Harry Bertoia Night

As a student in design and a woodworking course, we studied chairs. Harry Bertoia made an iconic and beautiful one around 1952, and it remains forever part of our vocabulary. Tonight RIT showcased his work with a film and the celebration of 7 sculptures 'Dandelions' seen at the 1964 World's Fair. What a night! see old photo:    https://www.rit.edu/vignellicenter/sites/rit.edu.vignellicenter/files/images/paragraph/banner-item/header%20image.png
 

Studio Visitor

It was fun to have Chriss Johns as a guest for the QAQ weekend. I had time to show off what Rochester looks like in the fall (spectacular color) and visit all around town. One stop we had to make was Studio 301. Of course we moved some fabric to design new works. Second set of eyes, always helpful!

Stitching Rules

 

l regret not having the name of the best in show winner for QAQ, I'll try to update. This double sided work was of interest in the stitching that was added, outlining shapes from each side, and stitching so each side had even stitches showing. It is the focus of the judge for this type of work as well. 

Schweinfurth Artists' Talks

Chriss Johns talks about her large, dramatic work during today's artist talk at the Schweinfurth's exhibit Quilts=Art=Quilts. There was a robust crowd, all engaged with the ideas and processes, plus the extra chance to take in the artworks. It was a day to be energized by the works there, each having a 'say'.
 

Good Night for Q=A=Q

The opening of Quilts=Art=Quilts was a grand time. I was able to meet so many artists new to me, to find ones I'd not seen in a few years, and to take in a very strong show of fiber work that was creative and varied. Ending the night with a dinner and talk by Juror and Judge Paula Kovarik was icing,
 

The Other Side

I love changing out these walls, if for no other reason than to compare the newer work to the older work. Now that the windows have curtains, I get diffused light in the fall and winter months, so I can have these walls set with textiles and not fear the direct sunlight fading them. 
 

Disappearing Act

While at the studio, I pinned the latest quilt over another, so that I could measure and photograph it. When I looked back, it seemed they had melded into one. Almost like a 'Within the Frame' example, where the center disappears into the background. I'll do another large frame, perhaps, in the next piece.
 

Out of the Wash

Two days ago I posted a photo detailing the color as wet thickened dye. I knew that the washed color would be lighter  it always is) and also factored in the age of the mixed dye (about two months). No big surprise to see how pastel it became. I like it, can use it, but it'll be for sale first at Art Quilt Tahoe.
 

Getting a Start

I've had this one set on the machine for over a week, and gosh, if I can stop whirling about for a while, I might get it quilted. As I got to this figure on the work, all I could think of was 'whale' and maybe the spooky of Halloween is on my mind, but there it is. My harpoon is there, too.
 

They Look Good When They're Wet!

But after this is washed, it's a different animal -- subtle, gentler, softer colors. I'll wash this out and show you the difference. Tomorrow is wash day, print day, sort day.
 

Test Strip

My guess is that the mixed dyes are almost 8 weeks old, but still viable. So, not wanting to waste, I grabbed a soda ash-soaked strip and scraped each color, waited, washed out. Some are fine, and seeing this test strip I can use the color as is, not thinned with print paste, to get this light shade. I've printing to do!