The Big Goal

I only made one big goal for 2009

!!! MAKE ART !!! 

It seems the past year and a half was spent rushing around meeting one deadline after another. All good things for my career. All things that will support the artmaking but no actual making of the artwork itself.

This week has been bliss. My first week in months and months with no deadline to meet. I actually wake up and get to choose what to do. At least in the two hours a day that I have to myself. Usually I work frantically trying to get something I have to get finished done while everything else falls apart around me. (Especially the house.)

I weeded a favorite garden, unburying a stone path that has been hidden the past year. And then I pulled out a piece that was started several YEARS ago. It's the perfect thing to help me get acquainted with my new HQ16. The poor neglected machine has waited patiently since last fall for me to pay attention. It's going to take a little learning but we're getting there. So here's a sneak peak. The machine quilting is done but I think the work itself is only beginning on this piece.

Here's a sneak peak at the work in progress.

Fun on the Set

It's finally done and over with. A month's work for a few hours of taping but it was a great few hours and a very fun few days with lots of wonderful artists. I taped a 10 minute segment for season four of Quilting Arts TV as well as a DVD Workshop titled, "Surface Design Sampler Platter." The workshop is a little taste of quite a number of surface design techniques, including carving a stamp, printing with found objects, stencil cutting, screen printing, foiling and photo transfer. Whew. Talk about cramming a lot of stuff into a short time - as well as into a small suitcase!

I met Melanie Testa who is a very fine artist and a sweet young lady to boot! It was great fun getting to know her and I look forward to seeing her again in Houston at the International Quilt Festival. It was also wonderful to watch her tape. It calmed my nerves just to watch the process and figure out that hey, I was going to be just fine. I could ask to stop if I needed to and there would be ample time to reset between each segment of the DVD. Here we're getting a little silly - Melanie with relief that she's done and me with nerves.

Everyone with the production is so nice. They work hard to make you look good, feel good, and come off like you know what you are talking about. Bernina's representative, Jeanne always had a great big smile! Helen is quiet, but always there when you need her. Pokey is a hoot to watch run around - change outfits ten times - make funny faces at the camera - and check her e-mail twenty times between each shoot. That girl has some serious energy.

Here's Helen and I - with just some of the loads of SCHTUFF on the table - getting organized. Jeanne and Karen are in back - probably planning some serious shoe shopping.

Just have to mention the amazing artist who made my drop-dead-gorgeous scarf! You can see Jill's work at her Etsy shop.

Salsa in the Studio

I've spent this month working furiously toward another deadline - when am I not? I'm filming next week with Pokey for Quilting Arts TV season 4 as well as a Quilting Arts DVD Workshop.

As usual, I'm not getting enough sleep but better than usual - I'm being fairly productive in the studio. Of course the little ones are enjoying the free reign through the house. A new disaster awaits every time I exit my little enclave of art.

I hate the way my brain feels when I'm tired but I think I've found a cure. Nope - no caffeine for me. Music. Duh!!! you say. Well it's been a long time since I've had music in the studio. This past year I've had to have no music while writing the book. I used to be a musician and find myself much to involved in the music when I listen so I had to have it quiet.

The upbeat music is like caffeine for my brain. Each day seems to have a theme. Classic 50's Rock-N-Roll for a day, Big-Band Swing the next. Today it's Latin. Right now it's "Salsa Celtica." Did you know your feet can dance while your hands draw? Next time I think it's be Newgrass and Folk, then Celtic.

What's Involved

Times are tough. Taking classes is expensive and one of the extras that go first. An interesting discussion has been taking place over on the QuiltArt list about what is involved when it comes to paying teachers their fees.

1-It takes time to develop your skills.

2-It takes me a month of full time work to develop and write an on-line class. A little less to develop a "live" course since I don't have to write out ever word and photograph it.

3-Hand-outs cost ink, paper, time.

4-It takes me most of a day to get supplies in order for my Surface Design classes. I have to order many of them and often replace the tools that students damage.

5- It takes time to work out contracts, travel arrangements, update the website, etc.

6- Perhaps here I should mention marketing costs - brochures, web design, always trying to have a professional presence.

