Family Ties - accepted into SAQA: A Sense of Scale

The series, Family Ties has been accepted into the Studio Art Quilt Associates exhibit

A Sense of Scale

Family Ties by Lyric Kinard

 Premiere at International Quilt Festival - Houston, November 1-4, 2012

International Quilt Festival - Cincinnati, April 2013

International Quilt Festival - Long Beach, July 2013

I haven't entered many shows for the past six years or so. That happens when you have as many kids as I do. I spend much of my limited spare time teaching instead of creating. I also got a little burned out on the expense of jury fees and shipping costs. I was keeping my work "out there" and winning awards and making a few sales but only broke even with my expenses. It was  LOT of work for very little profit. No, I don't do it for the money - but right now I'm conserving my resources, both financial and emotional/mental for other things.

So this is the first year in a long time that I've entered any shows at all and most have been local fine art shows - not necessarily art quilt shows. This year I've entered five shows and have been rejected from every one so far. I've been involved in enough jury processes that rejection is not something I take personally. My finished artwork is separate from my personal identity - it's not a comment on my self worth when it is rejected. Still - rejection is no fun.

I had already received a rejection letter from "A Sense of Scale" and had forgotten that I had a third piece entered so it was a very pleasant surprise when the acceptance email came later in the day. It will be lots of fun to see it in Houston since I'll be teaching there this year.

Artist Spotlight: Linda Kittmer

I'd like to introduce you to an artist who does some very fun and interesting fiber work, Linda Kittmer. I'm always interested in the process and the history behind an artist and their work and Linda kindly agreed to share her story with you.

How did you become an artist? 

2012 Bead Journal Project by Linda Kittmer

I guess I’ve always been an artist, or at least had some artistic ability.  I loved art in high school and took some fine arts electives in university, but never thought of pursuing it as a career.  Then, as is so often the case, life got busy and art was put on the back burner.  In 1999 I began quilting.  I was a self taught quilter and quickly discovered that I preferred creating my own unique designs rather than use a pattern.  From there I moved to art quilts, fibre art and mixed media work.   

What need are you fulfilling, why do you make art?

I find working on my art very relaxing.  When things are going well, my art is a wonderful pastime, allowing me to express who I am and how I see the world.  It allows me to play!  And as Marion Boddy-Evans says, “I believe art is foremost for the artist who creates it.  You do it for your soul, and if the rest of the world gets something from it, that’s a bonus.” 

Rock Paper Scissors by Linda Kittmer

But, perhaps more important to me right now is the fact that when life presents challenges, my art becomes therapeutic.  To quote Twyla Tharp, “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.”  I am currently struggling with depression as the result of a concussion I incurred after an accident, and my personal commitment to do art everyday is incredibly helpful in allowing me to keep things in perspective.  John Updike summed it us so well when he said that “What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit”.

What is your favorite medium and why? 

It’s really hard to say what my favourite medium is.  I enjoy experimenting with a wide variety of art media (various fibres, paints, paper, inks, beads, etc.) but I usually come back to something that allows me to incorporate stitch.  I love free-motion quilting and thread sketching, and I also do a lot of beading and hand stitching. 

What is your favorite ongoing project and how did you become involved in it? 

I’m currently working on a relatively large piece that I’m hoping to have accepted into a juried show next year.  This piece was inspired by some of the needle felted work done by Jane LaFazio.  I’ve started with hand dyed pieces of left over bamboo batting as a base.  Over that I’ve layered all sorts of wonderful yarns, wool and silk rovings, hand dyed cheese cloth, etc.  The next step will be to add a lot of hand stitch and then some beading.  I love the unpredictability I get when working on my embellishing machine.  It’s so much fun to watch the piece evolve in front of my eyes!  

You Are Unique by Linda Kittmer

If your curiosity has been sparked, head over to Linda's blog and check out more of her work. While you are there read her review of my Bead It Like You Mean It DVD. She'll be giving away a copy so be sure to leave a comment there for a chance to win.

The Sketchbook Challenge: doodling flowers

This month's Sketchbook Challenge theme is flowers.

I've been pressing up against deadlines for the past two weeks and needed a short break. Maybe some day I'll learn not to procrastinate. It hasn't happened yet.

