New Ordinary Days

 The Magic of Ordinary Days

Books and Colors

"The Magic of Ordinary Days" is the title of a lovely romance by Ann Howard, also a TV movie of 2005.  I saw the movie years ago; I don't always gravitate toward romance movies, but I am a fan of historical fiction, lately. The title is a tether to the characters' story lines. Most of the plot involves people trying to find their comfort and rhythm for the lives they have found themselves unexpectedly living. This theme sounds very familiar to the new rhythms from the past year..

2020 has been a great year for slowing down, finding a contemplative routine that is personal, even if not as financially profitable, with a good stack of books, projects, personal health and reconsideration of ordinary days. One might say, this was all forced upon the greater population and while that is true, many other situations have that kind of thrust upon-ness.

I've been more of a solo act for most of my life. This year, I've taken time to walk, run, yoga and meditate. In preparation for online workshops and classes, I've explored the prototypes for classes in much more depth than I had been able to apply in previous years. I've got some inspired work!  I had taken my car in for regular servicing, and the tires really didn't need rotation as I haven't really driven like the crazy person of 2019 and before. Most of my jobs are an hour away, when they are not remote. I am fine driving less, drawing more, watching the day begin and end.

I have taken time to read books from the stacks; historical fiction, some biographies, some art and color theory. The latter has been something I truly need. I don't think my best work happens when my colors are stagnant. I have taken up some painting challenges (not unlike painting without yellow (story there but another time)) I tried new mixes, combinations and color triads.  

I'm really excited about my upcoming projects. I'm super thrilled to have received a few grants for projects- one is a dye documentation of sunrise and sunset with color change and structure pieces, funded by the Artist Support Grant (ASG), a NC Arts Council Grant (facilitated through Yadkin Arts, thanks, again!) . Another is tentatively titled "A Banner Year", with a series of images that are printed on fabric using sketches I've journal-ed through the year.  If all goes as planned, by the time autumn is here, I'll have two exhibits to share in galleries. Joining more exhibits is been on my production agenda, as I present less residencies, choose specific workshops to share instead of regular classroom teaching and invest in more community art.

Here's to a productive, bright and colorful 2021! May all the insights and thoughtful rabbit holes we have been popping in and out of be put to the best use for our next year with a healthy population, a new perspective on our neighborhoods, a clear path to happiness and an economic upturn! Huzzah!! and Cheers!

Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram and visit the shops on Etsy, Square- all listed on my website, http://www.dyecrazy.com. Virtual Festivals are a THING for winter and Spring!!! Thanks for supporting local art

Its Really Happening!

 The Year is Moving Ahead and Taking Us Too!

The earth is turning, sun is up, moon is up, stars are up, rain comes down and leaves flutter to the ground. 

Meanwhile, the colors are spectacular.

I love trails. Where I live, there are some wonderful paths and a few have great maintenance, not disturbing nature or dropping chemicals, but just making enough space to connect with trees, wildflowers, the masked walkers and their unmasked but leashed pups. 

I tend to take a few leaves and acorns home to sketch. My phone captures these incredible clouds and sunrises and sunsets so they are always close by to inspire colors in my weaving. I love autumn. it is almost cool enough for the bloodsucking mosquitoes and terrorist wasps to keep away. 

Nature is an eternal inspiration with textures, colors, patterns and lines that change every day. Taking myself out for a walk or run is a luxury, and also important to my health. Working as an artist often means concentrated work and less people engaging in my day- the trail is full of calm, friendly hellos and fresh air.

The Festivals are Different

This year, artists are posting our work online, presenting live studio tours and virtual exhibits. I don't usually have a lot of workshops this time of year because of shows and festivals and traveling with the holiday stock. But I've become a lot more comfortable with online classes. I think they are a good choice- some folks thrive in a new work environment. Not everyone does, though, and the quieter folks are really more comfortable working on projects in their own space. My kitties get to creep by and say hello, too. 

Holiday Fundraisers

I sorted through this one a while back. I am always glad when my artwork is appreciated. Most of us are grateful for sales, compliments and returning customers. I am a fan of volunteering in community work. I set an annual amount of artwork to donate, but when there is an event that serves my work and the organization better, I donate some cash. It is tough to watch a piece of artwork sold for a fraction of the cost; its better to remove that part and just donate like everyone else does. 

Holiday Group sales are a great chance to support fellow artists. So far there are three that I'll be participating with.  I don't have the exact dates but I expect a good time will be had by all!

Online Sales are a THING!

