Another Ladder Piece

This was actually the first ladder piece I started. It was not the first one I finished though! Funny how that happens. You can see that it is quite different from the others but I do still like it. These are fabrics that I bought from IKEA when I lived in France back in the late 90s. I am so glad we have an IKEA here in Michigan now! It is still my favorite store. But they no longer have these great rust and yellow fabrics.

 This piece hung in my recent solo show. While they are used to hanging paintings, they do NOT know what to do with textiles! So for most of the pieces, like this one, I added a 4 ” sleeve and then inserted a piece of foam core cut to fit. It was slightly longer than the sleeve so I could put a hole in each end . Then I ran picture wire through each hole and used packing tape to secure it to the foam core on the inside. Then the piece could be hung from the wire just like the watercoor and oil paintings they are used to .  Here are a couple pics that hopefully will explain better:

Their hanging system has hooks that stick out from the wall a ways so the foam core tended to tip away from the wall more than I would have liked. It works fine for heavier items or things on canvas that have a hollow back. I need to think more on what I would do next time in the event I have a show there again.

Now I am off to enjoy the wonderful fire in the fireplace! Have a great night.

My World in Black and White

FIrst off, thanks to everyone for visiting my blog and leaving me such wonderful comments! You are all so helpful and encouraging!

Anne Copeland of the Southern Cal FiberArts Connection issued a challenge last summer called My World in Black and White #2.  You can see the results of this challenge here: http://www.fiberartsconnsocal.org/

And here are my pieces. The first I am not thrilled with. It is called “Out of the Darkness” to represent the positive things that can come out of even very dark times or situations in life.

Here is the second piece. It is called “Grace”:

It is photographed on a gray felt background. It is densely quilted though it does not show. Here is my artist statement about this quilt:

My world and my faith are inseparable. This quilt is an expression of Ephesians 2:8-9 that says it is by grace that I am saved through faith, not by my good works or good intentions. Though at times, I have tried to reach a place of communion with my Creator by means of good deeds,  truly I can only reach this place by means of His grace. This quilt is a reminder to me that I don’t have to be good enough because His grace is sufficient. When I couldn’t reach Him, He reached me.

 

Back to trimming the tree!

Snowing again…..

It is snowing again here in Michigan. We are supposed to have 6-10 inches by tomorrow afternoon. Kids are hoping for no school! A snow day would be nice! I miss them when they are in school all day. A side benefit is that I can stay in my pjs and drink coffee instead of playing taxi driver .

I did some sewing this weekend but can’t say I produced much. Working on my “crap” quota I guess. I did make a few ACEOs. I am still trying to decide if I  like that format or not. I like the idea of it, just not sure I can say much in a space of 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.  I think mine still need some work. Maybe tomorrow I wil take pics and take suggestions .

I have  a luscious box of hand dyed leftover strips. I should be able to come up with something creative out of this box! So far, this is what I have done:

Not loving it so far. Although I do seem to have a fascination with ladders lately. Here is a piece I made for my show. I call it “Self-Effort”:

I do like this one a lot. Until next time.