Happy Family, African Series

(Click on image to enlarge.)
Happy Family. Unframed 21 1/2" x 16". Framed 35" x 29". Altered digital image on watercolor paper, chiffon, snippets of fabric and fibers, gel medium, free motion machine embrodiery and hand couching.)

I've finished another piece in my African Series. This is Happy Family. I know I just did a piece with this same title....but one's in my Decision Portrait series and this one is in the African Series.

I recently returned to the African series because I wanted new work to submit for the annual MOJA juried art show in Charleston. Many from the series are now over two years old. Well, Still Happy and Bessie's Quilt have been accepted! Now....back to work on Mamie's Quilt. (Below....I've got good help!)

Decor Trade Show in Atlanta, 2008

This weekend Steve and I headed to Atlanta for the annual art and framing trade show. We've attended most of them since about 1989. The first one was like "Pandora's Box". When I started Mouse House (1987), I had never even been in another frame shop. The only supplier I knew was the local place in Columbia. That first show opened the world. During the '90s the trade show grew and grew. It took all day to simply walk up and down the crowded aisles. Generally, we spent the night and made purchases on the second day. With the down turn in the economy, however, the trade show has dwindled away to a leisure 45 minute stroll. Many "anchor" suppliers didn't set up. There was little new to see. Once the total floor place was crammed with vendors. Now, the both ends of the Georgia Convention Center were bare. Some of the aisles were empty; many booths were vacant. There was no crowd. One salesperson said it resembled a bowling alley. I didn't downsize Mouse House because of the economy. My business was growing at an alarming rate. I finally admitted that I wanted to be an artist. It took two years to forcibly downsize....I'm glad I did. While the state of the art and framing industry doesn't really affect me now, it was still a little sad to see this trade show.

Blackville....perhaps a site for an installation!

I've said it before; I'll say it again...and again...and again; Serendipity plays a big part in my life and art. "One thing" often "leads to another". Hopefully, a recent chain of events will lead to an art exhibition and an installation!

I was dropping off a piece for a juried show at the Region Three Discovery Center. The route took me through an interesting little town...by the wonderful ruins of the Shamrock Hotel in Blackville, South Carolina. I was fascinated immediately. The Region Two center hosted Blues Chapel earlier this year. Now Region Three is interested in "something". Blues Chapel won't work in their facility. This is an opportunity to do something original, new....but....the space in the Center wasn't "calling to me". The Shamrock Hotel was calling...loud and clear!

It turns out the the Region Two manager's mother used to live in the Shamrock Hotel...back in its glory days of railroads, traveling salesmen, and a booming agrarian economy. We've exchanged a few emails and I've even received a letter from her mother....dripping with nostalgia, phrases of yesteryear, stories of ghosts and Southern cooking mixed with rich, interior descriptions. I'm excited.

I also had a chance to drive back to photograph the place. Who wouldn't fall in love with the textures of peeling paint; the colors of worn brick and lush, creeping ivy; and enough architecture standing to envision an installation. I see a tornado of wire coat hangers flying from a pile of used suitcases....symbols of past overnights, the essence of a hotel stay.

I'm envisioning two dimensional work too....framed textiles hanging from wire coat hangers. Each piece would incorporate stitching, images, and ideas of the people who used the hotel. The Discovery Center would host the exhibition; the Shamrock would become the installation.

Now....all I've got to do is figure out how to make this vision a reality. I'm already at work on sketches, a statement, a requirement list (machines, permits, etc.), a budget, etc. I've already got the email address for the Blackville Historic Association that owns the structure. Even though I'm about to go to Maine, I'm working on a proposal.

I worried about posting these pictures and ideas....because, of course, this project might never happen. There's all sorts of logistic and financial problems involved....plus, the owners haven't really been informed! Yet, blogging is for sharing....successes and failures. One way or the other, I wanted to share what feels like a great idea with some real potential!

CAUGHT!

This is just an update: The fifteen-year old who robbed me at gun point has been apprehended. I believe he's being charged as an adult!

Class at the Art Museum and MONEY!

(Click on any image to enlarge. Two successful works from a talented stitcher!)

Last night was the final class at the Columbia Museum of Art. It was a great evening full of creativity, good conversation, a demonstration on proper mounting and framing for textiles, and a great deal of admiration for the fabulous pieces created during the past three weeks. One of the best things about the class was that each person brought her own sense of style to the contemporary techniques. The finished works are each successful and absolutely different from one another! Another great thing about the evening was learning that there was another blogger in the room! Bernadette is tracking her fiber arts and TIF challenges here. She also blogged about the class and GAVE ME AN INCREDIBLE BASKET OF EXOTIC THREADS AND YARNS....which is also pictured on her blog! What more I possibly want as a teacher but such a talented group bearing gifts?!!!

