Four New Windows

(Above:  Steve holding up two of the recently finished Windows.  Pardon the slight glare from the glass!  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Getting ready for the Smithsonian Craft Show has meant making new work including these five Window Series pieces.  For scale and presentation, I had Steve hold up two of them.  He smiled in one of the images but the glare from the glass was worse! LOL!  For the first time in years, I've decided to raise the price of these pieces from $265 to $275.  I don't take raising prices lightly.  It's hard to do, especially in this economy and with the fact that unemployment is hitting the DC area badly.  Yet the past few years, my costs have been gradually creeping up too!  Plus, lots of artists have told me that my prices are too low to begin with (an opinion I actually know to be true!)  Below are the photos I took of each piece before it went behind glass!  If you'd like to adopt one, please reach out!  Although I've returned to this work "for the Smithsonian Craft Show", it really doesn't matter if they get there.  If they find permanent homes beforehand, I'll simply create more!

 

(Above:  Window CCXV.  Framed:  19 1/4" x 17 1/4".  Layers of polyester stretch velvet fused to recycled packaging felt.  Free-motion machine embroidery using 100% black cotton thread before being exposed to unique melting techniques.)

 

(Above:  Window CCXVI.)

 

 

(Above:  Window CCXVII.)

 

(Above:  Window CCXVIII.)

 

(Above:  Window CCXIX.)

Mandala CCXXVI

(Above:  Mandala CCXXVI. Custom framed:  27 3/4" x 27 3/4". Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  Part of a Grove Park Inn souvenir stitched to the lid of a bird bark container on a decorative plate; plastic sewing thread spools; decorative plastic pears; beer bottle caps; Masonic medallions; brioche molds; child's scissors; blue casino chips; yellow poker chips; a 60" measuring stick cut into four sections; assorted crochet hooks; buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

It seemed absolutely surreal to find another Grove Park Inn souvenir at the Pickens County flea market, but I did.  Thankfully, the old tin was just two dollars ... and the decorative element (the part depicting the Grove Park Inn) was easily detached from the ugly tin.  It didn't take long to stitch it to the birch bark lid but stitching through the lid to attach it to the decorative plate required a lot of effort! 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXXVI.)

There's almost a bit of engineering involved when designing these mandalas.  I'm constantly thinking about where my needle will need to travel in order to stitch all the objects in place.  There's also plenty of drilling to do.  Each one of the little pears has two holes in it!  The beer bottle caps only need one hole but five stitches!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXXVI.)

The sixty-inch measuring stick was also found at the Pickens County flea market.  It was in such great shape that I almost felt badly for cutting it into four sections and drilling holes every two inches ... but the results are great!  This is also the first time I've included a button edge that isn't on the perimeter!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCXXVI seen from an angle.)

Before stitching down the plastic sewing thread spools, I collaged anonymous photos/faces to the end that once was the label.  I'm really pleased by the way this piece turned out.  Hopefully soon it will be at the Grovewood Gallery ... right on the grounds of the Grove Park Inn!

Mandala CCXXV

(Above:  Mandala CCXXV.  Custom framed: 22 1/4" x 22 1/4".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt. Objects include:  A porcelain souvenir featuring the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC; a silver trivet; Topo Chico bottle caps; dominoes; honey tasters; pet rabies tags; cheese servers; red Monopoly hotels; emery-filled sewing strawberries; four wavy hair clips; thimbles; Scrabble tiles; and assorted buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

This mandala almost didn't happen.  Why?  Well ... how should I put this?  Bluntly: I'm cheap!  At the Pickens County flea market, I found the little porcelain souvenir featuring the Grove Park Inn.  I picked it up and asked the old, grumpy geezer standing between this wares, "How much?"  His answer:  "Twenty dollars.  It was painted in Germany." (There's a mark on the back: Painted in Germany")

 

(Above:  Detail of the porcelain souvenir.)

I put the thing down and said, "Thanks".  I'm way too cheap to spend twenty dollars on just one object for my mandalas.  But ... I really wanted it.  After all, I've been represented by the Grovewood Gallery, a fantastic place on the grounds of the historic Grove Park Inn, for something like fifteen years.  In my imagination, I could already see that little dish on a mandala.  My mind could see the finished mandala on display at the Grovewood Gallery.  So, before leaving, I returned.  I offered fifteen.  He wouldn't accept.  I handed over a twenty dollar bill.  I'm cheap but I'm also madly in love with this series.

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXXV.)

Little gold beads were threaded to attach the porcelain dish to the silver trivet.  The trivet was then stitched to the vintage quilt.  Additional buttons were added through the holes in the trivet.  No glue!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXXV.)