7- It takes another day to pack for a trip. Nothing worse than showing up without a crucial supply. Flying is even worse. Try to pack supplies for 30 students in on 50lb bag. Most of us have to ship our supplies now that airlines limit baggage and charge such large fees for overweight luggage.

7- A day of travel on either side of the teaching gig.

8- I pay for sitters for my toddlers while I'm gone.

8- I set up most classrooms on my own - some classes take up to an hour to set up and and clean up.

9- The BEST part!!! Six hours of wonderful students and playtime. I'd do that part for free.

Unfortunately - you can't pay me enough for all the prep work.

Maybe another time we'll talk about the costs for the organizers of events or the costs of keeping a studio or trying to make a living as an artist.

Next post - you don't need to spend a fortune to become an artist or learn new skills!

The Arts and the Economy

Dear Senator Kingston,

I came across this quote of yours this morning, "I just think putting people to work is more important than putting more art on the wall of some New York City gallery frequented by the elite art community." [U.S. Rep Jack] Kingston said. "Call me a sucker for the working man." - Congressional Quarterly report

I believe you were calling the funds slated for the National Endowment of the Arts wasteful spending. I respectfully wish to tell you my story and why I disagree with you.

I am a WORKING artist. Emphasis on the "working." My income helps to support our family. If you think that the arts don't contribute to putting people to work think again. I spend money to buy supplies and to ship my work to museums and galleries around the country. I spend money on marketing, at printers and for various web services.

The museums and galleries that my work shows and sells at bring in both locals and tourists alike, very few of whom fall into the category of an "elite New York art community." They are ordinary WORKING people who like to look at something uplifting when they walk into their home. They spend money at museums, and restaurants and other local business nearby.

I WORK (on a volunteer basis - because grants to support that effort have been drastically cut) in the local schools and community. I introduce children, through art, to the idea that mathematics, language, shapes, and colors are all integrated and can be fun and creative. Something our underpaid teachers no longer have the freedom to do as they spend all their time teaching to a test. I truly believe that unless we teach our children to think creatively our nation will suffer greatly. Where will the innovation come from - who will invent the technologies that will move our economy forward?

Perhaps if I put on a Bankers suit and tie and received billion dollar bonuses you'd be happier to throw money at me and call me a "working" man.

Sincerely yours,

-Lyric Kinard

If you believe the arts contribute to your local economy, please tell your local newspapers so. Please write letters to your Senators. It is easy to find how to contact them by putting your zip into the box at Congress.org.

Playing With Paint

I'm totally excited for an on-line class I'm teaching that starts this week! Playing With Paint is a completely fun, stress-free, technique class where we do exactly that - PLAY! I'm looking forward to settling into my (newly organized and gorgeous) studio for the next four weeks and doing some easy, instant gratification, no pressure fabric painting!

printed with bubble wrap, carved stamps, and sponges

I've been under killer deadlines for the past year and am soooooo ready to just relax. I'm tired of being stressed out. I love to dye fabric, but painting is so much easier and takes so much less planning.

not painted - but it's how I feel!

There is still space available in the class and you can probably find most of the supplies around your house - especially if you've got a few jars of textile paint sitting around that you bought at a show somewhere and haven't gotten around to using yet.

QuiltUniversity.com is such a user-friendly way to take courses. You can see the course description and supply list here. Hope to see some of you there!

I Love Teaching

What a lovely weekend! I had the pleasure of teaching and lecturing at the Durham Orange Quilt Guild this past weekend. My students were wonderful and worked hard - and - had a LOT of fun!


Monday we played with Surface Design and make elegant little sketchbook covers. Here are the hardy few who finished their project and braved the inclement weather to stick around for the lecture.

I'm thankful that the snow held off until the wee hours of the morning when we all snug in our warm beds. It's been an amazing day to stay home, play in the snow, and celebrate the momentous occasion of the peaceful transition of power in our democracy. And nothing is cuter than my little guy shouting "Go Obama!"


I also really enjoyed sleeping in instead of getting right up to get everyone off to school. Oh! Speaking of teaching - next up is a ON-LINE class through QuiltUniversity.com - Playing With Paint. It starts February 6th but registration is open now.