It is somewhat disconcerting how quickly this month has flown. Between the 10 days away, concerns for family members, and the yearning to be out in the gardens getting my hands dirty, I've felt distracted and somewhat at odds with myself. I have almost finished the nebula piece, it needs an edge of some sort and am working with the mono prints. nothing major but picking away. And every time I start feeling really at odds, I clean something! How's that for a coping device. Honestly, it's about the only time serious housework gets done around here -big grin.
Lately on the big mail list i read daily, there's been yet another discussion of the chasm between so called "art" and so called "traditional" in quilting. Having no background as a traditional quilter, it is not easy for me to understand the issues from that side. Having a long background in the so-called "fine arts" I really do not like the phrase "art quilt". It feels somewhat pretentious and silly to me. I never heard a painter say "oh, I'm not a traditional painter, I am an art painter".
I do remember when clay was in transition from always being considered "craft" (that is, a medium for utilitarian objects). Ceramicists stopped calling themselves "Potters" and began referring to their work as sculptural. These days there is little confusion about clay objects that are "craft" and those that are "art" whether they are functional or not.
When I was in graduate school, in Painting, we had a phrase: "Hardening of the categories causes art dis-ease." I think that all this arguing and posturing can serve as a defense mechanism and as a way to avoid looking deeply at one's work and making the hard assessments that we need to make in order to grow.
Ironically, the panel discussion I have been assigned to at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum Symposium in June is titled "What is the Art Quilt?". There are challenges ahead. more grins here. I'm on record as having said we need to lose the "quilt" word - For many of us, quilting is part of what we do to make our work but the work is not defined as the results of that stitch. I am also on record as a great admirer of the artfulness of many traditional quilts.
I do not think that the use of time honored pattern prevents something from being art. Neither do i think that "originality' equals art. There is a lot of very bad original work out there and i have made quite a bit myself. The fact that it is original doesn't save it or change its quality. Maybe the person who said "I don't know what art is, but i know it when i see it." had it spot on, eh?
ah well, this is what happens when i am avoiding the work wall. back to it.
enjoy the weekend!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
april 19
home again home again
got in late Sunday night from points East, totally wiped out. These trips where work life and personal life combine can be wearing. The workshops etc. went very well in the DC area; visits with friends were great. being in the Tidewater country was wonderful, it is home in important ways. Seeing extended family was satisfying, reminding me of deep connections.
It was warm here Sunday night when i got in. Last evening the rain began at about 7 pm. Sometime later it turned to heavy wet snow. The moisture is great but comes with side effects. We lost power at about 3 am. Since the trees and shrubs are leafing out, they hold all the snow and some can't handle the extra weight. I think that a lot of trees are weakened by the extended drought and this makes branches more susceptible to breakage.
It is raining again now and more snow predicted for tonight. If that happens, we will have a lot more branches and trees down and will likely lose power again as the falling limbs take out power lines.
I did enjoy the quiet today but must confess I like living with electricity [grin]. I cut cloth, did some hand work, a little cleaning and tidying up. In a way, i was sorry to have the power come back on.
got in late Sunday night from points East, totally wiped out. These trips where work life and personal life combine can be wearing. The workshops etc. went very well in the DC area; visits with friends were great. being in the Tidewater country was wonderful, it is home in important ways. Seeing extended family was satisfying, reminding me of deep connections.
It was warm here Sunday night when i got in. Last evening the rain began at about 7 pm. Sometime later it turned to heavy wet snow. The moisture is great but comes with side effects. We lost power at about 3 am. Since the trees and shrubs are leafing out, they hold all the snow and some can't handle the extra weight. I think that a lot of trees are weakened by the extended drought and this makes branches more susceptible to breakage.
It is raining again now and more snow predicted for tonight. If that happens, we will have a lot more branches and trees down and will likely lose power again as the falling limbs take out power lines.
