Aliquilts

Portraits and portrets from the Netherlands

2012-01-28T20:29:00.000+10:00

Gearing up for 2012 and Queensland Quilters Art Quilt Group (2QAQ) - and had a play with self-portraits (our first challenge and workshop on 25 March). Thanks to Ankie for sharing the work and talents of another fantastic textile artist from the Netherlands Nienke (and if you follow the link and scroll down her 2011 Gallery you will see her portrait work in all its glory). This year 2QAQ will meet every second month and will commence each meeting with a demonstration / play / workshop-type activity. Our first challenge will be "portrait" which has involved lots of internet surfing and researching copyright free or publicly available e-publications (such as through Interweave and QuiltingArts.com) to inspire the launch of a thousand faces. So my first attempt at a portrait (left and below) - still in the "raw", and at the unadorned, hairless, "fused only" stage is based entirely on Nienke's work and style - at present I am interested in the technique and processes she may have used - and the fun to be had in being able to re purpose those bags of thready scraps! Nienke's blog is well worth the visit. For those of us not fluent in Dutch, Google translator opens the portal to the world of possibilities and appreciation of the gifts of others even further ... and the light of artists like Nienke can filter through ...

Postscript: After emailing Nienke for permission to post my efforts (inspired by her creation) Nienke has advised she was inspired by the work of Bodil Gardner from Denmark, who has been making pictures for many years - Bodil hopes her portraits inspire the rest of us. Bodil's website includes a wealth of information on creating portraits and the techniques she uses at her website. Well both of these artists have inspired me (albeit a work in progress) and I hope you get to enjoy Nienke's and Bodil's works too.

Rainy days and brain storms in Sanctuary

2012-01-28T15:43:00.001+10:00

I am working on a way to represent "sanctuary" as a textile art piece - my place in the garden firstly in a linear and then in a dimensional format. Today I combined lots of photographs that have been taken since New years Day and made a map of the area - from dry to wet, still to windy, dead and crispy brown to supple and green. And here's my little movie of it .....

Tick that Box

2012-01-22T13:32:00.000+10:00

Beneath the Southern Sky entry submitted - CHECK
State of the Art Quilt 2012 entry submitted for Queensland Quilters - CHECK
Vacuuming and housework completed - sorry, what was that?

This sketch was going to form the basis of a Beneath the Southern Sky entry - the Queensland Coastline near Innisfail coming home from work recently - farmland, rivers emptying into the Pacific Ocean, coral quays and a container ship or two ... I do love aerial views and the way they quickly become abstract with height (I think we were nearing 40,000 feet). My actual entry is 150% completely different from this idea ... maybe another idea for another quilt on another day ...

and this is a Nankeen Kestrel (tiny blimp out front, far right), telling off a Wedgetail eagle (big blimp centre) both of which were being harassed by a crow (moderate sized blimp, slightly below). Sunday mornings are always busy out here .... sometimes we are lucky enough, in the breeding season, to watch the parent eagles teach their young the finer art of flying, fishing and catching thermals.

Food for thought

2012-01-21T21:54:00.001+10:00

Mushroom leather - dried from large field mushrooms that were sacrificed for breakfast this morning and had their skins dried on paper towel throughout the day. They stitch easily, especially in layers - there is a residual smell (not offensive) after storage - just make sure they are really dry before putting away!

Tonight, while finishing off my entry for Beneath the Southern Sky the WMBM brought a plate of sustenance. Yum squared - peaches and kiwi fruit.

Some weeks ...

2012-01-21T20:05:00.001+10:00

Some weeks I leave the tea-bags to dry for 4-5 days, only unfolding them when absolutely "crispy". The patterns are always beautiful to me - this one reminds me of rock art! It needs to be stitched and perhaps will be the basis of the postcard art that needs to be sent off to Philadelphia PA by the end of the month ...

This is the reverse of something I've now finished quilting and hopefully in the coming weeks or months we can do a "reveal' on the front. It has a cadastral theme .....and yes, I still thread baste - much prefer it to pins (and I know that makes me so out of step with the rest of the world).

Sketching, books and doodling

2012-01-15T05:19:00.002+10:00

Part of spending time in the garden has also been to consider time, space and change (no I'm not particularly cerebral, it's the last assignment in exploration of textiles). I've taken to date stamping my pages so that I can track my journey more accurately (and I just love those roll-around-the-date-pick-your-own-adventure-it's-my-version-of-the-tardis date stamps). I may even start a separate log of journal page musings ... Above is a time line of change for our property. Pre-1800s there was forest akin to that now protected in the Main Range National Park behind us - the floorboards of our home are made from a single tree - when the house was built in the early 1900s. That part of the time line is all house and cattle, next to no trees. Finally, under a different type of care by the WMBM more than 1300 trees, shrubs and bushes have been reinstalled. All eras have been of caring for the land and expressing that care in different contexts.

Another look at change - from the established trees to the 4-6 year olds and the ongoing mission of WMBM with the tube stock, duly supported until well enough established to survive scorching summers, frosty winters, drought and flooding rains - all in the space of a good year! There's another change, from tree top to the water table below (we reside on an aquafer that produces something akin to diffused soda water from about 40 feet underfoot)

Finding inspiration

2012-01-14T11:59:00.000+10:00

This is my special place in one of the gardens where I can think about things. This morning I took some photographs trying to look at this place of rest with fresh eyes. I especially loved the gumnuts on the floor of the garden - it wasn't until I enlarged the photos that the seeds became evident - another lesson about my perception of empty space. This was reinforced by the hive of activity, literally, occurring in that place between the dried bark and the dead stump. Almost an oversight, there are a number of ants conversing and scurrying before this afternoon's predicted showers and there's even a little winged bug resting under a leaf of grass (bottom of picture, between 5 and 6 o'clock). An accident of camera settings and the dreamy play of light through the fimbriata also captured a sense of hammock and restful contemplation ... which is where I intend to spend the next part of this beautiful day.

Speaking of narratives ...

2012-01-08T19:05:00.001+10:00

A funny thing happened on the way to finishing an assignment today. One of those moments when the reverse side of the piece ended up doing all the talking. So here's to surprise outcomes, the unexpected, and an (edited) version of the tale ...

Narrative: The images represents the imbalance of power in a relationship as the dominant mug overpowers the more delicate, saucered tea cup. The mug is neither physically violent nor abusive towards the tea cup, it is about controls in the absence of presence, the lack of materiality about the mug and the relationship. It is about ... instant coffee. The mug fails to understand the cup can be fragile and needs to be held, balanced and supported. The cup realises that marriage is for life, not forever. The marriage, like the broken tea cup, does not hold anything of substance or sustenance for life. After many years, the cup breaks free, accompanied by a box of Tupperware. The cup and saucer are immediately reborn, cherish the consumption of Twinings English Breakfast tea and grow on many levels.

Post script: after finding God in three different places after the cup left, the mug became comfortable it was okay just as it was – and combined with the inability to self reflect, the mug lived happily ever after).

Below is the front of the intended assessment piece - using recycled / used tea bag papers - the tannin stains, copper thread and black thread didn't create sufficient contrast for the purpose of the exercise. I really enjoyed the process - to be filed away in the "remember for next time folder".

Precious memory holder ... or The Book

2012-01-08T18:46:00.001+10:00

Today was a day for quiet reflection with just a splash of mild panic. Reflecting on how peace-filled days at Tarome can be, and mild panic that today was not that kind of day. Fiddled with this piece which, when beaded and otherwise embellished, will form the cover of a book that is coming to fruition - albeit slowly. The three tags across the base are constructed from ... you guessed it, the WMBM's repurposed shirt. Maxine's silk roll was couched into a border, Jan's bag of goodies from the last 2QAQ swap meet came in handy with some glorious silks and Lisa Walton's beading course is the gift that keeps on giving. However, today was more about thinking through the execution of my "Beneath a Southern Sky" entry which is due on 25 January. The specifications (100cm x 40cm in the vertical rather than horizontal) are really interesting because there is such an opportunity for a narrative that perhaps a more "square" or slightly rectangular shape doesn't lend itself to in the same way. So what story can be told beneath a Southern sky? I got to thinking about our Keith who would have been 71 today - one of the last of the true, old bushies and of all the campfires he and Lorraine must have sat around as they travelled mile after mile of this country. They never missed an opportunity while they had it and nor should I - so it's back to the studio (I always wanted to say that ...)

Take one old shirt ...

2012-01-07T20:19:00.000+10:00

Last night the WMBM gave me one of his old shirts - I am serious here about old - as in pre-Goddess days - open weave, mustard colour - and absolutely perfect for converting into something of use. It was like a chemistry lab in that room 'til quite late .. and here's the end result - a new fabric that has layers of wrapping paper, cards and tissue embedded in what was once the back of that shirt - Beryl Taylor's book is full of so many ideas - and when I play I make quite a few "samples" which are then filed and stored for later use ... I haven't thought too much about how this piece will be stitched but I sense the copper thread coming out of retirement. I also started making a book - the old fashioned way. Maybe a sneak peek tomorrow ..... I do love working with black velvet. Assignment? What assignment?

