Its been hot here…absolutely out of the ordinary hot. I find that it zaps my energy…its hard to muster enthusiasm for any type of work. Central air conditioning in the Pacific Northwest is not common since the temperature in summer is usually around 75 degrees. I’m happy that one of my studio spaces is in the basement of our house…a bit chilly in January but pure bliss in June. With a languid approach to physical work, its given me a chance to sit and think…and ponder what direction I want to pursue with my art. I have felt a shift…something has changed.
You might remember in my February newsletter that I wrote about using up my stash of fabric and notions by making artist tote bags. I am still at it…I have made and sold over 25 totes. I still have materials to create 40 more bags so my sewing machine is humming away. Pulling together a mix of colors, textures and tones from fabric that has languished too long in plastic storage containers, waiting for its moment of glory, has brought a renewed vigor to my creative spirit.
All this creating has left me with fabric debris…and since I focused on paper scraps in May and rubber scraps in June…it only seems right this month to tackle what to do with fabric scraps.
Just as I was finishing up my art scrap “quilt” and exploring art quilting…I came across an article about the artist Bisa Butler and her incredible work.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 2019
Minneapolis Institute of Art; Promised gift on long-term loan from a private collection. Photo by Margaret Fox. © Bisa Butler
She creates life size portraits, made entirely of fabric! Not only is her work meticulous but the stories she tells of the African American community are astounding…I can hardly put into words the beauty and depth of her art…I urge you to visit her website and relish it for yourself.
As I mentioned at the beginning, something has shifted in my art…how I view it, what possibilities might exist, what different techniques I might explore. Certainly one does not need to limit the scope of their work nor be hesitant about new directions…who knows where I might end up…
and finally…a few upcoming events you might want to put on your calendar…
I am teaching two workshops at K.MARIE , located just outside of Portland…you can find all the details here
I will be a vendor at Fresh Paint Festival of Artists here in Everett, August 21 & 22. Its a fabulous art show, located at the Everett Marina…get all the details here