I did enjoy the quiet today but must confess I like living with electricity [grin]. I cut cloth, did some hand work, a little cleaning and tidying up. In a way, i was sorry to have the power come back on.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
april 14
morning. groggy but slept much better last night. Breakfast with a sister this morning, then off to DC again.
it's another clear and lovely morning. Hoping to get some time on the river before heading to the other shore where traffic seems worse to me than in LA. That is saying quite a bit. Maybe the difference is infrastructure, Western cities being built around the automobile, Eastern cities having had to retrofit. Anyway, I have lived in the quiet states so long, i am no longer suited for all the bustle here. My filters don't work and i get over saturated so quickly. I need to build in some very very quiet time before the big family do Saturday afternoon. There will be 25 or so people (i am looking forward to seeing all of them), but it could get intense.
off for a walk. enjoy the day.
lc-w
it's another clear and lovely morning. Hoping to get some time on the river before heading to the other shore where traffic seems worse to me than in LA. That is saying quite a bit. Maybe the difference is infrastructure, Western cities being built around the automobile, Eastern cities having had to retrofit. Anyway, I have lived in the quiet states so long, i am no longer suited for all the bustle here. My filters don't work and i get over saturated so quickly. I need to build in some very very quiet time before the big family do Saturday afternoon. There will be 25 or so people (i am looking forward to seeing all of them), but it could get intense.
off for a walk. enjoy the day.
lc-w
april 13
well, a day later than i thought i'd be but here we are. Am sitting in a hotel room, watching the sunset over the Choptank River. I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, heading back to DC tomorrow, then back down here Friday night, home to Montana late Sunday.
Elle was correct: The cherry blossoms were awesome. it seems they peaked Friday afternoon. DC is beautiful this time of year. so much color! And it is lovely here on the TIdewater. Everything is blooming except the magnolias, they are a few weeks away. The air is full of birdsong and the breezes off the river are wonderful. I love being here.
Pamdora asked about the book:" Inspiring Creativity". It will not be available through Amazon or mainstream distributors for another several months. If you want a copy, go to my website, ordering instructions are on my contact page. It's a great anthology on living creatively, IMO, there's something for everyone.
It is possible that i will go to the National Gallery tomorrow to see the Andy Goldsworthy installation, assuming i can find my way, and parking. First i have to leave the Shore at a reasonable hour. The traffic issues in this part of the world have changed a lot since i lived here. It's slightly intimidating.
The workshops went really well. What a great group of people. They were all fiber artists but most of them were weavers, spinners and not particulary quilters. The things they did in our time together were more 3 dimensional than i usually get to see and it was great. Off hours adventures the last few days have included a serious shopping trip to a Japanese Dollar Store in Northern VA; expeditions to major junk stores in the same neighborhood with a wizard "finder of great stuff"; antiquing and junk storing with my mother and a sister, both hunters and gatherers of the first order. I managed some good scores including vintage hats for the sister and an antique crazy quilt for my youngest brother's birthday. I thought about keeping it but when i saw the look on his face was happy i had gifted it to him.
and that's all i know right now.
lc-w
Elle was correct: The cherry blossoms were awesome. it seems they peaked Friday afternoon. DC is beautiful this time of year. so much color! And it is lovely here on the TIdewater. Everything is blooming except the magnolias, they are a few weeks away. The air is full of birdsong and the breezes off the river are wonderful. I love being here.
Pamdora asked about the book:" Inspiring Creativity". It will not be available through Amazon or mainstream distributors for another several months. If you want a copy, go to my website, ordering instructions are on my contact page. It's a great anthology on living creatively, IMO, there's something for everyone.
It is possible that i will go to the National Gallery tomorrow to see the Andy Goldsworthy installation, assuming i can find my way, and parking. First i have to leave the Shore at a reasonable hour. The traffic issues in this part of the world have changed a lot since i lived here. It's slightly intimidating.
The workshops went really well. What a great group of people. They were all fiber artists but most of them were weavers, spinners and not particulary quilters. The things they did in our time together were more 3 dimensional than i usually get to see and it was great. Off hours adventures the last few days have included a serious shopping trip to a Japanese Dollar Store in Northern VA; expeditions to major junk stores in the same neighborhood with a wizard "finder of great stuff"; antiquing and junk storing with my mother and a sister, both hunters and gatherers of the first order. I managed some good scores including vintage hats for the sister and an antique crazy quilt for my youngest brother's birthday. I thought about keeping it but when i saw the look on his face was happy i had gifted it to him.
and that's all i know right now.
lc-w
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
april 13
well, a day later than i thought i'd be but here we are. Am sitting in a hotel room, watching the sunset over the Choptank River. I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, heading back to DC tomorrow, then back down here Friday night, home to Montana late Sunday.
Elle was correct: The cherry blossoms were awesome. it seems they peaked Friday afternoon. DC is beautiful this time of year. so much color! And it is lovely here on the TIdewater. Everything is blooming except the magnolias, they are a few weeks away. The air is full of birdsong and the breezes off the river are wonderful. I love being here.