Mola and the additive / reductive process

2012-01-06T07:28:00.000+10:00

Going home today and packing a few clothes and 20 kg of study materials for the weekend. This week the dining-table studio helped produce some layering (additive) and revealing (reductive) pieces including further work on this piece from the previous post. I fused two of the rusted interfacing pieces then added the rusted silk which had been Shiva rubbed (see earlier post) over a lino cut stamp made last year. The next phase was to stitch layered, small squares of water soluble paper over the lino-cut design and produce the negative (or positive) form of the lino cut - so where the spiral is highlighted in the gold Shiva rub by its absence, the moulded paper produced delightful ridges and bumps which were painted with watercolour and also gold rubbed when dry. The three hearts made from pepsimax cans (cut, flattened and blow torched by Kate) are now veiled under rusted chiffon. The selvage from a rusted piece of old hospital sheet (still thick and rich after all these decades ) has been wrapped in small pieces of chiffon opening at one end like flowering buds. It's still a work in progress - assignment due next Tuesday which really means Sunday night. I have enjoyed thinking about these processes - the end product is not so important as what happens in the head - and heart.

An example of using mola as a reductive and then additive process. One layer at a time removed before adding a piece of the second layer in a rolled form, couched into the space.

New Year, Many Passions

2012-01-02T08:32:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year and best wishes for a creative 2012 in whatever form that takes. One of the ways I've held myself to account in that sense is through the SAQA Visioning Project which I joined in 2010. SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) is an organisation that, among many other things, promotes art quilts to the world. The visioning project is where members can commit to a particular project or task (perhaps a solo exhibition, or developing a website, carving out time to experiment, create a body of work etc) and report back to the group each month by uploading into your visioning journal page. In 2012 I've committed to continuing my art studies and getting my website up and running. The ever-patient Brenda-Gael will be pleased about that! One of the reasons (distractions) that has slowed me down over the holidays has been playing with the fabrics Ankie and I rusted - interfacing that now resembles tanned leather, silk embellished with gold Shiva - it is veiling three stitched metal hearts (thanks Kate for the sheets of Pepsi-Max) and who would have thought the old meat mallet would come in so handy? Beaten Pepsi-Max sheets rule! There's also some Tyvek paper which was layered with wrapping papers and tissue paper - another distraction for which Beryl Taylor's "Mixed Media Explorations" is responsible. I'm also sharing the SAQA Oceania Representative role with Lisa Walton in 2012/13 - and looking forward to meeting many of the other SAQA representatives and members in Philadelphia this March.

This year I am also undertaking the Queensland Quilters Teacher Accreditation which has prompted me to progress a box of blocks made some time ago. I managed to get them all joined and now basted for hand quilting which I will be able to progress on my return to Cairns. I could hear Ruth Stoneley in my ear every time I thought I had basted a quilt sufficiently well - "just another row" and so it went - this quilt top has been basted to within an inch of its life and well worth taking the time to do it properly. Here's to your 2012 - may it be everything you want it to be - and more.

Tea bags and rust

2011-12-30T13:11:00.002+10:00

A precious day with Ankie yesterday - and her WMBM - where 50 tea pot bags later (with the assistance of some Sulphate of Iron and Caustic Soda) we had rusted our way through old hospital bed sheet, organza, various weights of silk, pelon, interfacing, PFD cottons and anything else that would stay still long enough to be "dunked and dipped".

We started with 50 pot bags and two huge jugs of boiling water left to draw and cool while we caught up on all sorts of others things - like State of the Art Quilt 12 and Beneath the Southern Sky - both of which are due in another 5 weeks or so - then it was back to the tea bags.

The recipe and process we used can be found at http://essellesbabble.blogspot.com/2006/04/rust-solution-dyeing-tutorial.html and the results are limited only by the order of dipping, length of time in the solutions and ... it's an endless supply of outcomes.

Nothing better than a heap of fabric drying on the line - in another week they'll be ready for washing. The interfacing came out like sheets of tanned parchment - so there's the foundation for journal pages - which will be made into a book of ... textile art samples. Thank you Ankie - a great day.

Silk, string or sisal?

2011-12-28T11:21:00.002+10:00

It looks like string or sisal but it feels like magic - thick, twisted silk - one of my favourite Christmas presents arrived by post - and I'm thinking about all those individual strands of beauty - all those lines of colour, twisted and intertwined - and all the possibilities .....

The year that is and was

2011-12-24T08:12:00.000+10:00

With the holiday season upon us, I was searching for the "thing" or the "moment" that, for me, was 2011. I found so many. As always, it is the people in our lives who we love and love us, the passion and excitement that comes from following the path of dreams and that rarest of opportunities to share your life with someone who dances in the garden of your heart and does not trample the flowers. Wishing you all a safe and peace-filled holiday season and the very best for the coming year.

Landscape in Black and White

2011-12-17T20:34:00.002+10:00

Today was a chance to experiment some more with black and white. First go to Cairns Sewing Centre and try to hire sewing machine for a few months - it's cheaper to buy one. Oh Dear. Then it was time to plan out a number of transitions from black to white, or white to black. Also tried various combinations of black or white in the bobbin, and mixed up the black and/or white up top - changing the pattern gave different degrees of "grey" and transition. Next it was weaving, cord making, ruching and couching the thread leftovers, plaiting different ratios of black and white plastic, fabric and film. Lastly, some dense zig-zag variations and a few black stars - nothing too deep and meaningful - just an interesting day of play.

It's been ten years since ...

2011-12-15T20:26:00.000+10:00

What haven't you done for ten years? For me it was the movies. So last night I was invited out, in the intimate setting of three full cinemas of "chicks" and just before the movie started I thought ..... OMG it's my bedtime. I did laugh, along with many hundred of others, through New Years Eve. I light hearted fun film that was not too long, not too short and I have no idea what Margaret and David would think of it. So while it's not a movie that will ever turn up on SBS2 it is a great distraction from everything else and loaded with so many famous people (I took the frequent ooohs and aaaaghs as a sign that I should have known who they were) including the enduring and beautiful Robert de Niro. I know there were only three actors in the entire production that I could not have given birth to and the New York scenery for the most part was simply .... big. New Year's Eve is a great laugh and a fun night out. Thank you Fi, Mel, Jem, Carol, Bel, Caroline and Em.

Two of those famous people

Greyscales and stitches as marks

2011-12-13T06:30:00.000+10:00

Sketching out some ideas for black / white and greyscales I got to thinking about Mola and the "negative" space that's left with the removal of each layer - and wondered if my stitched piece was capable of bleeding? So I cut the discard pieces into strips then scrunched and folded and stitched them onto a base fabric (a hand towel from an airline and something that the laptop computer came wrapped it that has now become a nuisance I drag around with me). In the white spaces I started to use variations of black thread, white thread, double white, double black and black and white thread in single then double configuration and randomly stitched the exposed parts building up the layers of stitches to create a different kind of greyscale. Definitely not the world's most attractive expermiment but lots of fun.

It's all black and white (and orange)

2011-12-12T22:25:00.000+10:00

Black and white fabrics were part of my sewing fix this week - all hand sewing which makes a nice change - and I couldn't resist this piece of orange in the discount bin. Six layers and some mola applique with a different take - variations in black and white rather than the beautiful and colourful fabrics used more traditionally. Some single thread chain stitch for added texture and two television shows later ... a bit of fun!

Thursday Island #2

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000+10:00

The foreshore on Thursday Island has been redeveloped in recent years and now includes these beautiful turtle sculptures - at this time of year, the doldrums, they are heading to the water for a cool off. Woven hats and baskets are available for purchase at the cultural centre shop as well as exquisite items made from recycling the ghost nets that trap and kill anything unfortunate enough to become entangled. I couldn't take any photos inside of course - be assured some of the best lino print and other art works in the world reside within its walls. I love this time of year in the Far North - the colour of the foliage - purple, reds and green and of course, the fishing!

Pollen and petals

2011-12-11T15:30:00.000+10:00

This week has been spent, sans Thursday Island, working through a 3D textile piece. Reverse Garbage (Brisbane) was the source of the furnishing fabrics - including some lush velvets and I painted some lutrador before burning holes in it with the brule burner soldering iron thing. Since lutrador ordinarily is applied beneath the lounge chair or mattress ensemble, for this piece it has been elevated in status and come out from "underneath". The stamens are beaded wire (thank you Ankie) and the pollen heads created from paper pulp before being painted with acrylic orange / yellow. Some additional beads were required to secure the pollen heads - then wire tendrils have been used to interconnect the stamens. I've been reading about the artists Wolfgang Laib (pollen and art), Anniken Amundsen (thinking about tendrils and toxins), Yoshiki Hishinuma (creating) new textiles using heat), and Cornelia Parker (the ability to suspend time).

Texture in the Torres

2011-12-11T08:17:00.001+10:00

This week I've been privileged to return to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. I came across this post at the main jetty - evidence of time and salt on the metal capping. The second picture reminded me of an aerial view of the Nullabor Plan under a full moon - the salt pans appear to shimmer - but it was my room sentry at The Jardine. So many ideas for art quilts - the challenge is to distill "the one" idea and refine it - how is it related to my current theme? Is this idea taking me off on a tangent? Is it worthy of further exploration at another time and if so, will I live long enough to return to it? All these considerations need to be resolved ... but not today!

