Polywog Fiberart

Digital Arts and stuff

2011-10-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

No, I am not dead in a ditch - - - just been off in a different direction! It's called life - sigh -

Been taking digital art classes at Golden West College - and it has been fun! This semester our first assignment was making Kalidescopes out of food - the process was a bit like making fiber collages - you don't know what is going to happen until it happens - - - perhaps I will get time this weekend to post some photos - check back please!

QOTW Meeting

2010-05-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

This morning was Quilts on the Wall (QOTW) meeting, so after stuffing the car with Ray Jr's stuff, and my recycling, we drove up to Seal Beach. Was going to drop Ray Jr off at the library, but it was closed - grrrr. Then, I went to drop him off at Mel's and it was gone. Finally, found him a place to park and read the paper, while I went to the meeting.

Haven't been in a couple months, due to other commitments - so it was great to see all my artist friends and catch up on what they have been doing. Show and tell was the best ever - of course, I say that every time. I have been so blessed to find this group. They are all so talented, each in their own way.

Got two of my quilts back that had been in traveling exhibitions. Spring which was in a special exhibit, Noble Seasons, curated by jo p griffith, and my challenge, Mountain, which was in the QOTW Fettered Letters exhibition. Had nothing else new to share, as I have been really busy in community service activities.

Sara Sue - Day two

2010-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sara Sue spent the night in her cage so the other cats could sniff her. They were NOT impressed - and she was so sad, missing her mommy and brothers.

Ray Jr made up for the night in the cage, and was only able to half watch tv, as Sara Sue ran up and down him, while seriously spoiling her. We got out all the big cats long discarded toys, and put them to good use.

Sara Sue had a blast, ending up very pooped out and ready for a nice long nap. She curled up in the nice soft grey couch blankie, out for the night. I had better tip toe away, or she will start meowing again.

Sara Sue joins the Polywog Staff

2010-05-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

As my big cat is aging, the middle one is still full of pep and vinegar, so a youthful playmate was needed. After a chat with my friend, Marian, who always seems to know where to get the best rescue cats, it was no surprise, when she came through again.

Mommy Cat, an orange black tiger, was rescued very pg. In a great home, her 3 months old kittens needed homes too. Anxious mommy watched, as we selected the only girl kitty - so sweet, hence her name Sarah Sue.

Cinco de Mayo -

2010-05-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone enjoyed Cinco de Mayo - my brother Ray Jr took me to dinner - and my friends from all over called with Birthday wishes - life is good.

Spending some time with my brother

2010-05-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Slept in today, that was lovely. Then, picked up my brother Ray Jr in Lakewood, and ran all kinds of errands - then hung out at my house. The plan is to spend a few days together, celebrating my birthday. Long day, glad to be hitting the rack early tonight.

Painting Cupboards, oh my

2010-05-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Needed a day of downtime, so spent it spring cleaning, painting kitchen cupboards - isn't a fun chore, but it is needed badly. The more I do, seems, the more that needs done - goodbye fake brown grain - hello clean white - off to bed -

Celebrating another year

2010-05-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

WOW - I made two days in a row blogging - that might be a new record, but, I am trying to take 10 minutes at the end of the day to journal, reflecting on how good life is.

This morning, my cats and I spent some time out on the patio, enjoying the weather, the spring flowers, and our hummingbirds. They were out in full force, as all their favorite flowers are in bloom.

My friends really made today special. Our friendship group got together in the afternoon to sew and celebrate Patty & my birthdays - we are a day apart - I worked on some handwork - and my friends all were working on their projects. We are very diverse in our quilts, yet in some ways, we are also a lot alike.

Nancy made a great scratch banana cake (and we used all our points for the week just on her delicious frosting - lol). After cake, there was a lot of laughing over the birthday cards - my friends have me pegged!!! And, it was fun alternating opening our gifts, it was like having Christmas in May. Of course I got some pink wrapping paper, don't tell them, but the raspberry color is almost growing on me... Notice, I did say almost - Three of the items were for my kitchen (so I can make some healthy food, easier)... I am up to making about 5 types of soup from scratch, and my standard 5 chicken dishes, but I am needing to expand some. Making dishes for one is hard, but, I digress. Gigi made a great Japanese handbag for when I work art/quilt shows - can't wait to use it - blues with tomato reds - and it has a TREE on it - with an adjustable shoulder strap - what is really cool, is she designed it herself so it is an original -

After the sewing, I dropped by another friend of mine, and had a great dinner with her and her friends. The food was GREAT (I didn't have to make it), and the dinner conversation was a lot of back and forth...