Pamdora asked about the book:" Inspiring Creativity". It will not be available through Amazon or mainstream distributors for another several months. If you want a copy, go to my website, ordering instructions are on my contact page. It's a great anthology on living creatively, IMO, there's something for everyone.
It is possible that i will go to the National Gallery tomorrow to see the Andy Goldsworthy installation, assuming i can find my way, and parking. First i have to leave the Shore at a reasonable hour. The traffic issues in this part of the world have changed a lot since i lived here. It's slightly intimidating.
The workshops went really well. What a great group of people. They were all fiber artists but most of them were weavers, spinners and not particulary quilters. The things they did in our time together were more 3 dimensional than i usually get to see and it was great. Off hours adventures the last few days have included a serious shopping trip to a Japanese Dollar Store in Northern VA; expeditions to major junk stores in the same neighborhood with a wizard "finder of great stuff"; antiquing and junk storing with my mother and a sister, both hunters and gatherers of the first order. I managed some good scores including vintage hats for the sister and an antique crazy quilt for my youngest brother's birthday. I thought about keeping it but when i saw the look on his face was happy i had gifted it to him.
and that's all i know right now.
lc-w
Elle was correct: The cherry blossoms were awesome. it seems they peaked Friday afternoon. DC is beautiful this time of year. so much color! And it is lovely here on the TIdewater. Everything is blooming except the magnolias, they are a few weeks away. The air is full of birdsong and the breezes off the river are wonderful. I love being here.
Pamdora asked about the book:" Inspiring Creativity". It will not be available through Amazon or mainstream distributors for another several months. If you want a copy, go to my website, ordering instructions are on my contact page. It's a great anthology on living creatively, IMO, there's something for everyone.
It is possible that i will go to the National Gallery tomorrow to see the Andy Goldsworthy installation, assuming i can find my way, and parking. First i have to leave the Shore at a reasonable hour. The traffic issues in this part of the world have changed a lot since i lived here. It's slightly intimidating.
The workshops went really well. What a great group of people. They were all fiber artists but most of them were weavers, spinners and not particulary quilters. The things they did in our time together were more 3 dimensional than i usually get to see and it was great. Off hours adventures the last few days have included a serious shopping trip to a Japanese Dollar Store in Northern VA; expeditions to major junk stores in the same neighborhood with a wizard "finder of great stuff"; antiquing and junk storing with my mother and a sister, both hunters and gatherers of the first order. I managed some good scores including vintage hats for the sister and an antique crazy quilt for my youngest brother's birthday. I thought about keeping it but when i saw the look on his face was happy i had gifted it to him.
and that's all i know right now.
lc-w
Thursday, April 07, 2005
busy busy day
after all my avoidance techniques were exhausted, i finally finished the packing for my trip. Lots of workshop supplies of course, a sufficient wardrobe [i pared it way down.] reading and writing materials and all my electronic gear.
When i reviewed my notes and images for Saturday's lecture, i realized that i don't have slides of the newest work. That is a side effect of my self imposed moratorium on shows and galleries. Last January i severed my gallery contracts and resolved to take at least a full year without actively exhibiting. I felt that my work might be getting flabby as a result of having so many deadlines and always having to watch the calendar for gallery rotations etc. The only way to test this was to take time off. I did, and now need to decide if I will go back. Certainly i should enter a couple of the big shows this year, but i don't know about the gallery dance.
Anyway, i haven't needed slides and haven't had them made.
Therefore, am taking my digital projector with me instead of a carousel of slides. They are the same size and almost the same weight. It's the cords that add bulk and nuisance.
The other thing i did today was ship out the first round of books! My first box of "Inspiring Creativity" arrived today and i shipped all the orders to date. Michael will be glad HE doesn't have to deal with it The book looks great. It feels good to be a part of this project. Now i know what i'm reading on the planes tomorrow. grin.
It's lovely Spring here and Elle says that I'm hitting DC in time for wonderful cherry blossoms. Can't wait!
dont't know what my internet access will be between now and Tuesday, but i'll be back. Tuesday at the latest.
enjoy the weekend!
When i reviewed my notes and images for Saturday's lecture, i realized that i don't have slides of the newest work. That is a side effect of my self imposed moratorium on shows and galleries. Last January i severed my gallery contracts and resolved to take at least a full year without actively exhibiting. I felt that my work might be getting flabby as a result of having so many deadlines and always having to watch the calendar for gallery rotations etc. The only way to test this was to take time off. I did, and now need to decide if I will go back. Certainly i should enter a couple of the big shows this year, but i don't know about the gallery dance.