Shimmering skin

My room sentry @ The Jardine

Looking north from the foreshore

St Andrew's Church

Commemorating the Spanish explorer Torres (1606)

The view to Prince of Wales Island

Return to the Australian mainland

Thread sketching

2011-12-04T09:27:00.001+10:00

Decided to start this glorious summer's day with reacquainting myself with my other best friend - who has been untouched for a few months while I've been working from the Far North. I found a sewing shop last week in Cairns that will let me go and sew all day for the price coffee and cake - and I'm tempted! Had a play with trying to "thread sketch" some drawings from the last few days and experimented on some furnishing fabric (far below) before hooping some PFD and achieving a much better result. I got a roll of PFD from Lisa Walton @ Dyed and Gone to Heaven - a beautiful 220 thread count. I used black thread up top, and Superior beige bottom line on the bobbin. Practise. Practise. Practise. I think the shadowing on the far bottom attempt is better than the hooped PFD version. It's early stitches ... and am about to head over to Ankie's for a cherished catch up before the TLC (Tarome Ladies Club) Christmas get-together this evening. Each month the ladies of Tarome gather on the first Friday for chin wagging and the kind of fellowship I like. Each December however, the menfolk are included and we have an end-of-year Christmas Party at Myrtle's. The Christmas lights start going up at Myrtle's in August and each year Brian creates another unique addition to the previous years' efforts. In 2009 it was the 15' high champagne bottle that tipped sparkling contents into a champagne glass, 2010 introduced moving reindeer to the front garden .... who knows what magic he's created for 2011. Creative people are simply everywhere.

Sketching and threads

2011-12-03T13:13:00.001+10:00

Learning to draw and developing the habit of drawing is something I now get to practise a lot. In the confines of an airline seat I get about 5 hours a week to keep my elbows in tight and draw. It can be challenging for a left-hander - which is why I try to sit window seat, port side whenever possible. They say that the practice of practise makes perfect - and I know it to be true - and luckily for me there would appear to be a few more flights in the goddess yet - the next step will be to thread sketch these as a further part of exploring the elements and principles of art in the context of textiles.

Home is where the heart is ...

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000+10:00

Edible garden (l) and the start of the native garden (r)

A few pics from recent times - and the answer to "what does the WMBM do all day?" Let's just say ... I work with textiles, WMBM works with nature. There's always somewhere - a bench, a seat, a cool spot, a shady retreat for quiet reflection, sketching, peace.

From the top paddock (Mount French, Mount Edwards, Mount Alford)

From the top paddock the view is surreal - in the mountain kind of sense - and while we don't try to compete with Colorado for height - we don't get the altitude sickness - a happy medium.

Mount Frazer

Mount Frazer is to our north - and the Moreton Bay Ash provides plenty of shade under which it is so restful to simply sit, and watch the world of birds fly past.

Cool shade from the heat of the day

Cockatoos and Corella's love these

A riot of colour

An explosion

A favourite

Flowering on the branch

Taking shape - Texture and the Visual Diary

2011-11-27T19:49:00.001+10:00

What a stunning weekend - flew home Friday and didn't take the foot off the accelerator from the Brisbane Airport until I hit Tarome - a relatively quick trip and and eternally grateful to the lady on board who felt unwell and managed to eliminate our holding pattern sequence. Thank you. Just sometimes I'm okay with queue jumping. Home again home again - so good for the soul and beats the bejeepers out of chicken soup. This weekend I finally got to start exploring texture as part of a textiles unit at Curtin University. From cardboard carton, to peeled and dried mushroom skin, silks, brocade, bathroom tile backing and a beer bottle cap - all evoke something that is the language of materials. It sent me racing back to Jane Dunnewold's Complex Cloth and Lyric Kinard's art + quilt - every time I read these texts I get something fresh and new from them. Just proof that you really are never too old ....

2QAQ ARTrageous Christmas Party today

2011-11-26T05:02:00.001+10:00

Flowers by the Window

Today is 2QAQ's ARTrageous Christmas Party at Gallery 169 to celebrate a creative 2011 and have a last look at the SotAQ11 quilts for this year. One of my favourite pieces is Julie Tasker's "Flowers by the Window" in which Julie used wet felting techniques incorporating merino wool and silk. The glass vase was created using silk handkerchiefs and gives such as sense of depth and contrast. The piece was then machine quilted. I just love it! Entries for SotAQ12 are due 1 February 2012 - it's time to put on the creative hat and get stitching.

Work on saturday

2011-11-19T18:19:00.001+10:00

A glorious day to be at work in Cairns - glorious day outside - and a lovely view from the 9th floor office. Sometimes I get to watch the ships coming in to port and unloading their wares, day in, day out - cruise ships spill visitors into Sheridan street for precious shopping time and quickie trips to the Daintree. There's always something happening. After work I went to the Cairns Regional Gallery and viewed the works of Tara Heben - her works remind me of Gauguin in some respects - vivid colours but essentially the undercover drawer is at work. I loved many of her works, and in particular Southerly Blow (2011). Heading back tomorrow for a look around the other 2 floors of the Gallery - which is a perfect way to spend a day out of the heat and humidity. The lychees, mangoes and tropical fruits are plentiful - finished the day shopping for fruit at Rusty's Markets then headed north to Manunda and the little unit of comfortable means where I've spent these past 8 weeks.

SotAQ artists @ Gallery 159

2011-11-13T06:52:00.001+10:00

What a great opening at Gallery 159 - and while SotAQ11 had previously been through an "official launch" the approach at Gallery 159 was convivial and relaxed - which means we all got to chat about art quilts for several hours and hear from particular quilt makers a short burst about their preferred techniques, style and inspiration. Mel Forrest, Helen Kidd and Suzanne Marshall (below) discuss the finer points of exhibitions.

In the absence of Ankie King, I got to share (below) her inspiration for creating Tulip Fields (r) and 100 Squares (l). We missed you Ankie - see you very soon!

Felicity Clarke (below) shared the inspiration for her reflection on life - a beautiful and moving piece that follows birth through to death.

Helen Kidd (below) shared her Banff Canada holiday influence on Fire and Ice and how the various colours of ice were created.

Mel Forrest (also below) talked about her inspiration for My New York and the way photographic images are incorporated into her artworks.

A wonderful way to spend an afternoon - and the exhibition will be open until the ARTrageous Christmas Party for 2QAQ members on the 26th November. Check the Gallery 159 opening hours

Gallery 159 @ 3.30pm today for SotAQ11

2011-11-12T09:04:00.001+10:00

This is meant to be a picture of the invitation to our SotAQ11 opening at Gallery 159 today. Life often reveals to us how we are simply not as clever as we think - even a goddess like myself. So, instead of the gorgeous PDF invitation that Mel Forrest cleverly designed, here's a small section of part of one of the quilts at SotAQ11 today. Please feel free to come along and share the opening with us @ 159 Payne Road, Ashgrove.

Mossman Gorge and the Daintree

2011-11-10T02:44:00.001+10:00

Mossman Gorge is accessed from the southern side of Mossman, about 10 minutes north of Port Douglas. There are a number of public access tracks ranging from wheelchair friendly to easy to moderate ."Moderate" includes climbing up and down waterfall like areas, a lot of uphill and down dale rocky steps that required appropriate footwear. Made note to self about the footwear. My only "complaint" would be that looking down to avoid tripping reduces the time spent absorbing the imagery of this unique and unimaginable place.

The Gorge is more than exquisite - and we walked the 3-4 km trails in the aftermath of rain. At times the magic and mystery of the forest was overwhelming - in a truly beautiful sense. I wondered if Tolkien had taken inspiration from rainforest. Jeannie Baker's works came to life with each turn of the track.

Moss laden rocks, stairways to the light, ancient networks of roots - the machine quilting patterns seem endless, especially the root systems, vines and branches. Finally, some fungi that I could not do justice with the camera - brilliant black and orange against the nap of the mossy bark.

A weekend adventure in the Daintree

2011-11-09T19:46:00.000+10:00

Thala Beach Lodge sits high above the ocean just off the Captain Cook Highway, about 10 minutes south of Port Douglas. It was the first stop on our mother / daughter weekend together after pancakes on the Esplanade in Cairns - and the only things rivalling the views were the house made cheese balls, duck crepes and a parfait dip with grilled bread. The champagne wasn't bad either! The lodge is heaven on a stick and then some. We were made most welcome, as day trippers, and decided we had to return. The view from the dining area is gorgeous - open and inviting - immersed in the trees and wildlife.

Next stop Port Douglas where we walked for miles, so it seemed, in search of lookouts, lighthouses and the beautiful (if tiny) multi faith church serving serenity by the windowful. Long sits not recommended for those who melt quickly or prickle in the humidity.

We had a great time at Mossman Gorge which deserves its own post - then we spent Monday on the old Kuranda Railway - it's been a year since the last train adventure in the Rockies - and did girlie things at the top (Kuranda), including a close encounter with the WMBMs favourite wild bird and rather smart to ignore the humans trying to attract its attention.

Last part of the weekend was the Skyrail over the rainforest - an incredible experience that has lost none of its magic over the years - here we are crossing the Barron River. It is sometimes good to be still, and quiet, and simply listen with one's heart.

Gerhard and Natures Face Art

2011-11-08T19:39:00.001+10:00

A really nice thing happened on the way to the market in Cairns on the weekend. I met Gerhard Hillmann from naturesfaceart on the Esplanade with his exquisite photography, cards and fabric squares. The selection of colourways and imagery is vast - landscapes with earthy and autumnal tones, the electric colouring of Ulysses butterflies and passion flowers, wattle and eucalyptus leaves, lilly pilly and a kaleidoscope of natures art. The images are printed on quality cotton and are available individually or in coordinated packs through Gerhard's website or by email. Thank you Gerhard - your work is simply beautiful. I can't wait to get back to sewing and being creative with these squares.