All in all, a great day, with good friends - what could be better. Off to my cozy bed ...

Miss Froggie Mojo

2010-05-01T23:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day making a Mojo Doll for the Quilter's Mojo Doll Challenge - it was lots of fun -

First, I took a commercial white on white fabric and hand inked it green with some blue -

Then, I layed out the pattern on the fabric and cut it out -

After that, the "belly" just had to be quilted to give it some character - but, I left the "back" smooth - then, I sewed the doll together and stuffed her with polyfill.

Next, I made her hair out of polyester thread and beads, stitching carefully, so not to stab myself and bled on her extensions.

She wanted an outfit, so I made her a skirt - with a velcro fastner, so she could get out of it quickly for her dip in the pond -

I hand sculpted her jewelry and accessories out of metal - and it is all detachable also -

She looks great in my studio - green and frog like - such fun -

Arts Alive Festival

2010-04-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Come join me at the Arts Alive Festival this weekend -community art projects, live music, arts and crafts, food, and vendors -

Saturday Apr 24, 2010 10am to 5pm
Sunday Apr 25, 2010 10am to 4pm

Village Green at Oso Viejo Park
24932 Veterans Way (off La Paz)
Mission Viejo, CA

Take the 5 Freeway, exit of La Paz - go towards Mountains -

12th International Collage Exhibition New Zealand

2010-03-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Virtual TART

The 12th International Collage Exhibition & Exchange.
131 artists from 14 different countries.

Last month I completed a 13 piece series entitled The Forest or the Tree and shipped them to a collage exchange and exhibition in New Zealand. Each of the pieces in the series are 8"x 10" - fabric collage with stitching on watercolour paper. These two pieces are in the virtual exhibition in Room 4. Search by individual artist under The Collections and The Selling Exhibition - or sit back and enjoy while browsing the Virtual Tart site.

It is very exciting to be part of an international exhibition, especially New Zealand. In 6th grade, we were required to write a report on a place we wanted to travel to. As part of my research, I wrote to the travel bureau in New Zealand and got a great package back, filled with wonderful information. Although I have traveled extensively, I have yet to make it to New Zealand.

Hillcrest Fine Art Festival 2010

2010-02-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again - I will be participating in the Hillcrest Fine Art Festival 2010 - hope you can join us there -(click for larger photo to print)

Freddy and Patches - Fiber Art Frogs

2009-12-15T01:40:00.000-08:00

Above, Freddie is lounging by his old pond at Soley's, holding his detachable lily pad pouch which is made of silk. See the close up at right.

Freddie in now living at the Polywog Fiber Art Studio, with newly found fiber art frog friends.

Patches is a fiber frog created by MAK in May 2009. He has his own hammock to lounge on. Patches was flattered that he won viewers choice at the BCQG Show.

A Study in Color

2009-12-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Got sent this video from a member in my Art Group - wanted to share with all you other artists. Enjoy!!!!

Multi-Media Show & Boutique @ The Framery in Whittier CA

2009-12-08T03:21:00.000-08:00

My small fiber art work is included in the First Annual Gallery Christmas Multi-Media Show and Boutique. Representing dozens of talented local artists The Gallery will be featuring affordably priced, hand crafted artisanal gifts including: Original Paintings, Prints, Photographs, Greeting Cards, Ceramics, Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories and so much more.

Come see the hundreds of unique, original and one of a kind holiday gift ideas. Join in on some holiday cheer, refreshments will be served daily. Why fight the malls when you can give a gift of fine art and give them something they will cherish for years to come.