(Above: Bernadette with three of her four pieces. She used the fourth as an experimental ground for embellishing. I think there might be a new machine in her future!)

(Above: Student stitching on one of at least two pieces!)

(Above: More wonderful work!)

(Above: Two fiber works mounted with their inspiration, birch bark from Michigan!)

I don't have a degree or any background whatsoever in education, so I'm a little insecure about my abilities to actually teach. To compensate for whatever I lack in this area, I figure that I ought to "work like an artist"....basically....allow those taking the class to see how I approach fibers and stitch as a working, professional artist. Thus, the class isn't a "project" and doesn't have a "kit". The class is taught through demonstrations...while I'm making a piece of artwork using the techniques I want to share/teach. I call the class "HOT" and introduce a variety of heat-activated techniques. I finish every demonstration...into a work that goes into my inventory book, gets priced, and becomes "merchandise". So....here's the three from this class! I call the series "Relics". I used to make them all the time....when I was teaching in the public schools through the South Carolina Arts Commission's artist-in-resident program. I didn't realize that it had been so long since I'd created a "relic". The last one was made in October of 2005! Above is Relic LXIX. Below is Relic LXX and Relic LXXI.

(Click on any "relic" to enlarge. The average size is 5" x 7".)

NOW FOR THE BIG NEWS: The Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties is funding CYBER FYBER with $800! The letter just came in today's mail! I'm thrilled of course!

Labor Day Weekend 2008

(Click on image to enlarge. CYBER FYBER ATCs in binders.)

Labor Day weekend provided an opportunity to really "labor"...uninterrupted work time...a chance to really get some important organizational things done for CYBER FYBER. I worked on the 163 ATCs for two days, creating all the exhibition labels and the small binders. Each binder has approximately 20 plastic sleeves. Each sleeve has a page with an image of the ATC I traded and its description plus the name, country, and blog/webpage for the fiber artist who created the ATC that is also inside the plastic sleeve.

(Above: CYBER FYBER ATCs in binders. Click on image to enlarge.)

I had lots of help with CYBER FYBER! I also had lots of help with my evening embroidery! Shadow loves to be nearby for all important things. Below, Crazy Blues has progressed from quilt top to being quilted. I have no idea how others quilt; I've never had any formal instruction in this area of fibers. I use two backings instead of one because my "quilting" is done in all sorts of different threads and in a wide range of colors. Once finished, I back it again and use buttons on the reverse to "quilt" the new, "pretty", unstitched back to the piece. Thus, while "quilting", I'm still adding beads and embroidery.

Now....to change the subject entirely. I wasn't going to blog about this. In fact, I've been told not to mention this at all because there are people who fear this episode might have a negative impact on the arts community. Yet, something terrible happened to me and it's in the newspaper and the local authorities have actually received permission to list this minor's real name! So, I'm going to blog about it.

Almost two weeks ago I went to an art event in town. It was rather late because I'd taught my first class at the art museum earlier in the evening. It was "party" to celebrate an upcoming arts center, a chance for people to contribute money for this new place. It was held in the coolest, most upscale, modern loft created from a former warehouse. Cinder block exterior walls blended with custom cabinets and granite counter tops. Gallery lighting showcased the contemporary interior. I immediately thought of my son Mathias...how such a location was PERFECT for a young, artistic professional. The party was excellent. Money was being raised. A Power Point presentation featured the work to be shown in the soon-to-be-opened new art center.

Okay....the location of this loft isn't in the most desirable part of town. What chic warehouse for an artistic type is generally located in the "best" neighborhood? There's something sort of romantic, definitely bohemian, and totally "right" about an upcoming "warehouse" district! Artists have always moved into the "less" desirable parts of cities...cheap areas where crime does happen....until renovations take over, rents increase, and artists can no longer afford the location. They move on...to the next "slum". This loft is part of an exciting effort in just such a section of Columbia. Despite what happened next, if it could be worked out, I'd move our home/business to just this street!