Gallery 159 and State of the Art Quilt 11

2011-10-31T23:03:00.002+10:00

Wow - it is hard to believe that in two short weeks Gallery 159 will host the State of the Art Quilt 11 (SotAQ11). The exhibition starts on 12 November. This year a number of the artists whose works were juried into SotAQ11 will be talking about their works, what inspired them and all things art quilt. Ankie King's One Hundred Squares was created through a self-challenge to work in black, red and gold and create one hundred squares. Each square is different and contains many surprises on closer inspection. Everyone is welcome to attend. Where: Gallery 159 @ 159 Payne Road, Ashgrove When: Saturday 12 November 2011. The exhibition runs until the 2QAQ Christmas Party on 26 November - gallery hours are available from the TAFTA website. Many thanks to Janet De Boer and the TAFTA Board for their ongoing support of SotAQ.

One Hundred Squares by Ankie King
Image of Ankie King

Masters Art Quilts Vol. 2

2011-10-30T09:31:00.003+10:00

Sunday has arrived cloaked in grey. A perfect day for sipping the delights of Masters Art Quilts Vol 2 which has been curated by Martha Sielman of Studio Art Quilts Associates (SAQA) published by Lark Crafts. Masters is 414 pages of sumptuously illustrated major works by forty artists including Jane Dunnewold, Laura Wasilowski, Dianne Firth and Alice Beasley. For me, this book is a must-have reference for art quilters and textile artists alike. I am particularly taken with Alice Beasley's work - her ability to encapsulate the rawness of human emotion with hand cut equally raw-edge applique. Alice's 1994 quilt Home Street Home is featured in Masters. It depicts a homeless war veteran lying on the footpath with a half smoked cigarette, old newspaper and sign for company. A doll carrying, young girl walks off the left hand edge of the quilt. Alice exquisitely contrasts the vulnerability and stillness of the homeless man against the haste and speed of the passing girl. Alice frequently uses the tool of extension whereby a small part or piece, such as a foot or elbow, pokes out of the quilt. In Home Street Home the girl appears to literally be walking from the quilt and into our world, pulling the confronting imagery with her into the forefront of our thinking. I love the way in which Alice has used privilege to challenge the viewer's consideration of race (white girl/black man), young over old, a taker over one who has sacrificed to support that privilege, upright over prostrate - the artist challenges us on many levels through this quilt. Alice uses print fabrics and free cuts them to create what she calls "objective realism".

Detail - Home Street Home (1994) From a photo by Jim Jacobs
Masters Art Quilts Vol 2, p. 189

Another inspirational artist is Laura Wasilowski who's quilts are created from her own hand dyed fabrics. Laura uses vibrant colours - especially orange, turquoise and green and uses machine and hand quilting for added emphasis. Quirky, fun and cheeky. Laura uses scraps that she describes as "starter dough" and talks of the endless possibilities that arise from their use. My favourite from Masters is Reading Lamp (2009) the style of which reminds me of Vincent Van Gogh (although I get that reading lamps are very much post VVG). I love the way Laura's use of colour is playful and how her quilts celebrate the ordinary, bringing them to new life in her art quilts.

Detail - Reading Lamp (2009) From a photo by George Tarbay
Masters Art Quilts Vol 2, p. 249

(Masters Art Quilts Vol 2 was provided for review by Lark Crafts)

Thank you Getaway Girls

2011-10-29T13:23:00.000+10:00

Flew home for the weekend to the WMBM and a large stack of snail mail which contained a most precious gift from the Getaway Girls - fifteen squares with everything from beautiful red work to a crazy patch and everything in between. Thank you so much - and I'll bring them along to our next ... getaway!

More from "Nested" exhibition

2011-10-29T10:03:00.000+10:00

Ankie King's works from our recent Nested exhibition were suspended from the gallery ceiling and appeared to float, at eye level. Each nest was hand crafted - each petal individually made - Ankie's artistic use of paper fibres, hand dyed fabrics, silk, beading and found objects.

Print making weekend

2011-10-24T08:04:00.000+10:00

Had a wonderful two days print making with Brian Robinson and some very talented artists, teachers and learners. My arms are aching which just goes to prove that workshops can be a workout. Carve and lino cut your way to fitness I say. Some of the works being created were exquisitely detailed - flora, landscapes, fish, traditional dreaming - a real and unexpected treat.Thank you everyone and to Belinda, for a mini-workshop within a workshop on watercolour.

Creativity Exercises on Planes

2011-10-23T08:00:00.000+10:00

This is a great exercise to do with other people - and if one is trapped in seat 6A en route to Cairns it helps to tap into a few versions of yourself. Time limits for each quadrant of the paper applies sufficient pressure not to think too hard and "just do it". I thought about printing fabric - how to explore an idea and let one idea bleed into the next - arriving at quite different individual pieces that make up the connected yardage. For this exercise fold a piece of paper into four, choose a person, animal, inanimate object, building, landscape, vegetable ... whatever. Draw one of these in the first quadrant, making sure some of the lines extend into the next quadrant(s) depending on how the paper is folded. Cover up the first drawing, change drawing implement in need and proceed with a different category into the next quadrant. There are so many impressive examples of this around - and on YouTube some inspirational collaborative efforts - Exquisite Corpses. My drawings were inspired by (1) Row 5A/B - chatting about Tibet (2) Seat 6B and partner across the aisle in seat 6C and (3) their intended holiday adventure. We landed before I got to the fourth quadrant ... lots of fun and another opportunity to use otherwise unaccounted for time to boost the creative juices.

Around the block

2011-10-22T17:07:00.001+10:00

This morning I listened to a lecture about some rather rule-breaking rebellious disaffected youth artists in the 1950s who took it upon themselves to"drift" - into hospitals where they climbed into vacant beds, into taxis beside rather surprised, paying passengers - ended up in various degrees of trouble and perhaps got arrested more than once. Funny how I can't remember what they were called. However I thought about drifting sans the hospital scenario and found myself two kilometres from the unit walking into the djumbunji press. Stayed all day. Another day tomorrow. Thank you Brian Robinson and some new friends. Drifting rules!

Ankie King @ the Queensland Quilters Quilt Show

2011-10-22T08:33:00.002+10:00

This weekend is the Queensland Quilters' Quilt Show in Brisbane - what I wouldn't give to be there. Ankie King's exhibition of "The Lady Dyed the Blues" is worth the trip into South Brisbane just to see her Indigo dyeing techniques expressed in the form of quilts, kites and jackets. Congratulations Ankie!

More from Nested

2011-10-22T08:14:00.000+10:00

Some more from our "Nested" exhibition - including Nestination USA (left, left) woven from fabric trimmings of Sue Dennis' Destination USA exhibition quilts. Once woven, the centre piece was stitched then moulded, leaving the ends untrimmed - they point to other destinations. Cuerda (left, bottom) was created from cords made from the thread bag and other offcuts, free motion zig zagged in variegated thread then formed into the nest. Petal (left, top) is layered nests one of hand dyed silk pieces by Ankie King nested in a base created entirely from thread. Air (below) is made from Perle cotton thread and has not been cut. The first nest is joined to the second nest and remains connected to their point of origin. reflection (below, top) is layered mulberry silk that was hand dyed then stitched and moulded before being hand beaded. Similarly hand dyed mulberry silk was stitched then moulded into a nest before being hand beaded to create Translucence.

What do you miss?

2011-10-20T21:18:00.001+10:00

After the WMBM and some really, really special friends and relatives (you know who you are) I really, really miss my Bernina. After work this evening I toddled off towards my temporary new home and happened to remember the Cairns Sewing Centre is just ... a few miles up the road. Yes it's true. I stood outside the window of the closed shop ... trying to peer through the glass into the darkness ... and knew at long last what it was to be a dog outside a butcher shop. I did ever so slightly paw at the glass ... but couldn't see much inside. Still, I returned ~~home~~ unit-ward feeling like I'd had a little fix.

The closest I've got to working with fabric and stitching textiles these past two weeks is a collage ... incorporating some indigo dyed cheesecloth (like when was THAT dream ever going to eventuate ... after the Camembert's turned out so hard the dog would not even chase them as Frisbees ... another post for another day) ... yes some indigo dyed cheesecloth and themed around blue ... magazines, postcards and the like. As there are still no scissors allowed on domestic flights, I have taken to tearing ... accompanied by my Mum's glue stick, what more could a goddess want? (P.S. Mum... I'll replace the glue stick next visit xxx)

Lying on concrete

2011-10-18T10:01:00.001+10:00

Ankie, Sue and me - all on the concrete floor in the name of "Nested". Here we are, on the rained out opening night in front of the Wedding nest (also below, created by Sue) and Rio Grand del Norte I and II. Can't wait to show you Ankie's exquisite pieces seen suspended in the background. All pics are thanks to Kerri Jessep from Jessep Photography who photographed the entire exhibition and artist portraits on the night. I'll post more from the Exhibition over the next few posts.

