all about color

Work samples by my wonderful classmates.

Colors are not always what we perceive them to be. A piece of dyed fabric can look pale and unassuming on its own, beige and boring. But accompanied by another pale shade of cloth, both pieces may come to life. Color is on my mind, after this past week's natural dye workshop with Rowland Ricketts at Shakerag. I had a wonderful time, catching up with old friends (you know who you are), meeting new ones, and getting to know Rowland who is an amazing artist – generous, knowledgable, and fun.

Something is brewing.

Black willow bark samples hung to dry.

Towering trees everywhere.

Rowland's beautiful silk yarns.

The lovely compost pile.

My first attempt at shibori.

The focus of the class was the natural local landscape, and the colors we can gain from it. We were encouraged to collect plants that were either plentyful or invasive, and then by using japanese inspired dyeing techniques and mordants we managed to produce a wonderful range of soft (and sometimes not so soft) shades of cloth, yarn, and threads. I am much inspired and ready to fully make these natural dyes my own.

Documenting and organizing.

My finished samples. I love the range and the hues.

beach, boys, and books

We are heading east for our annual family beach vacation next week. It will be extra special this year with everybody back home, happy and healthy (thank you for all your well wishes). Can't wait to join the boys in the surf, cook, chat, sip wine, and catch up on my reading. Then the fun continues as I return to Shakerag for a week of work and learning with dye master Rowland Ricketts. So it will be a bit quiet here for the next few weeks. Happy summer!

self image

This post is out of character. Most of you know me as a quiet, relatively shy person not eager to bang my chest or loudly brag about my work. So a post filled with images of myself may seem a bit odd.

Recently I have had a few requests for portraits and images of my work, which explains why I decided to have some professional photos taken of me, my studio, and most importantly my work process. Charlottesville photographer Sarah Cramer Shields was the perfect person for the job. Within minutes most of my self awareness and nervousness vanished and the session turned into fun chatting about life, work, dogs, and art. Sarah is a wonderful photographer, probably most known for her imaginative wedding shoots and portraits. Her documentary photo style makes all of her assignments shine. As evident here. Thank you Sarah! 

niki's duvet

This king size duvet cover is a recent commission from Niki and her husband Claudio in Toronto. It was an amazing project to work on. I love the subtle color combinations and the geometric shapes punctuated by the viburnum leaf prints.

I apologize for my absence these past few weeks. My son got really sick while traveling in Europe, and I ended up accompanying him during his recovery in a German hospital. Most stressful times and not the ideal way to experience Munich. But he is on the mend and I am slowly catching my breath, believing everything will turn out ok.

etsy love

Sewing Circle Embroidered Book Sculpture by paperfaerie

It has been a while since I posted a list of favorites from etsy. Here is my current selection of wonderful, creative, and inspirational work.

Buckled Leather Utility Pouch by forestbound

Handcrafted Bentwood Ring - Walnut Wood by stoutwoodworks

deep sea lamp by umbu

Concrete . Bowl . 15 by atstuart

little deer in wool and blue cotton by littleloveblue

unveiling the bundle

Eco printing is truly thrilling. Starting off with the hunt for the perfect plant materials. Sometimes they are found, discarded by wind storms, littering the street, sometimes they are carefully collected in my own yard, and sometimes they are trimmings generously donated by kind friends. The leaves are spread out on top of the strips of fabric, and my eager hands roll everything up as tight as possibly possible. Then an abundance of strings make sure everything is tight, secure, and ready for the pot. While the bundles are simmering a warm and wonderful aroma of heated vegetation fills the work space. It is a scent that is almost impossible to describe in words, it must be experienced. After lots of peaking, gentle poking, and patiently waiting for the brewing to finish up and the water to cool, the unveiling can begin... For me this is still true magic. I am easily amazed, even the slightest mark impresses me. And sometimes you achieve prints like the maples here that just leaves you with an open jaw and a fluttering heart. Enjoy.

chroma projects

This past week was spent  cleaning, painting, and furnishing my new studio/gallery space at Chroma Projects downtown Charlottesville. I am proud and excited to be part of this vibrant art gallery and its community of artists. Initially I will primarily use this space to show my current work and to meet prospective customers. Eventually I am hoping to create a working studio or at least a sacred place where I can quietly think up new ideas, away from the demands and distractions of my home studio.

I will be in place for First Friday, Charlottesville's gallery opening night, on May 6 from 5 - 8, and I would love to see you! The main gallery will show beautiful drawings by Beverly Ress,  paintings by Paula Christman, and the black box will feature the film The Alexander Veil by Lydia Moyer.

On a different note, my friend Lily pruned her Japanese maple tree this weekend. Guess who received the trimmings? I see a big dye pot brewing in the near future...

avocado dip

Chopped up a bunch of avocado skins, added the pits, and set it all to simmer. Once strained the concoction made a surprising dye bath - the cloths came out maroon/rust/dusty pink pending on kind. While I had the pots on the stove I could not resist making a few bundles filled with fresh spring leaves, such as japanese maple, redbud, and roses... A wonderful end to a wonderful day. Happy spring.