Our last week with Melanie Testa has arrived and I thought I'd give her the chance to let you know of a wonderful event she has coming up. If you can get to Hampton, VA - run, do not walk, to join her at Art and Soul.... in her own words:
Melly:
For me, teaching is about interacting with students, the exchange and interplay of knowledge to such an extent that I too learn and grow from the experience. The supremely awesome thing is that students have 'beginners mind', an attitude of openness and eagerness and a lack of preconceptions. Who wouldn't feel invigorated by this? In May, I will be teaching at an event called Art and Soul. This retreat is held in Hampton Virginia, just as the weather begins to warm up and all the flowers are in bloom.
I will be teaching two classes, Inspired Journaling, every-single-day! on Sunday, May 23 which will cover visual journaling and we will explore using resists, paints and glues to create luscious pages in our journals. No need to 'worry' over your drawing skillz! I will help push and cajole those fear where they belong.
And a Soy Wax Batik class on Monday, May 24 . Soy wax, beside being very easy to use, is an ecologically safe alternative to paraffin. It is a magical medium that yields almost instantaneous results. To make it even easier on you, we will be using paint instead of my beloved dye which has proven to yield just as lovely results!So if you have the time and are near this fabulous retreat, please come and join in on the fun! I would love to have you.
I'd love to thank Melanie for taking the time to say hello to you all. As in our first introduction, she is an amazing artist and a wonderful person. Don't forget to leave a comment - especially if you've had a class with Melanie in the past. What was your favorite thing about the class?
You can leave one comment on each of the four Artist Spotlight posts about Melanie. Late Tuesday night I'll randomly choose one winner from among comments on the four posts to receive this original collaborative work. Melanie sent a lovely sheer organza printed with ginkgo leaves for me to work with. I've layered it with a peachy piece of hand-dyed cotton, printed with another set of ginkgo leaves. I also layered a few more leaves on the surface with a hint of gold foil. The 5"x7" piece is machine and hand stitched with a spray of gold beads scattered across the surface.
Wednesday morning I'll announce the winner so please be sure to check back so that you can send me your contact information.
If you can't get enough of gingko leaves head on over to Melanie's blog - where she has created a little work of art with the ginkgo fabric that I sent to her. Same deal there - comment on each of her four posts about me. I'd especially love it if you've had a class with me - tell them what you loved or learned.
19 comments:
Thank you so much for the informative interviews. The ginko piece is beautiful. Unfortunately I won't be able to take either of these two classes. I look forward to a time when she and I are in the same place and I can meet her.
I love the layered ginko leaves. When I was younger I used to press these leaves in books. I have not had a class with Melanie, however when I asked questions about her resent post discussing her fun foam stamps I was answered and even encouraged to try it. I still have to get plexiglass. I did this with a classroom of kids and put them on scrap blocks of wood, however for my art and what I saw that Melanie was able to do was with the clearness of the plexiglass you could see and link stamped images together which was an ah hah moment! You can probably tell I'm not a scrapbooker, as they use clear stamps all of the time I imagine. Both of you have been so generous with your time and encouragement. Thank you! I probably haven't posted on each day but I have checked it out. I'm enjoying your collaboration and also the inspiration that I've gained from your classes Lyric, your blogs and your books. They are still both out next to my cutting mat opened to the pages where I'm using the technique and exercise! I have four pieces I'm working on at present. Three machine and hand embroidery and the other one is SO near completion just needs sides and a part of the backing (Came up too short so must improvise and be creative problem solver)as well has hanging method.
What a lot of interesting styles of work. Melanie sounds so enthusiastic about everthing, I am sure it would be great to take a class with her.vatentio
ok now I left one one here... Pick Me Pick Me Pick Me! LOL :) Thanks so much for the spotlights... Its so great to read the information on various artists and their backgrounds.
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of both you and Melanie. I recently took a Joggles class from her and had a wonderful time. Melly wants everyone to express themselves in their own way and gently guides you to achieve things you would never imagine being able to do. I have also taken "classes" via both of your books and DVDs. If commenters don't have Lyric and Melly's books and DVD's, I urge you to put them on your buy list. Whenever you need a creative pick me up, pop one of the DVD's in and you will be creating in no time! Thanks for having these fun interviews and have a wonderful week. Cheers
ooh, love that little touch of silver foil! just lovely
ooh the gingko piece is wonderful. I love the different layers and textures.
Ginkgoes have fascinated me since I was a child, and the piece you created with Melanie's fabric is inspiring. Wish I could take one of the classes. . .
The ginkgo piece is lovely! I haven't done a class with Melanie (yet) but I love her book. And i have been really enjoying these postings the two of you did about eachother.
Ginkgo leaves--my favorite!I love Lyric's book Art+Quilt and have tried many of the exercises in it. Melanie's work is inspiring, too! I want to try layering the organza over cotton.
Martha Ginn
I have enjoyed this so much.. sorry to see it coming to an end.
I am a fan of you both!
Wow! How DO you do that foil? I love the way it looks worn.
These interviews have been really excellent to read. What a great job you've done of highlighting Melly's work! She's got such a wonderful, fresh asthetic. I would LOVE to win you collab. It is a wonderful work.
Wish I could go to that retreat. Sounds like alot of fun. The interviews have been wonderful. I would love to meet you both. You're always very inspiring and the work on the ginko piece is just fabulous.
Lyric, I just got your wonderful book for my birthday last week. What an excellent learning guide! I'd sure love to win the ginko leaves piece! I took a class, "Playing With Paint" from you on-line (I think through Quilt U?), and you're a terrific teacher.
I love gingko leaves they remind me of fairies when the wind catches them and they dance.
Melanie's work is very inspiring, and the colors are soothing
I am hoping now that I have been reminded of Art and Soul to be able to get there this year.
Thank You Lyric for your true heart of sharing.
Jeannette - I LOVE your photostream!
(you all should click on over and enjoy it)
The foil adhesive is lightly rubbed, with a foam brush, through a silk screen. That's how the light coverage is gained.
Thanks Lyric.
The soy-wax batik is the next thing I want to try but does anyone know if it is true that people allergic to soy may be affected by the wax?
Love the gingko fabric.
I am taking 2 courses with Melanie in Chicago- can't wait....
Marsha
My dear friend in Kansas planted a ginko tree about a year ago. I love the shape of the leaves, and your collaborative piece seems to capture the special beauty of them perfectly.
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