Dec 5 - Dec 23, 2009

The Framery Gallery
13105 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602

Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6:00pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
dark Sunday & Monday

Participating artists are: Marie Brock; Pat Brown; Cynthia Catlin; Patricia.Charity; Stephanie Fryer, Elizabeth Gonzales; Ivan Haros; Sue Helms; Suzette Hodnett; Neal Johnston; Lisa Keffer-Ruiz; Marcia Ann Kuehl; Donna Larson; John A. Leon; Peter Margosian; Angela Moore; Brent Angstroms; Vickie Valdez-Green; Marty Wilson; Rose Mary Yetter; Bob Ulrich & Nancy Ulrich

Christmas Ornament Exchange

2009-12-08T02:15:00.000-08:00

I participated in an ornament exchange this year. There were 20 of us, all female artists and/or crafters. We got together at a potluck with our covered basket of ornaments. Each one of us took a turn, taking the cover off. and showing our ornament - and while the basket went around the room (so everyone could pick an ornament), we talked about how we chose it, or the technique, or whatever. It was great fun, and I am looking forward to next year. What a talented group, all the ornaments are beautiful and hanging in my home. I have one that will hang in my studio, as it a snowman - and they get to hang out all winter!!!

I made raindeer pins - of course - they can hang on your tree, or your display, or your lapel. I do like functional & versital art.

New fiber work - Ice Cave

2009-11-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Ice Cave by MAK

13" x 18"

Hand dyed, hand painted, thread painted

The New View Exhibition @ The Framery

Artist Statement: Nature is the reoccurring theme throughout my body of work. My color palate leans heavily to the blues and greens of the “Polywog pond” of my youth. I tend to work in series, to strive for excellence in construction, and simplicity in subject, allowing each viewer to contemplate its intended meaning.

Discharging

2009-11-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, my art group is working on discharge - so I am doing my homework and reviewing some of my favorite artists - I have had some exposure to discharging - and have played with it some - but not enough to control the results -

Website - Jane Dunnewold

A few years back, I had the great fortune to attend a Jane Dunnewold workshop, who is both an outstanding artist and educator. Wow, I learned so much about color and composition - Although I have most of Jane's CDs, I have never really had a reason to sit down and seriously review until now.

Later, I had the good fortune to met Bob Adams at Quilt Visions - besides being a fabulous artist, both his wife and Bob are genuinely nice people.

Discharging Video - Bob Adams
Gallery - Bob Adams

Bob's video had some chemicals I was not familiar with, so I checked out -
How to Discharge color from fabric - Dharma Trading

More on this to follow -

A New View @ The Framery & Fine Art Gallery in Whittier

2009-10-02T00:16:00.000-07:00

Spent most of this week getting ready for an exhibition @ Whittier gallery - I got a lot accomplished - and it was fun seeing my finished products -

When: November 3rd -28th, 2009

Where: Framery and Fine Art Gallery, 13105 Whittier Blvd.
Who: 23 Contemporary Fiber Artists

The reception was November 14th. Many of the artists attended - it was a great time.

Artist Talk - November 21st 1:00 with demonstrations by 4 contemporary fiber artists from 2-5:00. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm.

The featured Quilts on the Wall Fiber Artists include: Cynthia Catlin, David Charity, Patricia Charity, joanell connolly, Melissa Frankel, jo p. griffith, Carol Henke, Rose Hughes, Stacy Hurt, Jeanette Kelly, Marcia Ann Kuehl, Cindy Lemaku, Carol Nilsen, Catherine Ravera, Jo Sarachman, Julie Schlueter, Teresa Shippy, Deborah Stanley, Mary Tabar, Susan Trindle, Vicky Valdez-Green, Terry Waldron, & Deborah Weir.

More Mosaics

2009-09-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos of us working on the whale mosaic at the Whale Festival in Dana Point. It was a beautiful day and we all had a great time - And of course - I had my camera handy.

Aileen May is the artist that made this event happen -

Working on the tail -

It was cool out - at the beach, so bundled up both MAK and Aileen are hard at work. So, who took this photo? I won't tell - and neither will the octopus which is in beautiful orange colors.

As the event wound down, it was time to go home. But, Aileen was still at work. Since that day, the whale is done, and somewhere in the Dana Point Harbor area. Can you find it?

Collaging at JC's with JC, K, & R

2009-09-08T20:10:00.001-07:00

What a great day we had - experimenting with collage - photos to follow.