So instead of taking my laptop to hockey practice I took my sketchbook and some fun paint markers from my stash. I had to sit off the the side as the propellant in these things smells.Probably not the best for my health. But if you've ever spent time with hockey players - let's just say the smell was nothing in comparison.

I had prepared these pages with acrylic washes last year and just picked a nice spring color and went to town. First with a sharpie, then with the markers.

I suppose I'm still enjoying last month's theme of doodling and combining it with this month's theme of flowers. One can never get too much of doodling. It's a lovely time to let the mind relax and wander - clear out the clutter.

Creative Wisdom: The Gap Between Art and Taste

This quote from Ira Glass, the host of the radio program "This American Life" speaks to something I think I'm STILL going through. It's something of an achievement gap. I like my work - I just think it has a ways to go before it lives up to the potential I imagine it to have.

Signature by Lyric Kinard

Ira Glass

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. 

A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. 

Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through."

Work in Progress: Zebra

Zebra by Lyric Kinard

Becoming an Artist in Italy

 Becoming an Artist in Italy

with Lyric Kinard

Arrive June 26th 

Depart July 2nd 2013

Registration deadline is 17th April 2013

******************

The beauty of the Italian countryside is a glorious setting for awakening your creative abilities and nurturing your desire to become an artist. Inspired by the alluring village of Sulmona and the astounding beauty of the Asinomania grounds, you will learn the alphabet of the visual language, the basic elements and principles artist use to create their interpretations of the world around them. With the firm support and gentle encouragement of Lyric Kinard,  the 2011 International Association of Professional Quilters Teacher of the Year, you will take your first steps on a new artistic path, seeing the world in wonder through the eyes of an artist.

Goals/Expectations

This class delves deeply into the basics of design and involves time spent observing, absorbing, and recording your visual environment. You will interpret what you see by creating easily understandable exercises in fabric and on paper in order to give you hands-on experience with each design element. Basic drawing skills will be taught - no previous experience is necessary. You will spend time working on an original composition inspired by Italy, and learn to evaluate your work and the work of others. You will gain the skills you need to make confident design decisions about your own work.

Days 1 and 2: The Elements of Art

    Introductions and explanations of expectations

    What are the basic elements of design, the alphabet letters of the visual language

    Texture, shape, line, color, value

    Explore each element with timed cloth exercises in our sketchbooks

    Basic sketching and drawing instruction and exercises

    Explore and find inspiration focusing on each element in the environment using cameras and sketchbooks

Day 3: The Visual Language

    Introduce the principles of design, the way the letters (the elements of design)

    are put together to create meaning in the visual language

    Focal Point, Balance, Symmetry, Motion, Repetition, Unity, Scale, Proportion

    Explore each principle with timed cloth exercises in our sketchbooks

    Basic sketching and drawing exercises

    Explore and find inspiration focusing on each principle in the environment and in the art world using cameras and sketchbooks

Day 4 and 5: The Artists Eye

    Continued sketching and observation exercises

    Students will begin construction of their own original designs

    Introduce the basic structure of evaluation, how to analyze and critique artwork

    Students will lead group critiques of artwork (I could bring posters if there is no local gallery)

    Group design exercises if time allows

    Final evaluation of student work - students will be let through the evaluation process, gaining the skills they need to make confident design decisions about their own work.

    Wrap up and review

Supply lists and costs can be found here:

http://www.abruzzoschoolofcreativeart2013.com/lyric-kinard.php

It's going to be the trip of a lifetime. Join me for a week of creativity, joy, and beauty!

Work In Progress: Rockstar Boro Skirt

More progress on the boro inspired skirt.

 

I've sewn down dyed vintage laces to cover the raw seams but haven't embroidered them yet.

At my current pace this project is going to be ongoing for years..... and years.

skirt front view - Lyric Kinard

 If you missed it - Melanie Testa inspired this project with a more true to form Boro project of her own.

If you haven't seen her new website yet - go check it out. It's GORGEOUS!

skirt back view - Lyric Kinard

 This will eventually be partially covered by more embroidery. I'm thinking this whole skirt will be a continual embroidered travel journal... which means the Disney Castle should show up next.

Here is a link to the previous progress posts for this project.

(I love alliteration - don't you?)