Anyway, i haven't needed slides and haven't had them made.
Therefore, am taking my digital projector with me instead of a carousel of slides. They are the same size and almost the same weight. It's the cords that add bulk and nuisance.
The other thing i did today was ship out the first round of books! My first box of "Inspiring Creativity" arrived today and i shipped all the orders to date. Michael will be glad HE doesn't have to deal with it The book looks great. It feels good to be a part of this project. Now i know what i'm reading on the planes tomorrow. grin.
It's lovely Spring here and Elle says that I'm hitting DC in time for wonderful cherry blossoms. Can't wait!
dont't know what my internet access will be between now and Tuesday, but i'll be back. Tuesday at the latest.
enjoy the weekend!
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
april 5
It's a beautiful Spring day here, not too warm but green and blooming. We had a little rain last night and that has helped a lot.
I'm headed to DC and Maryland at the end of the week (Potomac Craftsmen workshop followed by a family visit). I'm sure the cherry trees will be lovely and I am really looking forward to being in Tidewater Country again.
Instead of dealing with all the last minute things, like packing clothes, I've been updating my website.
I have added a few new images, still need to update the front page and links [if you would like to trade links, go to the contact page on the website.]
*MSN has apparently been bouncing a lot of my mail! I hope we have it figured out, but if you have sent me a message and NOT gotten a personal response, please try again.
Sometimes it's really hard to pack up for an extended trip. I fly early Friday morning and still need to figure out wardrobe essentials. I keep thinking i need a "uniform". HAH. what i really need is a management team, people that make certain i am where i need to be, when i need to be there, with all the support materials i require. Then they would handle the transportation and lodging issues, make sure i always had cold drinking water and comfort food. This past Summer, i had two trips in a row where *someone* neglected to pack my shampoo.
It's possible that i am finally past the issue of thinking that if i only had the right luggage, life would be easier. I now have all the combinations that work for me for various types of trips. I can pack for two weeks including four different workshops and still handle the bags myself. That is very important (since the management team hasn't shown up yet.)
The next big challenge in the traveling life is to come up with an extra three days both the week before a trip and the week after.
okay, enough of this, it's time to put supper in the oven and get my correspondence caught up.
OH! helpful domestic tip for those who are in the market for such things:
My spouse and i have a newish routine and it is working very well. Three nights a week, he does dinner, three nights a week I do dinner. The other night, we usually "forage'. Whoever has dinner duty does it ALL: planning, shopping, preparing and cleaning up. [this allows for use of leftovers and also eating out - it is all up to the one whose turn it is.]
We established this routine at the Holidays and it has helped me immensely. Now if we could extend it to other household chores... sigh.
I'm headed to DC and Maryland at the end of the week (Potomac Craftsmen workshop followed by a family visit). I'm sure the cherry trees will be lovely and I am really looking forward to being in Tidewater Country again.
Instead of dealing with all the last minute things, like packing clothes, I've been updating my website.
I have added a few new images, still need to update the front page and links [if you would like to trade links, go to the contact page on the website.]
*MSN has apparently been bouncing a lot of my mail! I hope we have it figured out, but if you have sent me a message and NOT gotten a personal response, please try again.
Sometimes it's really hard to pack up for an extended trip. I fly early Friday morning and still need to figure out wardrobe essentials. I keep thinking i need a "uniform". HAH. what i really need is a management team, people that make certain i am where i need to be, when i need to be there, with all the support materials i require. Then they would handle the transportation and lodging issues, make sure i always had cold drinking water and comfort food. This past Summer, i had two trips in a row where *someone* neglected to pack my shampoo.
It's possible that i am finally past the issue of thinking that if i only had the right luggage, life would be easier. I now have all the combinations that work for me for various types of trips. I can pack for two weeks including four different workshops and still handle the bags myself. That is very important (since the management team hasn't shown up yet.)
The next big challenge in the traveling life is to come up with an extra three days both the week before a trip and the week after.
okay, enough of this, it's time to put supper in the oven and get my correspondence caught up.
OH! helpful domestic tip for those who are in the market for such things:
My spouse and i have a newish routine and it is working very well. Three nights a week, he does dinner, three nights a week I do dinner. The other night, we usually "forage'. Whoever has dinner duty does it ALL: planning, shopping, preparing and cleaning up. [this allows for use of leftovers and also eating out - it is all up to the one whose turn it is.]
