Archive for the ‘Community’ Category
February 27, 2017
It is so evident that when art is present, things are better—even in the toughest circumstances. — Theaster Gates
I ended my last post with this quote. On seeing it again, I know it’s true.
Winter seems to have had its last blast some time ago, as it is so springlike now. Trees are in early bud and bloom and I’m also readying my yard for gardening – mostly raking pine needles and leaves.
Jane Magnolia – not in February.
March brings two events. On my workshop page, I’ve listed The Humble Stitch in Shibori which begins on March 11th – an all day Saturday and Sunday event at Pullen Arts Center (Raleigh).
Stitched line & flower petal
Then, the following weekend, I join my Threads group in a Fiber Art exhibit at the Durham Arts Council (Durham, NC), Filaments of the Imagination. We’ll be showing various forms of fiber work: quilting, weaving (including bead weaving), works on paper, fiber sculpture, embroidery, silk painting and shibori. The exhibit is up until May 12. The opening reception is on March 17, 6 – 8 pm. I’ve included a write up on my Events page.
We are a diverse group – each of us pursuing our unique interests, and yet, we find much commonality in the work we do – whatever our mediums are. Over the years, we’ve become good friends and a close supportive community.
And, that yukata I’ve been working on for so long…I’m putting in the last stitches today. It’s due to be in the upcoming exhibit. Can’t wait to see how all of the pieces work together.
Yukata detail
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Posted in Art, Community, craft, My Posse, Nature, Workshops | Leave a Comment »
July 16, 2015
A refreshing break at Bon Matsuri (Obon Festival). It defines summer in
Bon odori (dancing) & picnicking at the fest.
some respects. I love the music, dancing, Taiko drums and naturally, food. It’s a huge event and a lot of preparation by the folks at the Japan Center.
On Monday, classes resumed at Artspace and again, I worked with the same age group (6th – 10th graders), keeping things loose – open to discovery or experimentation – at least that was the approach.
good making
I think they outdid themselves. Today, they worked on some last pieces, including a silk scarf. We’ll wrap it up tomorrow.
planned?
It’s always fun to see how the students respond to cloth and this dye in this particular context. They’ve been given some instruction, but generally, they’ve been free to take the fabric and tools in any direction they want. There are always surprises.
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Tags:Artspace Raleigh, indigo dyeing, Shibori, youth camp
Posted in Color, Community, craft, culture, dyeing, Indigo, process, Shibori, Workshops | Leave a Comment »
May 14, 2015
The afternoon at the NC Japan Center has been in the works for some time.
Finally, on Saturday, it came into fruition and what fun! It was for the kids, but parents were in tow. Both kids & parents seemed fully engaged – couldn’t ask for more.
The adults watched the sky. Clouds hovered and threatened, but rain didn’t move in until I was leaving. It was a delightful day, needless to say.
a vase full and more
Then, Mothers Day and so many flowers…what a treat. I spent some of my time planting them.
This coming week, Shibori in Bloomin’ Colors is on the horizon (Pullen Arts Center), so Roy G. Biv comes to mind.
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Tags:indigo dyeing workshop for children, NC Japan Center, Pullen Arts Center, Shibori in Bloomin' Colors
Posted in Color, Community, craft, dyeing, Indigo, Shibori, Workshops | Leave a Comment »
December 31, 2014
新年おめてとうございます！
Shin nen omedetogozaimasu!
Happy New Year!
Mangetsu – the full moon
Wishing all of my readers, friends, family, and the many in my community, the very best in the upcoming year. I’m grateful to each of you for making this past year a rich, full-life and memorable experience. Thank you so much.
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Tags:Happy New Year, New Year's greeting, 新年おめでとう
Posted in Community, Language, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
December 19, 2014
I know, I’m off “schedule” but hey, who’s looking? We’ll blame it on the season, the sky, the temps or whatever works. Routine is not this week. With the approach of holidays or special events, even if it’s quiet, things are still different. That difference or space between, in the sense of stopping to begin again, resting or simply pausing is what I’m looking for.
detail of the gift
There was some small interaction with cloth this last week though – I need it. It wasn’t what I consider my usual ‘work’ – but a gift. So, the vat was also not neglected and we had some small conversations which we need to continue in the new year.
Kathy’s brie which fed my critique group – there’s message there, somewhere…
Another source of nourishing refreshment – not just literally. The food was delicious, but so was the conversation, laughter and that strong sense of community – my critique group – that has continued to grow over the many years we’ve been together. Sustenance.
a small suggestion of the kimono, obi and other items – a delight.