Home is where the soul rests

2011-10-15T07:49:00.004+10:00

Me (left) and Ankie (right) "bumping in" at the Art Factory Gallery

It's been a big few weeks firstly in Cairns, then Adelaide , a return to Cairns via Brisbane and now back in Tarome. Life's a wonderful blur sometimes! In the midst of the storms in Brisbane on Thursday night, a little island emerged in South Brisbane, filled with nests and family, as the rain induced moat swelled around the entrance. We had such a hoot - copious conversation, champagne and friends. Thank you Ankie and Sue! Nested is open today, Sunday and Wednesday 10 am - 4pm with all proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service - a small thank you for getting Dad into Hospital earlier this month.

Nested opens Thursday 13th @ Art Factory Gallery

2011-10-09T11:16:00.000+10:00

It is so hard to believe that "Nested" opens on Thursday 13th (I think that's four more sleeps) at the Art Factory Gallery, South Brisbane. Ankie, Sue and I have agreed that all proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service who airlifted some very precious parents to Adelaide from Ceduna, South Australia as they made their way home to Brisbane from Western Australia. An unforgettable trip as it turned out. Quite an unforgettable 50th birthday for me, too. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and wishes over the last fortnight - they have been greatly appreciated by the entire family. Sue's ceramic hand-pinched clam shells are exquisite, as are Ankie's textile nests. My favourite piece, The Wedding Nest, by Sue has to be seen in the cloth. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening of "Nested" on Thursday night from 6pm. The Gallery hours will be Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th and Wednesday 18th from 10am - 4pm. Other times by arrangement. Hope to be able to catch up with some of you there.

Nested: An Exhibition by Ankie King, Sue George and Ali George

Art Factory Gallery, 84 Merivale Street, South Brisbane

Nestination USA was woven from trimmings and offcuts
sourced from Sue Dennis' exhibition "Destination USA".

Reflection is made from hand dyed silk,
machine stitched and hand beaded

Retreats, Birthdays and Appendicitis on the Nullabor

2011-10-02T12:46:00.001+10:00

This is a pic from our last retreat @ The Outlook Boonah. Which is where I am meant to be this weekend. So about far left of pic, I should have been sitting and working on a whole bunch of precious stuff that I've been looking forward to for months, including a birthday party last night. For me. Sue M and Co organised the whole thing - and here I am in Adelaide instead. I hope they had a marvellous time last evening. Such is life and a small note to self about galavanting across the Nullabor Plain (as one is quite entitled to do) and succumbing to appendicitis. So here we all are in Adelaide (Mum, Little Sister, Little Niece and me) taking up residence near the Royal Adelaide Hospital and looking after the precious stuff. Dad. While he makes a slow but positive recovery from surgery, we're here. And that is about the best birthday present a goddess could wish for .....

Lattitude and World Quilt

2011-09-24T09:11:00.001+10:00

At long last - here's a pic of Latitude (left and below) which was my 2011 entry to the Mancuso's World Quilt XV . Latitude is approximately 1400 square inches ... just bigger than one yard x one yard. The fabrics used are hand dyed (aubergine is my favourite colour for those in any doubt). The fabric was rubbed with Shiva sticks over a beautiful piece of public art in Ipswich outside my office. Leaves from a friend were stencilled. The surface is embellished with silks, some pieces hand dyed by Ankie King, and finally some tiny reflective square sequins and beads - just a few to catch the light were placed in and around the leaves. Hand and machine stitched, hand and machine quilted. A close up of one leaf (below) is Shiva stencilled leaf over dyed silk and cotton fabrics. Congratulations to the very talented Julie Haddrick for winning best of Country and Marlene King for viewers choice with their exquisite quilts. Our Australian World Quilt Competition Coordinator is Sue Dennis and you can find more information about World Quilt on Sue's website.

Julie Haddrick - The Beauty of Life

Marlene King - Travel

Creativity in Buckets

2011-09-19T06:30:00.000+10:00

Have just spent a few weeks playing with buckets (and so have 200+ other fellow bucket studiers). So here are two uses for a bucket (it's all from the one bucket) - a mouse trap created from the base that was leftover form the wind chime (should be called a "wind clack" as the chime is a bit of a stretch!) Loads of fun that has kept me away from sewing ... time to get a bit of balance back.

Nested exhibition - 4 weeks to go!

2011-09-18T13:14:00.001+10:00

Here is a sneak peek of "Nested" a joint exhibition with Sue George and Ankie King atthe Art Factory Gallery, South Brisbane from 13 - 19 October. In informatics,nested objects contain other objects of the same kind. Nested information is organised into layers ofrelated information. Nested objects are recursive, characterised by repetitionand recurrence, where interpretation requires numerous, successive executions. Sothe three of us have created our “Nested” works. The exhibition comprises 40 - 50 nests ranging in size from3 - 100 cm cubed. Nested will be an exhibition of 40-50 “nests”. Some are sculpted from porcelain slip, othersslumped and hand pinched porcelain clay. Some are sculpted from hand dyedtextiles, fibres (natural and manmade) and found objects. Opening night isThursday 13 October - from 6pm. If you'd like to share the evening with us,please contact me (ali at aliquilts dot com dot au).

Cherilyn Martin for Lunch @ Southbank

2011-09-17T16:00:00.000+10:00

This is sort of a re-post of yesterday's lunch with Cherilyn Martin- this time with pics (thanks Linda) - we had a wonderful few hours talking fibre and textiles and some beautiful "show and tell" by Linda, Kate and Cherilyn. In between our delightful moments, we managed to survive the experience of a couple of other diners who had cleverly trained their children to bang, yell, scream, shout, hit, bang, yell, hit, crash and generally infect the space of all the other diners. I'm not officially a "grumpy old woman" yet ... but I came close yesterday! The marauders of peace finished their pro-hart-like feeding frenzy and departed (unharmed I would add) before our photos were taken - perhaps that's why our smiles are so incredibly ... big!! No - it was truly the great company, talk and food @ Southbank with Cherilyn. Thanks for the invite!

2QAQ, Found Objects and Vik Muniz

2011-09-17T09:42:00.000+10:00

I am meant to be studying. I am meant to be responding to various pieces of public art I've been observing over the previous week and somehow I am experimenting with a program that creates collages - in all shapes and sizes .... and I'm playing with some of the 2QAQ pictures from earlier meetings this year (there are also a few ring-ins of my own). Lots of fun and the best part is the program Shape Collage is free. I can't wait for our 2QAQ Septemebr 24 meeting - where we reveal our challenge pieces - Found Objects. Back to the statues and Vik Muniz. Sigh. Internet osmosis is a wonderful process - I never get tired of Vik Muniz. Long live all our creative processes and the man who's Found Objects art will inspire me for decades.

Home again ... it's Friday

2011-09-16T20:30:00.000+10:00

What an exquisite day - work involved being at Cleveland, about 45 minutes east of Brisbane city. I arrived early and I took in some of the Art Walk - details available from the Art Gallery and Redlands Council and also online. Then I headed back to the city and had lunch with friends Linda and Kate at Southbank in Brisbane and got to meet Cherilyn Martin who is about to teach FibreArts in Townsville from 18 - 24 September and ClothArt in the Hawkesbury (Sydney) from 25 September - 1 October. Wow doesn't seem to cover it. My head is still bursting and bustling with ideas. So it was a very excited and contemplative drive home this afternoon. As always, I paused on Villis Bridge, to reflect on the day. I watched this cormorant fishing, wading then organising itself with wings held out - before it hopped onto a branch and settled itself. Ten minutes well spent in "pause mode". Then another mile to home and WMBM - that's Mount Edwards on the horizon, and Cunningham's Gap (reversed) in the rear view mirror. Still pinching myself .... thanks Linda, Kate, Cherilyn and the very obliging Cormorant.

Jondayan Heritage festival week

2011-09-09T18:24:00.000+10:00

Our dear friend and neighbour has been an inspiration over the past few weeks. When she wanted to go to the Jondaryan Heritage Festival (about 3 hours away on the other side of the Great Dividing Range) she needed to master a few critical things in a short time frame. First, learn how to tow the caravan. As usual, Lorraine just treated it like an overgrown horse float. Apparently she had towed that once before. She's been practising for 3 weeks and invented a bluetac and drinking straw contraption on the towball so she could see when it aligned to the caravan bit (I'm sure there's a tech name for it but WMBM isn't here to ask). Then she's been test driving and reversing the whole thing around the front paddock. Today was departure day. So before dawn, WMBM and I tried to sneak down in the near dark and set up a good luck message. It would have worked too except for the noise of the star pickets being slammed into the ground at 5.30 a.m. We could hear her grandson giggling as we headed back to our place for a cuppa. Have a great and restful time Lorraine and we hope you get to do lots and lots of absolutely nothing.

Reverse garbage treasure for Nested

2011-09-05T07:52:00.000+10:00

This is a nest. Well it will be when it is finished for our "Nested" exhibition - which finishes up as the Craft Fair and Queensland Quilter's show kicks off - and they are almost adjacent venues at South Brisbane! A trip to Reverse Garbage yielded small packets of furnishing fabric squares which I then played with, added lutrador that I had already painted and stitched and in some cases burned - then cut them all up into uneven strips. The strips have then been reformed into a nest - and there's a lot of embellishment required so lucky for me I'm up to the task! Below is the bird's eye view of the inner lining soon to be transformed with beading.

Journalling, Diaries and Creativity

2011-09-03T08:20:00.000+10:00

Curtin University through Open Learning University offers a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts and Visual Culture) - the whole degree can be completed online (there's quite a bit of Discussion Board participation which is akin to being in a classroom and interacting with your classmates) and lots of camera work to be uploaded. Mindmapping is one of the skills we practise. So is exploring all the possible and impossible uses of an object. I have committed the first act of vandalism in my life - I cut up a perfectly good bucket in the name of art!