We established this routine at the Holidays and it has helped me immensely. Now if we could extend it to other household chores... sigh.
dawn
as far as i know, this little piece is on its way home from the Miniature Textiles Show in Ocean Park, NJ. it will be nice to see it again.
blue spiral
the embroidery was unearthed last nightwhile i was looking for something else. I finished it this morning. It was an experiment with stitching on sheers.
river rock
one of the new pieces. It might need some beads, or other embellishments but i like the textures in the print.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
springing forward
We need to remember to change the clocks. This is one of the few days in the year when the phrase "It's later than you think." has real meaning. Doesn't it feel self indulgent to have stayed in bed a whole hour longer than usual?
big grins on this end of the keyboard.
It's a bright sunshiney morning and promises to be a warm day. I have some business to tend to here at the computer and all the standard household issues to deal with and then am spending the day in studio. Yesterday i did manage to create lists and piles in preparation for packing for the trip east. Surely that is enough for a few days?
M promises to get the pump running so the perennial beds can get a drink. We have a well for the yard and gardens, but every Spring the pump seems to require a little help to get going for the season. It's too early to put vegetables or annuals in here in Montana. The garlic gets put in in late Summer and is doing well and onions and potatoes went in last week. Everything else has to wait until after the last frost.
The painted pieces i did last wekend have been rearranging themselves on the wall. A few seem almost complete as is; some want stitching; others want to go together in strips and blocks. So far there's nothing worth photographing.
enjoy the day!
big grins on this end of the keyboard.
It's a bright sunshiney morning and promises to be a warm day. I have some business to tend to here at the computer and all the standard household issues to deal with and then am spending the day in studio. Yesterday i did manage to create lists and piles in preparation for packing for the trip east. Surely that is enough for a few days?
M promises to get the pump running so the perennial beds can get a drink. We have a well for the yard and gardens, but every Spring the pump seems to require a little help to get going for the season. It's too early to put vegetables or annuals in here in Montana. The garlic gets put in in late Summer and is doing well and onions and potatoes went in last week. Everything else has to wait until after the last frost.
The painted pieces i did last wekend have been rearranging themselves on the wall. A few seem almost complete as is; some want stitching; others want to go together in strips and blocks. So far there's nothing worth photographing.
enjoy the day!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
April 2
already??? how did this happen? they say time flies whether you are having fun or not. it's a true story.
Friday i fly away to points East. Teaching in DC, visits with friends, my mother's big birthday. Four out of six siblings will be there. I have a hotel panned for the most intense part of the visit.
okay. the luggage is out and being staged. supplies are being gathered. the necessary paprework assembled and i only need another month or so. the good news, i'll be seeing Rayna on Friday! hooray!
In the gardens: daffodils, crocus, hyacinths making buds, the first periwinkle (vinca), and i spotted buds on the bergenia. but it is dust dry. It's too early to tell what perennials i've lost to drought this year.
I will have the first box of "Inspiring Creativity" Thursday, so can ship out before leaving in the wee hours Friday. sigh of relief.
If you are interested, see my web site for ordering info. www.cater-woods.com
what else? big messes in the studio . Cathy, your mess is minor (grin).
Still have not filed taxes, probably need to file an extension. New work in process though. i find it easier to come home if there's something on the wall that i am interested in, so i try to get a piece to a point where i know what has to happen next and can't wait to get to it. All the transitions of traveling need to be faked out sometimes.
back to the packing. enjoy the weekend.
Friday i fly away to points East. Teaching in DC, visits with friends, my mother's big birthday. Four out of six siblings will be there. I have a hotel panned for the most intense part of the visit.
okay. the luggage is out and being staged. supplies are being gathered. the necessary paprework assembled and i only need another month or so. the good news, i'll be seeing Rayna on Friday! hooray!
In the gardens: daffodils, crocus, hyacinths making buds, the first periwinkle (vinca), and i spotted buds on the bergenia. but it is dust dry. It's too early to tell what perennials i've lost to drought this year.
I will have the first box of "Inspiring Creativity" Thursday, so can ship out before leaving in the wee hours Friday. sigh of relief.
If you are interested, see my web site for ordering info. www.cater-woods.com
what else? big messes in the studio . Cathy, your mess is minor (grin).
Still have not filed taxes, probably need to file an extension. New work in process though. i find it easier to come home if there's something on the wall that i am interested in, so i try to get a piece to a point where i know what has to happen next and can't wait to get to it. All the transitions of traveling need to be faked out sometimes.
back to the packing. enjoy the weekend.
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