An old friend gifted me a collection of ‘treasure’ from Japan. I’ve been looking at the pieces more closely today and sharing their beauty with some friends. One day they’ll move to a different home as they need to be shared, enjoyed and learned from.
autumnal motifs on a favorite silk kimono
Oriba Shibori is finally in place as it should have been long ago. I’ve long had this in mind but some things, even fairly simple ideas, sometimes, take time.
Getting close to that pause…very close.
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October 23, 2014
Autumn’s chill is beginning to move in. It complicates or at least slows the dye work.
saturated with the dye & drying
The mornings have been a bit cool. I like it to warm up a bit before approaching the vat.
On the other hand, the class at Pullen has begun and it brings a good deal of challenge and refreshment.
not stitched, but love the pattern of this student’s work
Some of my students are teachers and this brings a different and enjoyable kind of engagement. They seem to be considering every stitch and personally I enjoy seeing that involvement with the craft.
This weekend is the last for the Threads: Connections exhibit at Meredith (see my ‘Events’ page), so let me encourage you to attend if you have not. There is some precious work well worth viewing and considering. I’ve been several times and see something new and engaging every time.
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Tags:custom dye work, Meredith College art exhibit, Pullen Arts Center, Threads: Connections, Weems Gallery
Posted in Color, Community, craft, dyeing, Indigo, My Posse, process, Workshops | Leave a Comment »
September 12, 2014
I would be remiss if I didn’t post this:
We are less than a week away and I’ve been mentioning this, but a post devoted to it was needed. The above image is linked to the site for more information. You can also find the same on my “Events” page. We (Threads group) are thrilled to pieces about this, also honored and deeply touched as it also celebrates Cheryl Harrison who was a part of our group. Hope you can join us!
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Tags:beading, Connections, embroidery, Frankie G. Weems Gallery, Handmade books, Meredith College, mixed media, NC, quilting, Raleigh, Shibori, Textiles, Threads Group exhibit
Posted in Art, Artists, Community, craft, My Posse, Textiles | Leave a Comment »
September 11, 2014
In spite of the heat, humidity and rain, autumn is revealing itself and I’m thinking ahead to that season – just thinking. I don’t want to rush anything as there is so much to savor in this between time.
For one, the “kaki” are ripening, coming into color, softening to eat and sometimes they drop on the ground before they can be picked. I’ve been looking forward to this time and finally…the fruit is mildly sweet, so far.
Between the summer workshops, there has also been “paced” progress on a wedding gift for a good friend of my son. He and his bride requested table linens, The stitching is complete and finally the dyeing aspect has begun. I’m pleased and also surprised with these early results. There’s always a new aspect to this craft.
This ストール (sutōru), stole (above) will soon be making its way to West Jefferson – a fund raiser I believe. It’s an ample sized Crepe de Chine wrap or shawl that has been needing completion for some time. Yesterday, the sun came out just long enough for it to dry.
Preparations are also in progress for a workshop at Pullen Arts Center. The theme centers on autumn and a selection of traditional Japanese motifs. It begins in October and runs through a part of November (see “Upcoming Workshops” page).
My portion in next week’s exhibit at Meredith College has been delivered. The opening reception is next Thursday – details are on this blog’s Events page. As a member of Threads, I welcome you. We are looking forward to it.
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Tags:Autumn, Connections - Weems Gallery - Meredith College, indigo dyeing, Pullen Arts Center Indigo & Shibori workshops, season, Shibori, signs of autumn
Posted in Art, Artists, Community, craft, dyeing, Indigo, My Posse, Nature, process, Shibori, Textiles, Workshops | Leave a Comment »
September 4, 2014
As my writings seem to be settling into a Thursday to Thursday pattern, the week begins on Friday. Rather than a week ending, it’s a beginning. This week began with the opening reception of Matsuri/祭り at the NC Japan Center, where Yoshiko Sumikawa’s gentle but joyful watercolors illustrate aspects of the diverse matsuri (festivals) that take place in Japan throughout the seasons.
Matsuri!
Typically, though, they are summertime high energy events full of color, music, dancing, food and fireworks. They’re also a reflection of tradition – something I am always attracted to.
low hanging “kaki’ – tempting the deer?
The rest of the week? It feels like we’re in the dog days and I’ve been looking at what is surviving in these days of high heat and humidity.
the Argentine Sage is abundant
The delivery date for the upcoming Threads exhibit (see the Events page) is coming soon, so focus has continued to be on the stitch.
the thread goes where & how it wants
Still enjoying it and the textures it creates.
continuing
Some threaded guidelines are disappearing as I complete the above. It’s nearly complete – a few more rows – perhaps today. I look forward to seeing it in the gallery.
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Tags:garden, matsuri, nature, NC Japan Center, seasons, stitching, summer, Threads
Posted in Art, Color, Community, craft, culture, Nature, process, Textiles | Leave a Comment »