Sue Dennis facilitated the 2QAQ group through a creative thinking exercise in 2010 - also with mindmapping exercises and I'm really feeling the benefit of maintaining a visual diary, and practising ..... every day!

2QAQ Demonstration Day

2011-09-03T07:57:00.000+10:00

Our August meeting at 2-quackers was a hoot. August is demonstration and sales day - and both Ros and Ankie took us to interesting places with painted batting and mono-printing. The only problem was we had to pack up and head home! I did a few mono-prints (no encouragement required) and this first piece was achieved by first rollering the black pigment and extender over the glass - and then tearing strips of paper towel which were placed variously over the painted glass. First print. Once that had dried sufficiently (and it didn't take long) the process was repeated using red and by placing the torn pieces of towel in different places I think the effect is quite nice. Finally, stamping in black then red. The next piece was double printed - first with aubergine scribbled through with a cotton bud, then red with finger wiggles. A couple of contrasting splodges of black gave the piece a lift. Finally, an aubergine piece reminding everyone about September's meeting - it's our "Found Objects" challenge reveal. Print achieved by writing in reverse using a cotton bud. It gets easier with practice!

Progress towards Nested Exhibition

2011-08-21T10:03:00.002+10:00

We're only 8 weeks away from "Nested" opening at the Art Factory Gallery in South Brisbane from 13-20 October. Sue and Bruce worked tirelessly yesterday on the structure of our major piece - giving it form. Over the next few weeks, Ankie, Sue and I will give it life. Can't wait to see what happens and you are more than welcome to come along to the exhibition to see the result up close and personal!

More surprises - the genesis of another of the exhibition pieces - followed by an experiment in wire, paper mache, bandages and silk. There's nothing like the excitement of hooking into a theme and hanging on for the creative ride.

Vicksburg Comes Home

2011-08-19T12:05:00.002+10:00

At last - Vicksburg is home! WMBM is pleased. It is hard to believe that nearly a year ago Lorraine and I were lunching at the La Veta diner in Colorado and talking to two locals about the "must dos" in Kentucky. The "must dos" included the National Quilt Museum at Paducah which followed our visit to Bardstown and several of the best Civil War museums on offer in the US. History and inspiration collided at Hancocks of Paducah where the WMBM's 60th birthday quilt was to have its genesis. Vicksburg was the historically inspired pattern from Bonnie Blue Quilts. Armed with WMBM's wish list of colours and several helpful aides the task of fabric selection was completed in only a few short hours. Mr Hancock posted everything back to Tarome which also inspired a note to self - always give advance warning of large parcels so that Kevin, our very obliging mail contractor can organise a suitable delivery vehicle. Many of you know it took some months to adjust the pattern and then piece the quilt blocks under the supervision of WMBM. I learned a lot listening to the "live" feedback throughout the project. Eventually Vicksburg was delivered to Barb Cowan from The Quilt Connection for the magic treatment. The transformation has been nothing short of miraculous. Vicksburg has come home just a few weeks shy of WMBM's next birthday. WMBM is pleased. A very big thank you to: Ricky and Justin for their quiet insistence and "must do" manifesto, HoP staff for their unfailing patience, Lorraine for making history come alive for me in Bardstown, and Barb Cowan from The Quilt Connection for stitching life and love into Vicksburg. Mostly it is a big thank you to the WMBM who, when asked what he wanted for his 60th birthday, simply smiled at me and said "A quilt. I want my very own quilt." WMBM is very, very pleased.

Up, Down, Up

2011-08-17T07:46:00.000+10:00

One of the WMBM's sisters arrived from the UK for a few weeks - so the Princess of Gommersal and the Goddess of Tarome had a few precious days away from it all with another friend on the Gold Coast. This included a visit to Seaworld where it was great to set aside the challenges of the last month or so and be big kids for a day. Here we are on the chair lift thingy - a challenge of a different sort overlooking the dolphins from on high. Thanks for a great few days and time to get the mojo back on track. It's time to "imagine" again.

Jumpers and Jazz

2011-08-07T09:39:00.000+10:00

It was Jumpers and Jazz last weekend in Warwick, south east Queensland. The WMBM's sister is visiting from England, so we headed off over Cunningham's Gap and descended into Warwick for a fun day. It was a fantastic day - great company, fabulous food and amazing textile art.

Mirrors @ Ipswich Art Gallery

2011-07-24T09:31:00.002+10:00

At last! After 7 weeks of renovation the Ipswich Regional Art gallery has reopened and includes the latest offering from Jeannie Baker. Mirrors is just exquisite - and worth the trip about 50 minutes west of Brisbane. The stairs are well worth the climb to a "pool fence" security gate where little people can indulge in collage activities and create their own version of the "journey". My favourite collage ... impossible to say. I'll be visiting regularly ... it was simply too much to take in with one visit. Mirrors is free to access - hope to see you there.

SAQA Benefit Auction 2011

2011-07-17T14:44:00.000+10:00

Sunset Wheat 2011 by Katharina Litchman is just one of the gorgeous 12 x 12 art quilts available this September in the SAQA annual benefit auction. There are more than 300 donated art quilts forming part of the auction - have a look at the above link and simply click on the relevant page (1a, 2b etc) for some inpirational small pieces. I'm lucky enough to have my donated piece on Page 2a - it's a real privilege to be in such artistic company!

Here is Sue Dennis's contribution from her Colour Patch Series - Orange and White #2
and lastly ... another beautiful quilt from Linda Robertus entitled Balance 3.

Destination USA by Sue Dennis

2011-07-15T09:34:00.005+10:00

Only one more sleep until Destination USA opens at Gallery 159 - Sue Dennis' solo exhibition from her trip to the US, and particularly Texas, where she spent three weeks as an artist in residence. The exhibition (for those of us lucky enough to live in or around Brisbane, Qld) will launch at 3pm tomorrow (Saturday) at Gallery 159, which coincidentally is at 159 Payne Road Ashgrove. Here's a sneak peek at "Rusty" - one of my very favourite art quilts by Sue - I cannot look at it without remembering my Pa ... who would have been 103 on July 4. and so many of Sue's art quilts and textile art evoke strong reactions and responses from me. Congratulations Sue and bring on tomorrow!

Update: and here we were at the openeing - Mel, me, Paul, Suzanne and Sue!

Rivers of Gold

2011-07-10T21:45:00.000+10:00

I spent much of this weekend pottering around in the sewing room / studio. This is the fabric I printed at Ankie's a few weeks ago - lots of finger painting on glass in black and gold. Stitched it all together last evening (sans shiraz) and today I finished it with a lustrous Japanese gold metallic ribbon (see close up). The quilt reminds me of the canyon at the Rio Grand in New Mexico - and so Rivers of Gold it is. A productive evening by the fire stitching down the binding and remembering the places that inspire my textile and quilt making. Time for bed, said Zebedee (apologies to The Magic Roundabout).

Cultiver Opens in Ipswich - and you're invited to the party

2011-07-09T13:22:00.001+10:00

Cultiver is a great new store that opened this week in Ipswich. Perhaps it's not quite a "store" in the traditional sense of the word. Cultiver is a place. It's space for handcrafted items and their creators. There is studio space for teaching, and space for goods to be showcased or placed on consignment. It is a terrific concept and I can't wait to get back to work next week so I can have a rest in the lounge with my cuppa. The focus is on locally sourced and produced items. Congratulations to Kyla and Bec for a great concept - and can't wait to be at the opening. If anyone is interested in attending, please let Kyla or Bec know via email

Finding myself ...

2011-07-09T13:10:00.000+10:00

Progress is being made. I started to think about "found objects". It could be argued that 9pm and a glass of wine in hand may not be the best time to start a project. However, I have been looking at some "nests" made by Little Sister for our upcoming exhibition and how she had used old sewing patterns to great effect. The base fabric loosely represents part of a jacket pattern and my "Found Objects' stamped fabric has been torn into strips and "rewoven" into the new me. The creative me. The textile arty me. In amongst the found objects, I have a sense that I found myself. No more peeks now until the big reveal @ 2QAQ.

Found objects challenge

2011-07-02T12:46:00.000+10:00

Those wonderful bits and pieces from one of WMBM's sheds got a new life this morning as they became stamps for a piece of cloth that will become my response to the 2QAQ Challenge - Found Objects. I especially loved the crushed bottle cap I found at the Wellers Hill Bowls Club at the last 2QAQ meeting - I stood on it getting into the car and had a thought. I also like the padlock and pipe pieces. While I was playing, I printed 6 or so pieces of cloth from a sheet of glass - a great size at 600mm x 600mm - and I can tape off a section in need to make a smaller printing area. I've placed the dyed fabric pieces between layers of plastic sheeting to let them rest and keep wet for as long as possible. Tomorrow they'll get a good wash then be left to "batch" for another 24 hours to finish the dyeing process. The other man in my life, Clancy, was a bit too keen to help out in the wet area. At nearly 60 kg (about 130 pounds), he's too cumbersome to be on the loose when I'm dyeing. He was nearly a different shade of burnt orange.

This is the blender ...

2011-07-02T09:27:00.001+10:00

This must be the ultimate in repurposing in appliances. Ode to Mum and apologies to Jack.

