I admit I have a habit. While walking, I scan for treasures. Always.
This little guy showed up yesterday on a walk across the library parking lot. Ancient plastic with great energy.
Shiny things, 2012
blocking and engineering a circle
The final stage on my Threats quilt, blocking. Dipping the monster into a cool water bath was a complete leap of faith on my part. It really needed it, the surface was gray with handling including a number of blood spots where needles added my DNA to the piece. I really didn't know what would happen to the stitching after the threads and fabric got wet together. I have had nasty surprises in the past so each time I do it I do it with a feeling of casting my fate to the wind. Most times I am pleased with the slightly more puckered results.
The piece is done on an old linen tablecloth. The circular format challenged every bit of my design skills to figure out how it could hang. I wanted to maintain the original scalloped edge so I hand-finished the edges and added a separate structure to the back to hold it on the wall. This pic shows the assemblage on the back. Inside is a handmade hula hoop made to fit the outer circumference of the piece (it can be dissassembled to fit neatly into a shipping carton if necessary). I used a PEX 3/8" pipe from Lowes with brass fittings for the connections. The envelope that holds the hoop has a zipper for easy access to the hoop and is handstitched along the edge. Took me 4 tries at getting the hoop to work before I came to this solution at 4 am one morning this week. The studio is littered with corpses of former trials. I am longing to get back to creating - engineering is not my favorite sport.
pool trees
pool trees, @2012, Paula Kovarik
I love how the cover for our backyard kiddie pool folds over the edge. These shadows look like elven forests to me.
Studio habits
A fellow fiber artist, Lisa Call, posted this set of questions on her blog recently (click here for her take on these questions). She invited others to do the same. Here is an inside peek into my studio habits and how I create.
Is your studio at home or a separate space?
I have a building behind my home that is my studio. Previous owners of this property built a photography studio attached to the garage. It’s about 500 square feet with higher than normal ceiling. A glorious sense of space. There is ample storage and it overlooks our back gardens. My quilt studio also includes my business, Shades of Gray, a graphic design studio. You can see the desk in the back of this shot that is the business end of the studio.
Typically, how many hours a day do you work in the studio?
I work from 8-5, Monday through Thursday in the studio on business projects. Fridays-Sunday I work on artwork for 4-5 hours a day. If I am going strong I can work for 2-3 hours in the evenings during the weekdays. So, I guess, on a good week I put in 32 hours of business work and between 15-20 hours on my artwork. Someday I would like to switch that proportion.
Do you listen to music while you work?
Sometimes I listen to music or podcasts. Mostly I work in silence. Sounds can clutter my mind. When I do listen to music I usually use itunes to give me a variety of selections by using the DJ function. My music selections vary from classical to jazz to rock and alternative. So when the DJ function starts I may listen to some Mozart followed by Florence and the Machine followed by John Coltrane. It's an eclectic journey.
Do you watch television while you work?
rarely. In the evenings I may tune into a favorite show for background. It depends on what I am working on.
Do you answer the telephone while you are in your studio?
Yes, I do. Business takes presidence for now.
How often do you take breaks?
lunch, an afternoon bike ride or walk, dinner.
Do you have any over-use issues with your hands or any other body parts?
Yes, my neck and wrists are sore a lot. Since I do a lot of detail free-motion stitching on my sewing machine. The tension can mount up. I have to force myself to stop and stretch. I also wear an elbow pad made of sheepskin (fur included) that saves the nerves in my elbows from shooting pain to my hands. It helps.
If so, how do you manage them or compensate?
Stretch, rest, baths, rest, stretch.Advil.
How about you? Where do you create and how?
total abandon
My favorite Rose of Sharon trees are in full bloom now. The wonder of these blooms is that once they peak they throw themselves to the ground as if in complete abandon. Wrinkly and paper thin they look like ancient tissues of the sky.
Rose of Sharon blooms, 2012