After attaching the porcelain dish to the trivet, the rest of the objects for the center were selected and stitched.  The button outline came next.  Then, I had to figure out the corners.  Several things were auditioned but nothing looked quite right.  Finally, it dawned on me to tap into the Grove Park Inn itself. The complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On July 12, 1913, the Arts and Crafts styled hotel opened with a keynote speech by then acting US Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. The exterior walls are granite boulders, five feet thick. If most of the furniture isn't Stickley, it sure looks like it is.  Roycrofters furnished the original decor ... and most of it is still there!  If you like Arts and Craft ... this is a must see place!  Knowing this, I used Scrabble tiles to literally spell it out!

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXXV.)

 I don't know when I'll be taking this mandala to the Grovewood Gallery but that's where I intend for it to go ... unless someone wants to adopt it beforehand!  $450 and it can be yours!

 The complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mandala CCXXIV

(Above:  Mandala CCXXIV. Custom framed:  18 1/2" x 18 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to the back of an antique quilt.  Objects include:  An Empire State Building souvenir/coaster stitched to a decorative ceramic dish; plastic thread spools; copper-colored beverage can tabs; model train signs; doll clothes hangers; yellow Monopoly hotels; plastic Irish/shamrock tokens on top of natural wooden poker chips; four, white plastic toy monuments; antique capacitors; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on either image to enlarge.)

This mandala used one of the last scraps of an antique double wedding ring quilt.  The quilt was in dreadful condition and this piece was the worst of it. Tattered is not a word strong enough to describe the pitiful pieces of patchwork ... but I LOVE THE YELLOW, the hand-stitching, and (most of all) the fact that this quilt was loved for ages upon ages.  How could I not give even this piece "a second life"?  In keeping with this approach, the frame was built from scraps left over after framing some of my hand-stitched In Box pieces.  Even the linen liner was built from scraps.  I'm always happy when so many things that might have gone to a landfill come together into something special!

 

(Above:  HOME !!!  320 North Church Street, Central, SC 29630 !!!)

Weeks ago, Steve and I applied to have our place on the upcoming Pickens County Ag+Art Tour, May 3 - 4 from 9 to 4 each day.  This week, we got the news:  WE'RE GOING TO BE ON THE TOUR!  This totally free event is also functioning as our official Open House!  The organization needed a recent photo of the place.  This is how it looks right now!  We are excited!

Lancet Window CCXXXVIII and Mandala CCXXIII

(Above:  Detail of Lancet Window CCXXXVIII.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

The artwork for my Smithsonian Craft Show booth is coming along quite well.  Retirement time has everything to do with it!  I only wish I knew for which size booth I'm creating.  Booth assignments haven't been made yet.  Maybe tomorrow!

(Above:  Lancet Window CCXXXVIII.  Framed:  31 1/4" x 11 1/4".  Layers of polyester stretch velvet fused on recycled synthetic packaging felt, stitched with 100% black cotton thread, and exposed to melting techniques.)

For those unfamiliar with how high-end, interior shows are run ... well ... first an artist applies.  Each application has a $50 fee. If selected, an artist must confirm participation with a deposit.  In this case, it was $500.  Next comes a contract and choices for booth size and location.  There are several options.  These include 10' x 10' without a corner location; 10' x 10' corner; 10' x 15' without a corner; 10' x 15' corner.  The Smithsonian Craft Show has other interesting options too!  These are based on the layout of the Smithsonian Building Museum in which the show is held.  There's a giant fountain in the middle of the spacious ground level.  Booths around the fountain are highly visible and more expensive.  Also, the four corners of the floor end up being 10' x 20'.  These are odd spaces with only ten foot access.  I've been in a 10' x 15' corner (1st choice) and one of the 10' x 20' spaces (2nd choice).  I've applied for these same spaces again but don't know what I'll be assigned.  Obviously, I can't "pay in full" until I know what booth size I'll get!  Please know, the total will be more than $2200 one way or the other.  This is scary!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCXXIII. Custom framed:  12 3/4" x 12 3/4".  Found objects hand-stitched to a scrap of an antique coverlet.  Objects include:  A cheap, plastic belt buckle designed to resemble a silver dollar; expired pet rabies tags; model train women and men; keys; and assorted buttons and beads. $195.)

 

In order NOT to worry about the Smithsonian Craft Show, I'm still stitching Found Object Mandalas.  This one was specifically designed in order to use a scrap of the antique coverlet as well as leftover framing moulding.  I'm really pleased that these pieces didn't get thrown into the trash but got this second life as art!