An artist friend of mine was walking me to my car at about 10:30 PM. It was parked in front of the building beside the loft...about fifteen or twenty yards from the loft's enclosed doorway. My friend is from Buenos Aires and we were deep into a discussion about Sara Lechner, who is also from Argentina, and other artists who have found homes in other countries. We were talking under a bright city street lamp. Two youths ran up and demanded "everything we had". They both had guns. They held their weapons above their heads, pointed down, as they sort of hopped up and down gesturing like so many "gangsters" in rap videos. The only thing I had was my keys. (I'd locked my purse in my van when I'd arrived.) I didn't hand them over; they had to grab them from me. I actually tried to grab them back. The larger of the two pushed me to the ground. I scrambled to my feet moving away from the two....moving back to the loft's door, moving in ways that were meant to attract attention to us...moving even when I was told to stop...pretending to be drunk and out of my mind...waving my arms frantically. The smaller of the two demanded to know which vehicle was mine. I pointed at a car furthest away from my van....closest to the loft. "What? The Jag?" (Unless I actually see the little creature on the hood, I can't tell a Jaguar from a Honda.) "Yes," I said, "It's my husband's." Basically, this meant that the smaller, younger one then tried to open a Jaguar using my utility van keys. The bigger, larger one had taken my friend's wallet and rings. Finally, someone inside the loft either saw me or simply opened the door setting off the security light. The two ran away, up the street. I actually chased them....screaming. Of course, then there were police officers and reports made; Steve was called to come with our spare set of keys. The next morning Steve and I returned and scoured the side of the road for my keys...thinking they'd been tossed during the "escape". I inquired at the three businesses along the road. Believe it or not, someone turned in the keys later that day. Unfortunately, my friend's wallet wasn't found. We'd hoped the robbers would have just taken the cash and pitched the rest. His green card was inside. Since then, we've learned that there had been the third person involved. Someone else was in a car likely a block or two up the street. This person and the bigger, older one have been caught. Evidently, the three had been on a spree of armed robberies during the past week....in every part of Columbia...on the college campus....near the mall...and even in "better" neighborhoods. Only the younger one is still at large. Now, his name and picture appear in our newspaper. Please know, I am fine. I'm amazed at my own reaction. I was never scared. I was mad. I'm rarely ever mad...but I'm still mad. I know that I was supposed to just hand over everything....as if doing so guarenteed I'd not be shot. I'd recommend this to anyone...but it isn't what I did. I just couldn't. I'm a pacifist in every other respect. I'm never been in a fight; and yet, I couldn't just give in to this violence. I wanted to get away; I wanted to stop it. My instincts took over...and I'm amazed what my instincts told me to do! By the way, the art event was still wonderful, successful, and had nothing to do with this!


Midlands Most Wanted
Valtori Chapman-Hopkins
Each Monday, The State will run information on a suspect wanted by authorities. Since the feature began in February 2004, 75 suspects have been taken into police custody.

• Age: 15

• Description: Chapman-Hopkins is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

• Wanted by: Richland County Sheriff Department

• Charges: Armed robbery and aggravated assault

• Last known address: Chapman-Hopkins may be staying on Burdock Circle, Gingeroot Way or Flamingo Drive

• If you see him: CrimeStoppers at (888) CRIME-SC

Teaching fibers at the Art Museum

(Click on either image to enlarge.)

I finally remembered to take my camera out of my purse and snap a few pictures while teaching at the Columbia Museum of Art. It's a great group of ladies. Last week we experimented with heat-activated techniques using previously painted WonderUnder (Bond-a-Web), metallic foils, polyester velvets, soldering irons, and snippets of just about everything imaginable. This week we continued "playing" with textiles and I gave both hand and free motion embroidery demonstrations. Next week is the final session about proper mounting and display of contemporary textiles.

Happy Family

(Click on image to enlarge. Happy Family. Stitched words: Max and his Mommys, Mommy Lori, Mommy Janet. Xylene Transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beading and stitching. 25" x 31" unframed. 31" x 37" framed.)

This is the first in the series to really use any colors and I'm pleased with the results. I knew that this portrait had to reflect a childlike happiness. The rainbow is perfect and simultaneously almost the colors found in the Gay Pride flag...except I didn't use two blues, indigo and cyan.

I've known Lori for years and years. She's the owner of my favorite fabric shop, The House of Fabric, also known as Chez Fabrique. Her grandfather started it and still lives above the Main Street shop. Her parents founded and run the professional theater here in Columbia, Trustus. As a result, the very best, most interesting, totally exotic, and every other "good" type of fabric for weddings, theater, dance, and specialty is just up the street from me.

Lori, Janet, and Max came by my studio several weeks ago. I took photos and they all signed a model's release....including Max (above)! Below is a detail from the finished piece. I used three different kinds of clear sequins under the variety of colored beads.

TAST....Barred Chain and Alternating Barred Chain

(Click on image to enlarge.)
Well, here it is! This is the TAST (Take a Stitch Tuesday) stitch of the week, the barred chain and the alternating barred chain. It is done. I didn't really like it. I don't plan on using it ever again, but now I know!

Behind on the Mortgage

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Behind on the Mortgage. Stitched large words: Some how...Some way...I'm keeping my home. 25 1/5" x 19" unframed. 31" x 25" framed. Xylene transfer on tea-stained muslin. Hand beading and embroidery. Catalog # 1076.)

