Sketch Pad Stuff

 the sketch pad

Drawing is something I can take with me. We went to warm Florida for my birthday, had some quiet time, listened to the ocean and i had a little sketching time. I only brought graphite and the sketch pad and it was good to focus on contrasts. 

Drawing is something I will be sure to take more time with as it really helps me focus. And i've had some serious monkey-mind lately!!

My studio is not heated. 

I'd love to change that one day, but for now, the flow of inside and outside work seems to be an ok way to go. I can work on different parts of a plan in different places, work on sketches and paintings inside, take care of writing grants, projects and residency programs and order supplies inside. Outside in the studio, i'm sorting and organizing for a productive spring

Some new weaving structures found me and it is going to be fun to try those out! Some dimensional weaves, and I believe they will take color transition well (one of my favorites). I'm working to be more practical with work schedules so i have time for art, time with my people, time with my home and cats. 

I'm looking to switch up my color triad- I'll share some of that as it goes on my Instagram page, @kgtextiles. it turns up on my DyeCrazy facebook page- i probably can reposition that but, meh. 

I plan to move from scarlet red to a more apple red, mix that with a clear yellow, go more magenta than fuchsia and choose a different blue to go along with the turquoise. I'll keep the brown and bronze, in case i feel more earthy than this brilliant spring. 

Linen is looking like a great fiber to add with tencel and cotton. I've been using up the rayons i have for more sustainable fibers, and the woody look of color on linen is going to be a nice mix with the glossy tencel and softness of cotton. I'll save wool for later in the year. 

Those are my plans! 

April

I'll be at Kernersville Middle School weaving tapestries with the looms I got from an artist support grant through the NC Arts Council (thanks bunches, once again!) with Arts in Education funding through the Wells Fargo Foundation and Winston Salem Arts Council.

Join me at Sawtooth in a workshop to make one of my favorite baskets, Choctaw Elbow Basket on April 25.

May

I'll be backup, helping Piedmont Craftsman's Artist Cara Bevan with her residency at West Forsyth High School. This one is funded by the Wells Fargo/Winston Salem Arts Council Arts in Education Grant, too. (Its a great way to share art and fine craft with future artists!)

I'm planning to have a table, (filled out the forms!) along with a lot of other art folks, at the May 17th Art Crush. Come by and say HI!

we have another collaborative with several guest speakers, sponsored by Piedmont Craftsmen at the Makers Meet scheduled for end of May at Mixxer maker space in Winston Salem, discussing the topic of "How to set up a Booth", probably May 22, possibly May 29th. in the evening, 6-8. If you want to get details, send me an email at education@piedmontcraftsmen.org

Have a wonderful spring! 

spring greens on the way

 Spring Countdown

I have peas coming up

I have seed catalogues

I have indigo, madder, woad, milkweed and flax seeds

spring preparations are almost all ready

just need more sunshine and less temperatures in the teens

I've got a few more classes to teach at the Sawtooth School in Winston Salem,  an artist residency, new work for an exhibit drawn up and ready to put dye and thread toward. Its going to be an interesting year!

I'm working with several other local artists on some collaborative projects and that experience looks to be a wonderful time. It is tricky to work and post about work.... i suppose that is why it is important to have a good web person! 

Dates to watch:

February 21, 6-8pm at Mixxer, Makers Meet with a presentation by five local arts organizations sharing details about applying for shows and festivals. To cover a national, regional, local and specific demographic of exhibition types.

February 28, 6-8 Join us with the wonderful basketry makers Carla and Greg Filippelli at 525 N. Trade Street. with an artist talk and hands-on basket making experience. Pre register, pre-pay $35 at Piedmont Craftsmen by Wednesday, February 21.

Both of these events Must have an RSVP! space limited, wait list after that. 

I do love sharing what i've learned weaving, in art, in color and all the process it takes to make something so unique. I am not one to follow a packaged instruction, though i do appreciate the chance to emulate the technique. To my mind a great way to learn. I learn a lot from listening. 

I take the classes i teach very seriously. Most of the time, people in the classes where i instruct are inquisitive, have great questions, listen to the experiences i share. I am not alone in being stumped with a student that takes a class and is so resistant to a suggestion. I think of the ways i might resolve this kind of situation, as I want all the time to be spent in a positive way. It is hard when someone is unhappy, insecure, defensive and speaks badly of you when you are making a good effort.

I'm adding that in case you are considering taking a class, workshop or becoming a part of a project. Consider the people around you and how the best situation is a positive situation. I don't know any instructor that doesn't put so much more than visible into any class or workshop they teach. 

And if you are unhappy with. your workshop, consider not nattering among the others in the class. Great if you have more knowledge than. you thought you did, if that is really true. Don't be negative around the others. Its just not productive.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy almost spring, just a quick note to say hi, since i've been all wrapped up in my own yarns.

(see what i did there hahaha)