 
 

Mandala CCXXII

 

(Above:  Mandala CCXXII.  Custom framed: 41" x 41".  Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  Twelve, bright orange squeaky crab toys; half of a birch bark container on which a metal medallion is stitched; a porcelain plate; brass hinges; orange and blue plastic lids; Tinker Toy connectors; honey tasters; textile loom perns/spindles; blue casino chips; antique Hill Toy yogurt lids; four (upside down) deco ashtrays; red Monopoly hotels; blue Mardi Gras doubloons; expired medical devices in clear/blue plastic containers; assorted buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

Yesterday I blogged an almost forgotten Found Object Mandala.  Mandala CCXX was designed, stitched, mounted, and framed in a single day.  Okay ... it's small ... just 16" x 16".  Some pieces miraculously come together in short burst of time.  Mandala CCXXII isn't such a piece!  This one took weeks.

 

(Above:  The unfinished crib quilt.)

I knew it would take time from the moment I lay this vintage quilt top out on my floor.  I bought it at an antique mall for twelve dollars.  Generally, quilt tops don't interest me.  I need the quilt, as in the thickness and strength of three layers.  A flimsy quilt top just doesn't work as the substrata of a Found Object Mandala.  Yet, this one sort of called to me.  It was entirely hand pieced ... nice, straight, tight stitches.  The fabrics used weren't all ideal ... remains of a few dresses or other household fabrics that had outlived their usefulness.  This was truly "patchwork" ... the origin of modern quilting, the ultimate way to use and reuse what was on hand, the touch of yesteryear, the way "second life" resonated with some anonymous woman.  I had to buy it.  I ironed it.  In my stash, I found a never-opened piece of batting for a crib quilt!  Quickly, I stapled a piece of a vintage damask tablecloth to my stretch bar. Next came the batting, then the quilt top, and finally a layer of bridal tulle/netting over the top (to protect the fragile seams and areas of slight damage).  Then, I quilted it ... by hand.

 

(Above:  The piece in progress.)

After several evenings, I was ready for the found objects.  On the floor, I'd laid out the center, the brass hinges, the spindles/perns, the circle of crabs, and even the vintage yogurt lids.  I thought this would fill most of the area, leaving only the corners needing additional attention.  But, more space was left open.  I wasn't sure how I wanted to fill it.  The piece was leaned against the living room wall for more than a week.  I just looked at it, occasionally laying it flat and trying other objects.  I didn't like anything until curved lines of layered buttons occurred to me!  Voila!  I could finish the stitching!

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXXII.)

After the last button was attached, I mounted the work.  Often, I know which framing material will by used by this point ... but not this time!  That took more thought ... and more time ... too!  I liked the slate bluish gray moulding a little but not a lot.  Finally it occurred to me that I needed the blue liner between the artwork and that bluish gray outer frame.  Of course, I didn't have a blue liner (and frankly, I don't even know of a company producing the perfect blue liner!) but a little acrylic paint did the trick.

 

(Above: Mandala CCXXII seen from the side.)

It's magical when a piece flows perfectly together in a single day, but it is also wonderful that some pieces need time for careful thought!  I'm really pleased with how this Found Object Mandala turned out!

Mandala CCXX

(Above:  Mandala CCXX.  Custom framed: 16" x 16".  Found objects hand-stitched to a block of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  A brioche mold on a decorate china dish with an antique button; green and purple toddle snack lids; rabies tags; blue toy men on horses; brass screw eyes; pull tabs from cans; four fabric swimming men; assorted beads and buttons.  Click on image to enlarge.)

Well ... I almost messed up my system!  How?  Well ... I forgot to blog this piece.  I also forgot to put it into my inventory book ... but I did create a label for the reverse side.  The title is on that label.  So ... it is now blogged out of order! LOL!  Perhaps happened because this was one of those mandalas that flowed perfectly from initial idea to last stitch.  Honestly, it was designed and stitched in a single day.  Sometimes that happens.  Sometime a piece takes weeks!
 

Lancet Windows CCXXXVI and CCXXXVII

(Above:  Lancet Window CCXXXVI.  Framed:  31 1/4" x 11 1/4".  Layers of polyester stretch velvet fused on recycled synthetic packaging felt, stitched with 100% black cotton thread, and exposed to melting techniques. Click on any image to enlarge.)

Getting ready for April's Smithsonian Craft Show means making new work and that's what I've been doing.  It is really fun here in our renovated Cateechee mill village church because I can go back and forth between various projects.  Retirement is wonderful!

(Above:  Detail of Lancet Window CCXXXVI.)

In the last twenty-four hours, I framed this piece, finished and framed the next Lancet Window, designed a new Found Object Mandala, melted a skinny In Box piece (new idea!), and am working on a mandala that was designed over the weekend. Before retiring, I could never have done all this in such a joyously short amount of time ... and also because I now have more than one table on which to work!

