Sunday, December 11, 2011

Pinning, basting, stitching ... and a review!


(Above: Three grave rubbing art quilts being pinned and basted on the floor at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios ... and my cool Indian leather slippers, pin cushion and roll of tape in the foreground for a sense of scale! Click on image to enlarge.)

On Halloween weekend I spent a day in the historic Circular Churchyard in Charleston making crayon-on-silk grave rubbings. It was a BIG DEAL. I had to get written permission. (For a blog post on this, click HERE.) On Wednesday night I took three of the collaged images and recycled packaging felt and went to work on the atrium floor at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios ... right outside my studio door. I don't know how other art quilters pin and baste ... but this system seems to work for me.



(My friend Jeff Donovan's art is hanging on the wall. His show opened the next night.) I think I started this stitching because I'm also in the midst of gathering up my other, finished grave rubbing art quilts, "Angels in Mourning" series, epitaph banners, The Book of the Dead, and related work for my solo show in Rocky Mount's Imperial Center. Of course this piece won't be in the show ... but I've got this body of work on my mind! A staff person comes to pick everything up on December 29th. The show opens on January 7 and runs through May 13, 2012. I'm quite excited.)


(Above: Free motion stitching on the large grave rubbing quilt.)

I love King Tut thread ... the subtle variations in browns. I recently ordered two extra large spools and made the mistake of having my husband pick them up. He hasn't quite recovered from the "cost of thread"! (Just kidding! Sort of!)


(Above: In Box XC. Click on image to enlarge.)

Earlier in the week I finished another two, small "In Box Series" pieces. These measure approximately 14" x 10" and are framed to 19 1/4" x 15 1/4". I love making them.


(Above: In Box LXXXIX. Click on image to enlarge.)

Plus ... I got a review for my window installation at S&S Art Supplies. The review was written by Ed Madden, associate professor of English and Women's Studies at the University of South Carolina. He's also on the staff of a local arts magazine called Jasper ... and the review was featured on the magazine's blog ... HERE!

5 comments:

Lynn Cohen said...

Wow! So, how much does it cost? LOL

Love the written review of your work. He writes eloquently and has a good eye for GOOD ART.

All pieces shown here grab my attention. One day I hope to be on your coast and get to attend your art installations! What an experience that will be.

lynda Howells said...

bautiful work..glad you got permission for the rubbings.xxxI find it is always best to not let husbands pick thread, silk or paints up...best he stays calm and just loves my Art!HaxxxxPs..can you send me your postal address..wan to send Xmas card..if that's okxxlynda

EmandaJ said...

Thank you so much for sharing the links to the reviews of your installation. You know I am a big fan of your work! have a great holiday season!

Emanda

Julie said...

I alwys have trouble with pinning and basting as I have so little space. It's a miracle anything ever lies flat!

The review article is very interesting and thought provoking.

I hope you have a good festive season. The very best of New Years for 2012.

Maggie Neale said...

Love your rubbings...crayon on silk sounds good. The shot of the stitching is terrific and King Tut thread intrigues me. Your red shoes and pin cushion to show scale...Yes! Glad to come visit here. Last too hangings are very handsome. best of luck to you.