This is the blender that Mum bought.
This is the gift given to Ali of the blender that Mum bought.
This is the masher that pureed paper mache - the gift given to Ali of the blender that Mum bought.
This is the chomper that crushed many ice cubes and pureed paper mache - the gift given to Ali of the blender that Mum bought.
This is the blender that sluiced lime and tequilla over countless shaved icecubes and made magaritas after that faze of paper mache - the gift given to Ali of the blender that Mum bought.
This is the creator of chemical water with sodium alginate that once sluiced lime and tequilla over countless shaved icecubes and made margaritas after that short-lived moment of paper mache - the gift given to Ali of the blender that Mum bought.
This is a product commonly known as Manutex - ready for some MX dye and some fun. Woooo hoooo.
*and I do mean fazed by paper mache, it was just a short phase.

Life's like that and then some

2011-07-01T17:31:00.000+10:00

I got my first issue of FiberARTS magazine this week .... to find out it is the very last issue, ever. I've heard through the SAQA discussion board that this is a wonderful textile and art quilt must-have magazine ... which has decided to shut down due to what appears to be a lack of subscriptions / sales. I'm going to read it from cover-to-cover. How many people get the very last issue as their very first issue - I feel quite special.

At the 2QAQ meeting last Saturday I found this fantastic book ... and oldie and a goodie ... I think it might have come from Sue Dennis ... I can remember the event that was and is Jinny B from the late 1980's and how much I wanted a metre of every piece of fabric but instead learned heaps about scale, size, tone and so much more just by fondling the bolts in Ruth Stoneley's shop.
Lastly, I cut a piece of A4 sized fabric from the Waitangi rubbing piece - the gold shiva has a rather aged look about it - so I decided to print the photo version with the help of some freezer paper (and a little extra contrast and sharpness). The piece will sit on the quilt top in the vicinity of the rubbing. I may repeat this a few times, depending on how the fabric responds to this extra treatment. That it an exercise for tomorrow ... when I will likely go into procrastinate mode because I have an assignment due and even the ironing basket is looking attractive.

Monoprinting black and gold

2011-06-25T21:19:00.002+10:00

I recently tried monoprinting using black pigment instead of dye and gold fabric paint. Finger painting on crack is how I described it to Ankie. I started by rolling the black pigment, mixed with extender, over a pane of glass. I rolled in some gold for a few panels. The finger paint experiment began and I printed about 15 or so "panels" around the edges of some white poplin. Some prints were very black, others mottled grey and some entirely gold. I drew waves, curves, musical symbols and jagged triangles. Somewhere in there I even tried some reverse writing. Each time I printed with either the fabric over the glass or by pressing the glass down onto the fabric. Then I gave a gentle rub over the fabric to make sure the pigment / paint was well and truly where I wanted it. The finished piece dried for 24 - 48 hours and then was heat set by ironing under baking paper. Tonight I gave the piece another heat set - just to be sure and cut the panels into 3" squares. These are now on the design wall waiting for the natural light of morning and a rested set of eyes. That's the plan ...

Experimental layout

Another layout

Making the ordinary extraordinary

2011-06-23T20:58:00.001+10:00

On my way to Brisbane this morning I paused with about 2000 others in the midst of Mater Hill-meets-Woolloongabba. I think. There was this beautiful, delicate fern taking it all in from the second floor. Again I had cause to reflect on Dewitt Jones' (photographer extraordinaire) philosophy of viewing life through a different lens, and making the ordinary extraordinary. So when my meeting didn't actually take place ... I just smiled. It was worth a two hour trip to see the fern. I think. Only two more sleeps until 2QAQ meets again - this month we are progressing the Scapescrape workshop and we have some guest speakers who will be sharing their artistic journey - can't wait to see what Jan and Sue have been up to ....

Good morning Ipswich

2011-06-22T19:39:00.003+10:00

I woke up on the 12th floor of the Aspire Apartments in Ipswich this morning - and got to look out over the wintery lanscape and the clock tower. I walked up to Cactus for a delicious breakfast and did some people watching before heading down to the office (at the clock tower). All that glass int he intervening building gives me an idea for a variation of the Scapescrape workshop!

Scratchings

2011-06-20T19:31:00.001+10:00

I've been scratching of sorts - yesterday @ Boonah's Railway end, and then in one of WMBM's sheds. Sacred stuff really. Looking for "found" objects for the 2QAQ challenge - which is to incorporate or otherwise use found objects to create some art quilt magic. I ferreted around in WMBM's tractor shed (except that is houses the old ute, several hundred pot plant plastics, two halves of a power pole and lots of rusty things but no tractor). I found some objects of interest and put WMBM to the test as he performed the "light the fire so the goddess is warm" ritual, seated in front of the fireplace. What did I find? A piece of "rio" he said - which I think is rusted reinforcing from some long forgotten concrete project - then an old padlock and key that don't work but stay together, a flattened bottle top with #27 stamped on the inside. He sighed. Next a broken bit of bolt, a seal for the tail light of a car resplendent with wiring holes (no car to be seen), pieces of pipe in various stages of discarded rustiness and a spacer for something or other. All of these wisdoms from the WMBM made my eyes twinkle - and he was still holding the unstruck match.

A very important date

2011-06-19T15:06:00.000+10:00

Earlier in the week, the WMBM asked me out on a date today which included lunch at the Dugie (Dugandan) pub. After that we headed the short distance back into Boonah and rubbed the plaque that commemorates the end of the line, literally, from the time when the railway used to run all the way out here from Ipswich. Then, treat of treats, it was into Mitre 10 to see Phil and check out sheets of ply for the wet studio area, look at the soldering irons, and get a few supplies for downstairs. Sponge pads, dust masks and the like. And then there was this. WMBM looking up and down at the crumpled remains of the list: Have you got everything? Goddess: The thing is, when you shop, you proceed with military precision to the aisle that has the item on your list. When I shop, I cruise the aisles thinking about how each and every item could be used in the studio. I am only up to the third aisle." WMBM was last seen with the remains of the list, heading with military precision in the direction of the supermarket.

Art, Love and Life @ QAG

2011-06-18T17:24:00.000+10:00

Art, Love and Life was absolutely wonderful - as if there could be any other outcome? Apart from purchasing the catalogue, which we did not, no photos allowed. I can suggest a guided tour and a sense of wonderment will almost certainly result in a visit to the QAG. We had lunch with Steve Austin and his Bride + a few other ABC listeners who were fortunate enough to be selected for the tour and lunch @ QAG. What a hooty bunch they were and are. Not to be outdone, the menu was almost as impressive as the company - this is the passion fruit curd something or other enjoyed by Mum - I confess to being fascinated by the surrealism underneath it all. Maybe next visit .....

Aprons and rubber bands

2011-06-18T07:30:00.001+10:00

Ankie gifted all the dyeing participants a "blank" apron + pockets to dye in any one of the methods we learned at the retreat. I chose rubber-band-strangle and jam jar dyeing as two techniques for a colourful result (Apron 1). I also picked up some more felt balls at the Textile Art Festival in Brisbane last weekend. Thanks to Jenny Hunter from plumeart in New Zealand (where I first saw this great idea) made another bowl before retiring.
Today I'm off to the Art Gallery in Brisbane for a real treat with Mum - can't wait!

Textile Art Festival again

2011-06-13T20:21:00.000+10:00

It was a real family affair at TAF today - with Mum and Little Sister at the show - Mum's strip pieced jacket was a hit and I got to spend precious time with both Mum and Sue in one of the breaks. There is nothing like family .....

Boonah Retreat and Dyeing with Ankie King

2011-06-13T20:01:00.000+10:00

A fabulous weekend on retreat @ The Outlook, Boonah. Can't wait for September!

State of the Art Quilt 2011

2011-06-13T19:52:00.001+10:00

This is my entry for State of the Art Quilt 2011 Journal to Quilt @ 30000 feet interpreted a flight between Nashville and Chicago last September. You can check outthe other fantiastic entries here. After the initial squealing of being juried into the exhibition subsided, and the exhibition went on display, it is such a humbling experience to "hang" with so many gifted textile artists. It is also fantastic to be able to view the art quilts of other 2QAQ members, many of whom entered this year's SotAQ. Congratulations everyone!

Textile Art Festival 2011

2011-06-13T19:41:00.000+10:00

Not only is she a superb artist, but Sue Dennis can take a great photo! Felicity (l) me and Ros (r) setting up the State of the Art Quilt 2011 exhibition at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Friday. That's Sue on the far left, successfully cutting most of herself out of the photo. Finally got Sue in a shot with Felicity and Ros - with the exhibition prayer "Please do not touch the Quilts". What a fabulous exhibition!

Surfboards, thongs and pots

2011-06-09T07:45:00.001+10:00

Gold Coast City Council Art Gallery was overflowing with young people yesterday, preparing for the 2011 Northern Rivers Dance Festival. I escaped the throng by slipping into the gallery space. Vernon Ah Lee's works cant chant include surfboards that are decorated with forest shield designs on one side. The eyes of Aboriginal warriors appear on the reverse of the boards - quite haunting. Next was the work of Gerry Wedd's work includes thongs, a quirky take on Ming vases, tiles and plates with traditional blue and white ceramics and pottery. My favourite of the day was the wall of aluminium pots and lids - aptly named Aluminium. Every time my eye came to rest on a particular piece I was taken back to grandma's place or camping ... incredible aluminium.

