With glowing shades of oranges and golds, the autumn leaves seen through the windows, set the tone for the brilliantly colorful exhibition of quilt art and paintings that opened on November 2. A focal point was the collection of pieces called “Books: Windows to the World”. Jumping out was the exciting African quilt complete with beadwork, fabrics and animal images that depicted the feel of Adventure. Working on this one was tremendously fun and the fabrics plus embellishments seemed to collect and arrange themselves. I think I heard the distant sound of African Drums as I worked on it and would love to do a whole series of these pieces. Does anyone have some African music for inspiration?
As an artist and registered dietitian, I have a right brain/left brain thing going on in my work. The fabrics that contain food images call me to buy them and put into something creative so this piece has a unique history. A photo was taken and submitted to the Journal of the American Dietetics Association contest for the cover and became “Miss April” in 2012. ‘Way cool to bridge two diverse fields of interest and really fun to see my work in print.
This blog and website will be a source of exploration for inspirations that lead to creation of art in many forms. Why do we seek to put an image or a feeling into a memorable form? Why do we tune out somethings and grab onto others? As artists, do we truly attempt to “create order out of chaos”? Over the years of working with assorted paints, papers, inks, and more, I’ve found myself gravitating towards the incredible array of colorful fabrics, unique beads, and beautiful embellishments as a source of creating pieces that inspire me. And, don’t even mention the mesmerizing flash of colored crystals or soft rubbed finish of multi-hued beach glass. As I create pieces, I’ll share my inspirations and I hope you will too. Haven’t you almost driven off the road as the brilliant leaf colors in the Fall draw you into their midst? Actually, am working on this tesselating leaf quilt pattern with autumn colors but it’s taken years since I only am inspired to work on it in the short interlude when leaves turn colors. Perhaps next year it will be finished since there’s an exhibition to prepare for in a few short weeks. Hope to see you there too!
marykayhdesigns 