Doing "the work", Despite Obstacles

Since I learned I had torn rotary cups on my shoulders, I've had to adjust how long I can work in the studio and the size of the artwork I can do.

I've been working hard, but in spurts and....focusing on the creating small zen-like map constructions (see above and below).

It has helped me to think differently about the process. As a result I've been enjoying the challenge of:

1. creating quick little compositions,
2. working in a series, and
3. creating work that has a sense of calm and simplicity.

This afternoon I spent 2 hours in the studio, right after teaching architecture studio. Quite unexpectedly I look around my space and I see the fruits of my labor.....kind of satisfying to behold (at least for me):

Upcoming Workshops

In case some of you are in the Jacksonville, Florida or San Diego, Ca Area, I will be teaching two (2) workshops:

Workshop Title: Design Fundamentals 102

Date: April 10th and 11th, 2010

Beginning with an exercise related to the seven principles of design--work instinctively with color--explore creativity through experimentation. All works are small, enabling you to develop ideas quickly and freely. You will create paper collage compositions through a series of quick "hands-on" exercises and subsequently make fabric constructions. The goal of this class is to allow you to create small spontaneous fabric collages that can become the basis for final small quilted pieces.



Where: Fiber Artists Network Jacksonville Fl.

Workshop Title: Map Haiku

Date: Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Students taking this workshop will create a simple, understated map of an imaginary place that captures the feeling of the haiku – a minimalist form of poetry.



The instructor will guide you through a series of steps that will provide opportunities to learn about design while giving you the freedom to experiment within a structured framework.

Where: Visions Art Gallery San Diego, CA.

Map Haiku -- Student Work

Some of the talented students in Cartographic Constructions (the class):



Front Row (in the middle): C
Second Row Deborah, Shimson, Dan, Sheena, Ernest, Nolan
Back Row Anthony,Lindsay, Phil

THE FIRST PROJECT: Map Haiku

far above the field
the elegant lines converse
on the earth's patchwork

Map Haiku

far above the field

the elegant lines converse

on the earth's patchwork

Last week I made a few classroom samples of our next project for my architecture students.



The goal was to create a simple understated map of an imaginary place that captured the feeling the haiku you see above.



I'll post some of the student work soon.

Architecture Students Quilting Gladly

Cartographic Constructions (the Class): This semester I am teaching a design elective called "Cartographic Constructions". It meets once a week for about 2 and 1/2 hours. I have 14 students and 12 of them are male!

In the class the students will create mixed media maps.....one from imagination, one of a favorite place and and one interpretative map from an aerial view.

The first few assignments involve teaching them the basics of traditional quilting. Each person made a 9 patch block, we sewed together all the blocks and they are now taking turns hand quilting the "baby". When completed we plan to donate it to a worthy cause.

Cover Girl

An image of my work was used for the Diversity and Virtuosity
exhibit's invitation.......Hope a few of you can make it to the opening.
















LAY OF THE LAND I
20.5" x 31.5"
2009

Diversity and Virtuosity Exhibit

This quilt can now be seen at the Gadsden Art Center
in Quincy, FL.

EXHIBIT TITLE: Diversity & Virtuosity

January 15–March 14, 2010 Sara May Love Gallery

Present and retired faculty of the Florida A & M University School of Architecture and the Visual Arts Department exhibit work in all mediums including printmaking, photography, quilting, sculpture, and oil painting.


Artists include Kenneth Falana, Valerie S. Goodwin, Deborah LaGrasse, Liu Nan, Joe Roache, Omar Thompson, Edward (Tim) White, Chester Williams, Harris R. Wiltsher, and Ron Yradebra.