and writing poems about their persona. Will is also a musician whose work has been nominated for a Grammies many times. The kids are wonderful and they have been very creative. On Friday, March 13, 2009, Will and my students will have a showcase of their work.