Zip another month has passed by, summer is finally here in the south. I truly loved our mild spring. The windows were open for quite a few weeks, but now the hum of the AC keeps me company instead of the birds singing in the yard.

During May, I enjoyed the company of several talented women who joined me in a Mixed Media Surface Design class at The Artist League. Once a week, for 3 weeks, we met for playful experimenting with surface design. During each class, I showed them some techniques to add color and design to white surfaces (cloth or paper) and then they played.

I knew going into this class that I could never predict the final results. This wasn’t a project class; I didn’t want them to copy me. I wanted them to take a technique, then find something within themselves to create their own designs. Their results proved me right. I never would have been able to predict what they did. Each session I was blown away by the talent in the class. Master works of modern art were created from their spontaneous whimsy. If they wanted to try something different, I said “Why not?” or “Try it and see.”

I have 2 favorite parts of teaching. The first is watching the “ah ha!” moment happen, when the student realizes they can do something which once intimidated them. The second is when “I” learn something. In all the years I have taught, I cannot remember a time when I didn’t learn something during one of my classes. As the ladies in this class experimented, I learned with them. It was so exciting to watch how things developed. So here’s to learning, its so much fun, I never want to stop!

If you think this class sounds interesting, then join me for:
Fiber Collage: Adding Depth and Texture with Textiles
July 23, 2011 from 9:30 to 4:30
$40 member/$50 non member
Location: The Artist League of the Sandhills
For more information, contact The Artist League at 910-944-3979.

As a kid, I remember going to outdoor fairs/exhibits during the summer. I remember the Renaissance fair at the local college, the air shows, the fire works displays at the local parks and of course, being a child of the 70′s I remember the Bicentennial celebrations and outdoor events.

On Saturday I celebrated Summer and Independence Day in this days-gone-by kind of way. My friend invited me to Old Threshers Reunion in Denton, NC. Having grown up in Chicago, I really didn’t know what I agreed to do.  I thought it was some sort of overgrown reunion for the Thresher family. Boy, did I get that wrong.

A thresher is a a farm machine that separates seeds or grain from husks and straw. For example, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin is a thresher. So knowing what a thresher is, you may wonder why they would have a reunion.

I got it the answer as soon as I saw all the tractors lined up. Its like antique car collecting. The people who attend this reunion are proud of preserving the history of our nation, especially how machinery has played a role in farming.

In an era of Internet, cellphones, cable TV and a plethora of other technical devices, it is fascinating to see real “machines” in action. Steam and early gasoline engines where everywhere. We were greeted by a beautifully restored working steam train and the sound of “hit and miss” engines was the melody we heard all day.

Along with the engines that were entered into the judged events, there were vendors of all sorts. There was a mix of carnival-style vendors selling t-shirts, trinkets, chicken on stick and Italian ice.

There was also a wide variety of flea market and antique vendors. Clearly the mission of these vendors was to entice the sales from the thresher enthusiasts. We found tables and tables of old tools, gears and spare parts. I found myself attracted to all the old oil cans. Do younger people even know what these are?

As someone who loves the “old way” of doing traditional craft, I found myself fascinated more than I could believe. The wood and iron combined with the beauty of the machinery and the smell of engine oil, had me mesmerized as we wondered the fair grounds. The people that were around us weren’t the big city type I grew up with.  Overalls seemed to be the respected uniform of the day. It was a step back in time, comforting me as it reminded me of my summer excursions as a kid.

At noon, everyone stopped. I mean everyone and we all turned toward the American flag to listen to the National Anthem sung over the loud speakers. This event alone sent chills down my spine. I so wanted to take out my camera to capture what I was seeing around me, but it was most important to respect what we were all doing. This day reminded me I am proud to be an American.

This is our first harvest. The bushes have been here, but the birds have been out-smarting us the past few years. Just a small bounty for now, plenty more to be enjoyed in the next couple of weeks. The thought of summer blueberries fresh from the yard, just seems to make the summer heat more tolerable. Yum!

(Note: berry bowl by Flying Pig Pottery)

Finally, I’m able to display the complete finished piece of the Carolina Mixed Media Artists Guild M4 Challenge. My process was posted on C&T Publishing’s blog today. Check it out:

Altered Timtex Background Up For the Challenge

This piece is available for purchase on my Etsy Store:  http://nanettesayz.etsy.com/

My thoughts are “How did they envision that?” But mostly I think “Wow!” This is the one event that I think captures the essence of this Guild, we are mixed media artists

Another sneak peek

Although I consider myself a fiber artist, my piece doesn’t “feel” fibery. That’s what the challenge is all about to me.  I’m stretching and forcing myself to try something different. I got frustrated with it during the process. “Now What?” was my biggest question along the way. Yeah…I could piece a quilt and hang things from it. Or knit a sweater embedded with challenge “ornaments.” Or laminate adornments within the layers of needle felt. But that’s ordinary to my life. I chose to stretch myself, do something kind of out of my comfort zone, try new things.

My idea came early, primarily since I have a history with the Long Leaf Pine tree. In my “other career,” I spent a lot of time studying plants and animals that live in the long leaf ecosystem. I roughly sketched my idea on paper (an unusual step for me), then spent weeks thinking and processing. The thought process happened while I was busy with everything else going on in my life the last 2 months. Then I finally “started”…and it just happened. The “now what’s?” came, but each time they resolved themselves. Little by little the components came together.  I am pleased with my final piece. I used techniques I was comfortable with, but I also experimented a lot. I learned a lot. That’s why I love this challenge. I learn.

