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!

Doctors Without Borders

Art for a great cause!. 41 artists will donate pieces to raise funds for these brave medical humanitarians. The theme is "Journeys." It's almost finished...

Paper Beads

Dee Danley-Brown has the cleverest eyeglass/cell phone case that hangs around her neck...truly hands-free. So I am attempting my own version. Hers has paper beads that she made, taught to her by Judith Content. I found an online YouTube tutorial, gathered some old wrapping paper, and now I have paper beads for the outside trim. I made up a pattern. Now to select fabrics and assemble. Oh, yes, and this little pouch also serves as a nametag, since I keep forgetting to bring one to the meetings. That's my goal for next meeting: a quilted nametag.

Where do ideas come from?

Often from the materials themselves. And where did I find extra thick wool felt? The hardware store, of course. There's a great little arts supply section at Ace Hardware in Half Moon Bay!  Thus, a new medium. It will still be a quilt: three fabric layers stitched together. Just how that will happen will unfold.