"But fiber art is also a visual language which helps us to grasp the world around us, to explore new ideas, and to define our sense of being"

-Polly Ullrich

The first day of Spring in the county brings the wind. The clouds can't decide what to do, and the sun likes to try and dry the vibrant grasses which play against the sunlight as it turns on an off again.

I've finished two garments this past month, and hopefully pictures will be posted soon. I have pinned a couple quilts, trying to finishing up some of the lingering objects in order to clear some room.

I cannot imagine "being" without color. It cheers and it energizes, and it can also subdue. I like the equation of color and language, and further that being can be captured by physical representations- a manifestation of soul.

While I was working on the hand in the picture above, I was rustling around different fabrics not at all satisfied with them, and in the process I lost the paper hand. Well, that increased frustration until I bent over and noticed another piece I had forgotten had fallen to the floor, and then as I stepped on a thread spool I lifted my foot in pain, only to burst out laughing, because there was the hand I had been looking for.

Fiber art is the visual language through which I can center myself and get into the mood of peace. I am then better able to see the world, even if by accident that is around me, and explore how my ideas can come into being in the world. Often when I step back, or return to a finished piece sometime later, that is when I find the being reflected back to me.

Brilliant

"I TRY TO MAKE THINGS IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF CONTROLLED LUNACY"
- Danny Mansmith

In the Dec 06 issue of Fiber Arts, (a little behind, I know) there is an inspiring article about Danny. I appreciated the found style of his workspace and his originality.

Part of the problem with fiber art is materials have to be very available to work with in a studio environment. This can lead easily to chaos.

An so Danny teaches me that it is o.k., it is part of the process. But he takes it a step further. Into his art. I always knew I was good at making things. And when I hear an artist like Danny talk about making things, in fact making things full time, I smile.

Been In The Studio

I am making some impressive progress on the art quilt on my design wall. It feels great, but something inside me all of a sudden screeches for traditional, - why? I found a new pattern I want to do also, doesn't that always happen when you dig in and work to finish one thing?

It is a blustery cold day in the Northwest. Perhaps that is best remedied by homemade brownies and soft music?

Tonight, no DVD's, I am going in the studio, and working on the art quilt, I have a bunch of pieces ready and waiting to be glued and stitched.