Animoto.com

2009-08-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

Where does your life journey take you?

Creating Mosaic Art in Mission Viejo

2009-03-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here we are - working on the second leaf mosaic for the city of Mission Viejo, California - Aileen May is the artist in charge. Several volunteers have showed up on numerous days for this project. We had a great time!

Aileen is diligently working above.

MAK is busy working on the acorn - the curves are a challenge.

MAK looks up for the "photo" op - we are almost done.

Aileen is calling for a "tea" break - no caffine for some of us!

Gee, is it time for a break already???

Now that the second leaf is done, we will be taking a break, before starting on the third leaf. I can't wait - since it is alot of fun.

On Sunday, during Whale Days Festival, in Dana Point, Aileen will be working on another project at the "baby beach". Stop by and join in on the fun!!! Maybe we will meet each other there.

Sewing & Stitchery Exp 2009

2009-03-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

Got a terrible head cold while I was at Sewing & Stitchery Expro 2009, demonstrating the Curvemaster foot for Sandy Chandler of Just Curves.

It was cold and rainy - guess that is what it is like in Puyallup, Washington during the winter.

Glad to be back home.

Hillcrest Fine Art Festival

2009-02-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am tired - but it is a good tired. Just got back from Hillcrest Fine Art Festival. What a great time, had three pieces hanging in the invitational section, and another four pieces matted. I also had some smaller pieces in the boutique, and was a demonstrator - Below, see me demonstrating stenciling with inks. Normally, I would use liquid inks in my studio with fiber medium, but, learned the hard way it is too messy when demo'ing at shows!!!

I sold two pieces, which was really exciting! And I purchased four new pieces of art for my own pleasure. And what did I pick?

- A ceramic pin, which was created by Patricia Brown who is a local Whittier artist.

- A glass tree ornament, which was created by Vicki Olson, a Minnesota artist formerly from Southern California.

- A ceramic bowl by Luanne Lelewer.

- A glass decorative piece for the coffee table, by artist T. O. W.

A good time was had by all.... More later!

SAQA 20

2009-02-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

On Valentines Day, a group of us got together to frame some special samples that were sent in by quilt artists all over the world to be part of the SAQA@20 Trunk show. After we framed them, they were sent to Texas where a dedicated member of SAQA will be handling the trunk show.

To see us working - go to my friend Rose Hughes blog at: RavenSpeak Quilts

Of course, I had to play - below is my piece - part of my Cherry Blossoms series - I over dyed all the fabric, stenciled on the tree, and then did thread art by free form quilting. I had to laugh as most of the quilting was covered when it was framed!

Cherry Blossoms Series - #2 Iwakuni - cho

I lived in Iwaukuni, Japan while on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. My favorite time of the year was during Cherry Blossom Festival - early in May, when the trees started blooming. It was such a beautiful site to see the cherry blossoms blooming...

My first piece, Kintai-Kyo, is traveling with Elements: Spring. I have hundreds of photos from that five year period, from which I drew my inspiration.

At this website, you can see some of the beautiful pictures of the Bridge -

Four Seasons of Kintaikyo Bridge

I don't know how many times I walked across this bridge and took photos from it - it was my favorite place - I often ran or biked out to the park to enjoy the day. Of course, there is a castle and a story behind it - for more photos and stories see:

Iwakuni Castle

Art Quilt Raven Postcard ChallengeIn Celebration of Edgar Allen Poe:

2009-02-17T22:59:00.000-08:00

Title: "Lenore" Size: 4" x 6"

Celebrating Edgar Allen Poe's 200th birthday anniversary, based on his poem, The Raven, first published in Jan 1845.

To view all the RAVEN POSTCARDs click here

Goal: Submit to local exhibition for Children's literacy, language, and learning.

THE RAVEN by Edgar Allen Poe

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before
But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, `Lenore!'
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, `Lenore!'
Merely this and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -
'Tis the wind and nothing more!'

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning - little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast above the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as `Nevermore.'

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
`Doubtless,' said I, `what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -
Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
Of "Never-nevermore."'

But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking `Nevermore.'

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels named Lenore?'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!' I shrieked upstarting -
`Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

Edgar Allen Poe