Almost there ... the wet studio

2011-06-06T06:46:00.000+10:00

First I went to the WMBM sheds (yes he has several) and did a "recon" of the possibilities. At this moment in time the lower two shelves still have "stuff" in them unrelated to a wet studio. No goddess needs to be that low tot he ground in any event. Next step was to position the table and other cupboard to maximise the light - it's a southern facing area so WMBM will get the electricians in this week to create a more permanent and safer working area. An old table has been converted to a working area and may still require a few bricks or similar under the legs to get a more ergonomically correct height. There are three laundry tubs made from ancient concrete - perfect for my needs - with hot and cold running water at the ready. Last, and most importantly, metreage (or yardage?) ready to take the plunge. Can't wait.

Creating a permanent wet studio

2011-06-05T08:47:00.000+10:00

This is the mess comprising dyes, containers, jars, plastic sheets and drop sheets and ready-to-dye sheets and ..... all sorts of stuff that is useful for dyeing and stamping. I was embarrassed enough to have spent yesterday afternoon cleaning out the old laundry area downstairs and this morning will get stuck into creating a permanent wet studio area. WMBM says it's a shameless attempt to expand my presence. Hmmm. Sometime later today I'll post an update, including the "essentials" for me ... and now it's off to start carting.

Scapescrape workshop @ 2QAQ

2011-05-31T07:24:00.000+10:00

Here's the wonderful scraped tissue that we all played with at 2QAQ on Saturday. Lots of wonderful colours and opportunities to create beautiful landscapes ... or sunsets ... or bush fires ...

Ready for action

2011-05-27T07:32:00.000+10:00

All the pieces dyed over the weekend are now airing in the study. Some delightful patterns and colours emerged especially since the focus was on using primary colours + black or combinations thereof. I cannot wait for our dyeing workshop in June. Closer to home, 2QAQ meets tomorrow @ 44 Esher Street Wellers Hill (Brisbane) and we are kicking off at 12.30pm with Scapescrape followed by Ankie Kings beautiful Indigo exhibition "The Lady Dyed the Blues".

Take-away dyeing

2011-05-23T21:48:00.000+10:00

Definitely not edible but totally yummy. Ankie and I spent the day playing with different ideas for a workshop in mid-June. I managed to do some gradation dyeing with an electric blue, made a sea scroll, pipetted my way through three fat quarters, and did some pole dancing (in the textile sense). Also managed to dye the final New Zealand piece - a variation of Moroccan red. I can't resist a good international colour! Also stretched smaller pieces of silk that are now transformed. What a great, grey, rainy day.

WMBM, a shiva stick and the Dyson

2011-05-23T21:34:00.000+10:00

Left alone this evening with a copper shiva stick and some poplin WMBM tried his hand at an antique doily, an old jug and ... the vacuum cleaner hose.

Dyeing and Printing Day

2011-05-21T21:35:00.000+10:00

I dyed again today. I still get a laugh from people when they ask what I'm up to on the weekend and the reply is a version of "oh, I think I'll be dyeing". Had a great time transforming fabrics with prints and finger-painting-on-glass mono print. I learned how to combine black pigment with yoghurt-like goop (there is a technical name for all of this but I love goop) and printed four different designs. Upper left is finger painting on glass and pressed onto PFD poplin, the middle black and white banner is created from 4 different wood blocks, the dark strip is actually black pigment and gold finger painting on glass pressed onto aubergine dyed poplin and the bottom piece is the same blocks used on hand dyed silk. It was a transforming experience on a number of levels and I had such a hoot of a day I forgot to have lunch! Now that is saying something .....

7 more sleeps to 2QAQ's May meeting

2011-05-21T07:30:00.002+10:00

Next meeting is on Saturday May 28 - we're going to kick off at 12.30pm for those who want to workshop Scapescrape - using stencils, acrylic paints and tissue paper to create an art quilt over the next three meetings. The highlight of our get-together will be Ankie's Kings exhibition "The Lady Dyes the Blues" - Ankie will share her beautiful indigo exhibition pieces with the group. Can't wait and hope to see you there.

Silk surprise

2011-05-20T19:06:00.000+10:00

As I was leaving paid employment this afternoon the courtyard area was emptied of intruders - just the blustery wind and me left to argue over a piece of red silk. I love the public art in and around the streets of Ipswich - so many ideas, and 40 more circuits of the sun left to do it all! Thanks for your comments Sue - I still want to know how you get the little bits of shiva off the tiles in the motel rooms. WMBM and I spent quite some time on our knees in New Zealand scraping minuscule bits of gold, cooper and iridescent charcoal from the floor tiles.

Fur balls and felt bowls

2011-05-16T20:26:00.000+10:00

I returned from New Zealand to find a gift pack from Maxine. Inside was a pack of 16 fur balls (I'm certain they did not originate in a cat) and I had, by serendipity, purchased felt squares at the Auckland Quilt Show. One of the items on display at the Show was a bowl made using the fur balls and a large circle of thick felt ... easy, once the spacing is worked out. Thanks also for the beautiful sari silks ... I feel really blessed.

Leafy surprises and cannon rubbings ...

2011-05-16T16:40:00.000+10:00

My friend Kate released a book into the wild at our place some time ago. I read the book. The pages of the book then gifted me two beautiful leaves from Canberra - perfectly dried and exquisitely Canberra. I cut the leaf shape out of template stencil with a surgeon-like cutting knife (the book was The Surgeon of Crowthorne) then pressed some gold shiva onto baking paper. Dib. Dib. Dab. Dab. I used a small sponge to transfer shiva over the stencil and onto hand dyed pieces of silk and fabric. Thank you Kate.
Speaking of shivas ... WMBM has requested a set of fabric pieces and shiva sticks so that he doesn't have to wait about for me if he sees something worth rubbing. While wandering Russell in New Zealand recently, we did our first "joint" rubbing - a beautiful cannon (that fires cannon balls ... not of the religious kind). The effect was gorgeous and part of that fabric now graces the binding of my entry for World Quilt. There are still 5 days left to meet the deadline for submission ... see Sue Dennis' website for full details. Thank you WMBM.

The cannon @ Russell, NZ

Plume art NZ

2011-05-15T07:25:00.000+10:00

While at the Auckland Quilt Show I met Jenny Hunter from Plume Art. Jenny sources all the usual and unexpected bits and pieces from around the globe for textile artists. Her business is mail order and based in Auckland. I could not resist some of the felt pieces and unusual beads and sequins.

Satin bower bird returns

2011-05-15T07:15:00.000+10:00

Satin bower bird - female

She's back. Her scratchy voice goes straight up the spinal cord. Hardly befitting this beautiful bird. For the second autumn she's here on the property. If there's a male in residence, he will have built a bower in the grasses we let go wild on about a third of our acreage and collected blue objects to make himself more attractive to her. The actual nest is sometimes 12 metres above the ground - we think we know where she's nesting but will be leaving her and the tree alone for the breeding season. They love the lilly pilly fruit which is in abundance as do the fig birds and other fruit eating friends that visit us or live in the gardens. (Image from google)

Woven and carved

2011-05-14T09:41:00.000+10:00

The Maori carvings are exquisite. The woven patterns are equally fascinating and it was a privilege to sit and contemplate the spiritual significance of the building and its contents.

Trunk show in Waitangi treaty grounds

2011-05-14T09:23:00.000+10:00

WMBM on the far side of the trunk

A trunk show with a difference - that's the WMBM standing on the other side of this once giant life form in the Waitangi treaty grounds. We visited the treaty house and saw the beautiful woven mats, cloaks, baskets and woollen warmers. We wandered the grounds through the "fern top" walk and over to the spot where the treaty was signed in 1840. So many lines and patterns and forms for stitching - inspirational heaven. Opportunities for rubbings were everywhere - a sundial commemorating a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, plaques to mark the plantings of so many trees throughout the grounds - some have been rubbed , along with the sundial, for a future project.

Food and fibre

Fern top walk

Walking from Paihia to Waitangi

Auckland Quilt Show

2011-05-12T20:48:00.000+10:00

Thank you to the Auckland quilters for the great show in downtown Parnell on Mothers' Day. It was a great mix of "on show" and "on sale" . I dumped the WMBM at the hotel and rushed by taxi to catch the last hours of the exhibition. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome, and permission to share your works across the Tasman.

Helen Harford "Hibiscus"

Helen Harford "Inch by Inch"

Lesley Rawlings "Journey I, II, III

Sarah Ward "Totems"

Waitangi totems (for Sue D)

Stitching in Paihia

2011-05-11T19:34:00.000+10:00

In spite of the dire warnings about the cold, we barely got out of t-shirts and tank tops. Mild weather and not a jumper in sight. Everyone else seemed to be feeling it - perhaps it was just us. At the end of each day there was plenty of time for quilting and I made a bit of progress towards a looming deadline. Not much sleep to be had this weekend!

Textile artists and kindred spirits

2011-05-11T19:24:00.000+10:00

While exploring Russell for the day, we stumbled into a shop filled with all things textile and Gillian Jones at the Entrance Gallery. Gillian is a textile artist - lots of different fibre creations and beautiful beading. The occasional feather is incorporated into her works. Simply beautiful. It was easy to get a little bit lost in all the different textile pieces. Thank you Gillian for a wonderful afternoon in the shop talking shop.