Petta on Metta

Metta means "Loving Kindness" in Buddha circles. This quilt outlines the Eightfold Path and also has a Metta Meditation: "May I feel safe, May I feel happy, May I feel strong, May I live with ease." Little Petta lives his little Metta life....

Another red

No title yet. But it has Tom's blessing. He hunkered down and wouldn't let me near the color strips I needed to fuse. The concept isn't fully formed, but it may end up fairly simple. Quilt blocks redux. That may be enough.

Black & White & Red all over

How to make a red quilt that isn't just red? First, I drew out the composition on the back of an old architectural drawing. Then I cut out all the fabric pieces and made sure everything balanced. Fortunately the Quilting Assistant was taking a nap when all these little pieces were laid out. Toward the end of assembly, however, he emerged and decided to check things out. I've never made a quilt without my helper. And a camera.

Color-coded

I can either match Tom's eyes or match his fur. Here's one of each. Tom has learned to not look at the camera for photos, alas. Even though I no longer use the flash, apparently there is the anti-red-eye light that flashes, so he won't look at it. Smart kitty! He really is friendly, even if he doesn't smile and look into the camera with those big baby blues.

How to create a quilt?

Assemble the parts. Move them around. Take out the colors that don't want to be there. Add embellishments that want to join the party. Does it dance? Does it tell a story? Sandra Sider, president of SAQA (Studio Art Quilters Association) and professional critiquer, encourages us not to make "just another pretty quilt." I'm still processing her challenge and what that means for my creations. I guess I just want to make a composition that pleases me, and that makes me feel good when I see it. I want to have an emotional reaction first, and then think about what is drawing me in as I study it. Is that what she means? It's not just pretty to look at?

Time for Purple

Quilt production is in full swing in advance of my solo show coming in November (through mid-February). Purple has made a big showing, but color, color, color is bursting out in unusual combinations. It's been great fun to be surrounded by all these colors. Tom seems to agree. He likes to plant himself on each project, adding his little kitty blessing.

First, Something Happens

What  makes a doctor leave a 9-to-5 position and take off for distant, often dangerous places, to help The Great Unwashed and suffering? I suspect that something happened while growing up. Some kindly adult said to a would-be doctor, "Did that touch your heart?" That led to a new Compassion Filter through which that future doctor interpreted new relationships and interactions. And instead of a regular, plush life, that new understanding led to journeys of colorful experiences and surprises.

Here's to Doctors without Borders!