 

(Above:  Lancet Window CCXXXVII. Same info as above.)

It's hard to know, however, exactly what I ought to create!  My best selling size has always been these Lancet Windows.  Perhaps this is because people can generally find a place for a tall, skinny piece!  Yet, at the last big show, not a single Lancet Window found a new home.  

(Above:  Detail of Lancet Window CCXXXVII.)

I've started to photograph many of my pieces at an angle ... just to show the texture, the layering, and the depth of the velvets ... but ...

... I'm trying to remember to also take a photo with Steve holding the artwork ... for scale!

Altar Boy is going to Kentucky!

(Above:  Altar Boy. Found vintage photo altered with a metallic and gold painted 2-ply paper halo, beads, and buttons.  Hand-stitched.  Framed:  23" x 20".  Click on any image to enlarge.)

I'm very happy to announce that Altar Boy was accepted into Fantastic Fibers at the Yeiser Art Center in Paducah, KY.  This national juried show will be on view from March 18 to May 3, 2025.  When I first finished this piece, I blogged about it HERE.

 

Lancet Window CCXXXV

 

(Above:  Lancet Window CCXXXV.  Custom framed:  32" x 12". Layers of polyester stretch velvet fused on recycled black industrial felt.  Machine stitched with 100% black cotton thread and then exposed to various melting techniques. $395. Click on any image to enlarge.)

Getting ready for April's Smithsonian Craft Show means turning my attention to the various sizes and styles in my Fiber Stained Glass Series.  Right now, I've finished two Lancet Windows but haven't photographed the second one.  This was the first Lancet Window I've made since moving to Cateechee.  It is based on motifs found in Owen Jones' Grammar of Ornament, a 19th book showing accurate designs from various periods in history ... all over the world.  

 

(Above:  Detail of Lancet Window CCXXXV.)

The Greek vases that inspired Owen Jones were those in black, white, and orange.  In polyester stretch velvet, I've translated the palette into green, silver and rust with a few gold accents. 

(Above:  Steve holding the finished Lancet Window.)

For scale, I shot this photo of Steve holding the finished artwork.  Now ... back to my ironing board! More Lancet Windows are under construction!
 

Our recent trip to DC

(Above:  Reception for Full Circle at the Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda with Dominie Nash, Eleanor Levie, me, and Linda Syverson Guild. Click on any image to enlarge.)

I've been meaning to write this blog post since we returned from a whirlwind trip to Washington, DC and to the opening reception of Full Circle at the Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda.  It's been good intentions for just over a week.  I guess the adage is correct:  Better late than never. 

 

(Above:  A couple looking at one of my Found Object Mandalas.)

I had three of my Found Object Mandalas in this juried show.  One of them earned an honorable mention.  Steve and I had a great time watching people look at my work.  We had a better time hanging out with some of the other artists, especially the fiber artists!

(Above:  Whistler's Peacock Room at the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum.)

We spent all day on Saturday like tourists.  Of course we visited my favorite room in the world, Whistler's Peacock Room!

The Smithsonian Asian Art Museum is connected underground to another favorite place, the Smithsonian African Art Museum.

 From a distance, I though this large, circular sculpture was some sort of giant tire.  On closer inspection, it was a giant snake eating its own tail ... made entirely from recycled, plastic gas containers.  I forgot to snap a photo of the label but I was very impressed by the statement.  This artist said that he's expected to make masks ... just because the assumption is that all African artists make masks.  So ... he makes masks but this sculpture is what comes from his soul.

Nearby was a glorious piece by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui.  I've seen others but never one so close at hand.  I was mesmerized.
 

We ordered time entry passes (free, of course) for Osgeneos, a major exhibition at the Hirshhorn by Brazilian twins who started out as graffiti artists.  It was incredible ... so very detailed, colorful, and imaginative.

I was enchanted with Mark Bradford's enormous installation called Pickett's Charge.  It went entirely around the inner circle at the Hirshhorn.

Yet it was Laurie Anderson's installation that captivated me most.  At age seventy-eight, this multi-discipline artist worked ten hour days for over two weeks to totally cover the floor and all the rooms of a very large space with stream-of-consciousness paintings, quotations, symbols, and signs.  We also went to the Kennedy Center for a free concert on the Millennial Stage and to Wooley Mammoth Theater for a one-man performance billed as a comedy despite the fact that it was a presentation focusing on the hideousness of gun violence and the aftermath of life after losing a child. 

(Above:  Image from GUAC ... and yes ... photography, videos, and any other way of sharing the experience was allowed ... in fact, it was encourage.)

The show was called GUAC and was written and performed by the father of a young student murdered in the Parkland school mass shooting.  I laughed and I cried.  Below are just some of the other artworks we saw during the trip!