(Above and below: Details. Click on image to enlarge.)


After I posted my "wish list" for possible subjects in the Decision Portrait Series, I was contacted by Theresa Mack who volunteered for Never to Late to Learn. I wanted someone at least 70 years of age pursuing a college degree. This textile artist, however, isn't close to 70 but has gone back to school at nearly 50. I was intrigued but not quite sure this was "right". Then, I learned more....about a struggle to keep a home. Her blog post resonated with me. I knew Theresa was right for another portrait....this one, Behind on the Mortgage. Theresa's story reminded me of my Dad and my grandparents.

Once upon a time (1953), my Dad and his parents came to America from a displaced persons camp in Germany. Dad wanted to go to college but Ohio State wouldn't accept his foreign high school diploma; he went to night school. My grandparents were much older and didn't speak English very well. The jobs they had, even with my Dad working, didn't bring in much money. Once, the mortgage was due in a week and they didn't have the sum. They held a "family meeting"....just the three of them. They DECIDED that "whatever it took, they'd keep the house". Odd jobs, scrap metal, overtime....hard work....the American Dream. They made a DECISION without knowing exactly how to bring about the desired result. They didn't even know if it was possible. There's grit and determination in these decisions. I felt the same story was being told by Theresa. I felt she had made the same decision. I wanted to put a face to this determination and I'm so pleased with the result.

By the way, my Dad did go on to college....all the way....PhD. He and my Mom live in a fancy log home by their own lake in Pennsylvania. My special hope is that Theresa will look back on her current struggles from such a beautiful, future vantage point.

As far as the stitching is concerned, I know I was influenced by the two-day class I took in Sweden under Tilleke Schwarz, but in an unexpected way. My fascination with stitched text drew me to her class. I thought I'd find some sort of "mentor", someone to emulate. I hoped to learn better methods of design.

What I learned, however, was quite different. Instead, I learned that I've been on my own path using text for a long, long time. I stitch very rapidly and am highly productive. I have no problem plying my own thoughts with needle and thread. My ideas are personal and I have no problem developing them. My method of design works for me. I've been using text for years....my own, wonderful way. I learned that I should trust my own instincts and that I don't really want to emulate anyone else. This is a good lesson!

TAST....Catching Up!

(Click on images to enlarge. TAST or Take a Stitch Tuesday. Feather Stitch)
Time preparing for Sweden, a week in Sweden, and work waiting for my return meant my TAST challenge got left undone. Thank goodness there's a week after every three stitches to CATCH UP! So, I'm caught up....sort of....I have no idea what this week's stitch(s), barred chain stitch or an alternative barred chain stitch, even is! Yipes! Gotta get working!

(Above: TAST, Fly Stitch.)

(Above: TAST, Cross Stitch.)

African Series Revisited, A New Laptop and a New Blog Look!

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Still Happy. Mixed Media: Manipulated digital image on paper, fiber snippets, chiffon and polyester velvet, acrylics, and free motion machine embroidery. 16 1/4" x 21 3/4" or 41 x 54 cm. )

(Click on image to enlarge. Above: Mother. Mixed Media. Manipulated digital image on paper, fiber snippets, chiffon, emu feathers, acrylic, and free motion machine embroidery. 21 3/4" x 16 1/4" or 54 x 41 cm.)

Last week went by in a blur! I was so busy but I was also so EXCITED! While in Sweden, Steve and Mathias purchased a new laptop...just for me! I've only ever used a laptop on rare occasions so everything seemed new. Getting all my files and programs in place has been an adventure. I even worked on a video of the 80808 on 80808 exhibition at the gallery. This opened on 8.08.08, of course...while I was in Sweden. My Peacock Boxes are in this show...with a RED DOT! The potential clients loved it, bought it, and will have it in their home when the show closes on the 26th! Anyway, the new laptop goes with me for the six weeks MacNamara Foundation artist residency next month....hard to believe it comes up in only a month!

Also over the weekend Blogger made some changes to older blogs using "ancient" templates....like mine. Even my sister Wanda wanted to know why I didn't have a "Subscribe" button. Well....now I do....I think? If someone could let me know if this new function works, I'd appreciate it. I lost all the changes I had made in the past two years....generally using the html format. This new design is much, much easier! I've recreated the changes and found my site meter again....great cyber fun!

Coming back from a fantastic week in Sweden also meant I had to readjust to my old schedule. Almost as a "warm up" (though it took several days to complete!), I decided to revisit my older African Series. I'd already had the digital image on paper and mounted to a fabric base. I just hadn't really worked on these two with acrylics and fibers and stitch. I'm really happy with them. Once complete, I went back to working on my Decision Portrait series....so....check back!

Stitching in Sweden....a funny video!