I've got a few things in different places, have a few galleries that are open to the public in safe ways, and am participating in online festivals, too. The prices are the same in all places, shipping is available as is rendezvous drop off :)  Find my stuff through links on the website www.dyecrazy.com, on Facebook.com/kgtextiles, on KG Textiles on Square  Have a wonderful Autumn!

Crossroads seem to come and go

 Just an update on stuff and things

These are times of decisions, whether for work, safety, politics, lifestyles, all sorts of choices

Choices are important. Like crossroads, these options are what ticks away at the day, the week, whatever comes next. I have been thinking about what to make, how to sort the time, supplies, details and other bits.

In an effort to create happiness, it's helpful to have thought of what I want, what I like and how I might see things moving forward.  I try to stay focused on artwork. What i like are simple- color, composition, structure and input.

What i am distracted by will probably need to have some inclusion but some perimeters- real life expenses, being healthy and contributing as a participating community member. Its important to assess for what I can volunteer. Working in the non-profit community there are often things that should be done but don't have funds. It is rough to hear people who present themselves as art supporters asking for more donations, more "free" stuff, meaning as no cost to them, as though, as an artist, you don't qualify for the support as other professions.

Tricky and require both feet and clear eyes. I have mostly sorted it for  myself. I donate a certain amount of artwork for specific causes. I prefer to make a donation of cash, though, instead of seeing my artwork sold for less than a reasonable retail value. I prefer to donate time with causes that are not always part of my profession. It saves me from uncomfortable conversations and I really do like to volunteer when I can. I volunteer in pet rescue and adoption,  pet immunizations and spaying/neutering along with wildflower rescue and relocation. When I can, I help with early childhood reading and tutoring.

I have taken full advantage of the pandemic stay at home suggestions to 

• clear and brighten my space, which is always needed as I am always working,
• consider the changing of days, color of seasons and moments in a day
• observe how art is treated in the community

Having time to feel the earth turn, cool mornings creep into warm evenings, watch the plants reveal their growth and plan for shorter days is important for folks like me who need all the sunlight.

Try to be productive in your own terms, sustainable so it is not a struggle and creative within the community if it allows. or reaching the global community.

that is a lot

I want to tell everyone, if you want a contributing and sustainable creative community, make an investment. Everyone has their own talents and gifts. Take a workshop (pay and tip the presenter), buy gifts for others and for yourself, remember that supporting your community keeps funds in your neighborhoods, schools, economic workforce and builds some epic bonds with the everyday people in your life.

Off the soapbox but consider larger tips, buying things you can give away, buy things for yourself, enjoy more than life in a box. be sure to take walks, chat with pets, walk near flowers and be nice to your friends. 

While the stay at home situation has been an interruption and inconvenience, our air is cleaner, our books lists are shorter, our pets feel loved, families are keeping track of each other. 

Have a great autumn and enjoy the upcoming colors!

Picking Up

I have been using a blogger that was part of my old website format... that has disappeared! Good ole Blogger to the rescue!

So many things change so many things stay the same and wait for recognition that yeah still here still just fine. Since beginning this bloggery, I've learned a lot of things that I didn't' realize I would ever,

well. sometimes the thing to learn is what you already know, sometimes the learning is about the same thing from a different perspective

When I realized I wanted to study textiles in a more academic way, along with grabbing yarns and fabrics and making whatever impulsive ball of stuff I had in mind I was using natural dyes. Living in NC there is so much color to see and so many pigments to use though not all are deep not all are permanent but enter chemistry and its a whole jam-packed toolbox of color and fun.

Weaving was line and color, then weaving brought structure and sculpture. Clothing was no

t just something to wear but a statement of hues, weight, motion and presence. Costume is an introduction, a character and can be subtle as a historical garment or dramatic as a moving bit of theatre. (ShaSha Higby comes to mind here.

So while rambling around I hit a fibers program (or four) and learned structure and synthetic dyes which didn't replace all my dyeing but definitely allowed for predictability and time management. And to a degree more safety. When i began working with natural dyes i had limited chemical knowledge. I still have limited knowledge but i learned that i needed to read more before blasting into the dyepot..

I have been using more natural materials again. I have a larger idea of how to use my tools and I may be offering some workshops soon. To that end I've been reading collecting growing sampling and so have a lot of people! There is a lot of information to be found. I've recently read a workbook-style collection of dye information by Joy Boutrup, if you search for it (tho Catharine Ellis is listed as a co-author) I still have my copy of Mary Frances Davidson's Dye Pot and am finding more websites such as Dekel Dyes

I'm trying out workshop names- color garden, earth pallet and scrappy dyes(color before compost)

none are screaming "come to mama" but.. I'm kind of warming to color garden.

It is more of a slow down time stop and think time and a time to decide what to really do next. Weave on!