Community Fabric.

As you can probably see from all of my lino prints in my shop – I am inspired by the architecture of my street. It’s just so picture perfect. All of the houses in a row – each with their own unique differences working together to make the whole. It’s very much like the individual lives of the people and families here as well.



We are moving from this little neighborhood – and it is a bit bitter-sweet. I have decided to create a textile pattern to commemorate this time in my life – and make a small snapshot of the character that I love about this town. As you can see I am painting the image onto acetate – how old school – no computers for me.

I haven’t gotten the details down yet – still trying to simplify – simplify. If there is anyone out there – please let me know what you think. ( Can you guess which house is mine??)

Glorious.

I love spring. Here is a view of our backyard. I will be a bit sad to leave all of my trees and plants. It’s been a hard job getting this yard looking fab… now to start on the next.

Show Opening Today.

Thanks to Angelia for her description of the Art of Printing show - which opens today, by the way. If you are in Suffolk, Va go by and check it out. Here is the quote from her blog.

"The Art of Printing

The printed word and illustration is forever tied to our past. With new technology hand printing may be considered a lost art. But today many artisans are embracing the skills of these techniques and bringing there own new spin to these traditional forms of art.
Fabric, paper, wood, metal all become the “canvas” for applications of ink and paint.
We present this invitational showcase of art work created using any one of various printing techniques, including but not limited to block printing, lithograph, stencil/screen printing, mono type, and letterpress."


I have been thinking a lot lately about the techniques of printing - and how the "old school" methods have been taking a back seat to the computer. I see it in both art as well as pattern development for textiles. I do use traditional methods of tools to develop and create my work. This is the part about the process that I enjoy - how one's hand ( meaning actual hand movement) is visible in the pieces. There are limitations to both the tools used and the ability to move your hand to make a mark. The lino tool has a character that I don't want to deny when appling it to an image. So too with textile patterns, I like to show that the marks have been painted.

More on this topic later - as I am in the process of making some painted positives to send off to the printer. No computer for me - although I do employ the Xerox - and often - to finalize my repeats.

A Piece of Time.

I just had to share these two photos taken in the early 60’s of our new house in it’s former life. It is so interesting to see how the forest around the house has grown up so much in the past 1/2 century. I just love the living room – complete with baby bassinet. These pictures were sent to us by the architect’s daughter. We were so lucky to have found her! These glimpses into the past are priceless – and help us to see how the house can be revived. More to come.

Glad to be back.

I really didn’t go anywhere – just have had a very busy and also exiting spring. We are the happy owners of a mid-century modern house, all be it neglected and in need of some major work. The best part is that it is very private with 12 acres around and a beautiful view. I will have some fun before and after pics in a couple of months. Need to get the in-floor heating and kitchen done first – whew!! OK enough of that – more about the renovations later. I couldn’t resist just one shot…

Getting ready.

Also thought I would post this picture of the pieces that were sent down to Angelia at The Red Thread Studio for the “Art of Printmaking” show. I am very pleased with how the framing looks. Even simply matting the prints improves their overall appearance. A great place to order mats (I don’t have the patience) is Light Impressions. They were very helpful – and the mats (I ordered custom sizes) were very accurate to my measurements.