Although the weather was cold outside, Bolo soon realized he was properly dressed for this hot event. 38 Vendors and a countless numbers of shoppers packed into the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center on Friday and Saturday. This was a fiber and quilting artists dream day. Bolo took over 3 hours to stroll the exhibit hall. Occasionally, he couldn’t help himself and was found playing in the vendor’s stash.

Bolo’s first playful stop was at Unique Yarns. Where he indeed found some unique handpainted yarn. Such lovely colors of yarn, some earthy colored sock yarn was added to Bolo’s stash.

His second stop was at Local Colour Hues. Fiber artist Lorin Fields is a fabric dyeing extraordinaire. Bolo loved playing on the rolled cotton fabric bundles, but settled on some dyed Noir silk to bring home.

Oh how can you not have fun at Random Arts’ booth? Owner Jane Powell, was happy about showing off her bits and baubs of random things. If you like old funky things, then you’ll love Random Arts. Bolo was busy checking out the funky ribbons and added some to his take home stash.

Next stop for Bolo was Thimble Pleasures. Here Bolo spent some time hanging out with the owner, Julie Holbrook. What a nice lady! At this booth, Bolo danced around the bins of fabric  and found the perfect animal print for a soon-to-be baby quilt. Bolo also enjoyed seeing the new patterns Thimble Pleasures carry. I think Bolo plans to visit Chapel Hill soon, so he can spent time exploring the beautiful new brick-and-mortar store Julie owns.

Like any fine craftsman, you need the right tools for the job. Bolo’s favorite notions dealer is Schoolhouse Quilts. They’re regulars at most local quilt shows and related events. Any kind of notion you can imagine, they seem to have. So many tools, so little time. When Bolo strolls their booth, you can hear him grunting like Tim, the toolman.

Bolo and I were greatly impressed with this event. As a first time event, we hope that it was as much a success for the vendors and organizers as it seemed to be for the shoppers. For those involved, please come back next year, because nothing could be finer than this fun fiber extravaganza in Carolina.

So as always, I’ve been busy with the odds and ends in life. Last week I spent several days teaching at the local quilt shop. I love Linderella’s. Linda and Carl are fun people to work with and their shop it extra cool, bright colors, and sunlight even when its raining outside. I don’t know how they do it, but I’m glad they do. I have a bunch more classes schedule for March and we’re discussing our options for April, May and June.

I opened an Etsy shop, you should see the link in the upper right hand corner of this page. Slowly, I’m adding things, but I always seem pre-occupied with so many things.

One project that is weighing heavy on me is the kit challenge I’m working on for my Mixed Media Guild. We’ve affectionately called the challenged M4 (an attempt to shorten the title). Back in January, those willing to accept the challenge were given a box of “things.” The boxed contained bits, baubs, circuits, papers, fibers and other miscellaenia. From the box, each of us must assemble the pieces in to a piece of art.

I am finding that this is no small challenge. Sounds pretty easy, just slap some things together with glue and be done. Ha! Each time I think I’m close to being finished I find another “thing” that needs to be incorporated into my piece.

The deadline for completion of this challenge is next Saturday, March 7th. On this day, the pieces will be displayed at a Gallery Showing at Artist Alley, in Southern Pines,  NC. I’m sure I’ll be done in time, I have all today and tomorrow. I’ve been working on this project most of the week and most of today. So, in order to keep to my schedule, I must get back to work. So for now I’m back to M4 Challenge and Beyond. Thanks for the temporary diversion.

Jill and I talked about many things, especially family. Is there such a thing as inherited creativity? I think our shared genetics demonstrates the creative soul in our family. Some pursue the passion, others have their little hobbies, and some just let the creativity sit dormant (maybe permanently). My talk with Jill was good. I think of her often. She doesn’t live too far from here and I should visit her more. But “life” gets in the way.

Then while talking with my sister about the passing of Scott, she mentioned the “other side” of the family. She went to my uncle’s services earlier this month (read). In her visit, she re-connected with my mother’s family.  She felt deeply connected with some of the family. Even though they live many states apart, she felt  as if they were good friends she saw every day.

I had a similar experience several years ago, where I reconnected with another cousin I hardly knew. Again the connection happened around a death, this time his father, my uncle.

It is sad to experience the death of family. Its like a hole is ripped from you. The size of the whole correlates to the intensity of the relationship. But none-the-less something is missing from you, when you have to say good-bye. The fact is we’re all going to go. We’re going to lose someone we love and we’re going to leave someone behind.

Although, I don’t like to be around death. I can appreciate it for the beauty it holds. It makes you stop and reflect upon your life. It brings you closer to people. It has the ability to soften your soul or make it harder. It molds you like a piece of clay. I enjoy the beauty of reconnecting with people I love and the occasional kick in the head that tells me “don’t neglect this relationship.”

Last month, while walking the dogs. I found this butterfly. It must have only recently seen its death. The bug was completely intact and outrageously beautiful. I took many photos, because rarely will I have the opportunity to be this close to see the details of such a majestic creature. So again, death offered me beauty. It made me stop and realize that life is beautiful.

Take a moment to think about the beauty in your life and cherish it. Don’t wait for death to show you the door.

Granted, DH is a wonderful support for me. But, he doesn’t do what I do and can only relate and offer advice “some” of the time. So as I re-ignite my creative journey, I know DH doesn’t “get it.” He looks at me with crossed eyes when I read passages from Stephanie McPhee’s “At Knit’s End.” Or gives that look of bewilderment when I get excited about fondling fibers (yarn or fabric) or finding cool “found objects” in the street. And he occasionally throws away my experiments (like the recent rusty fabric project I had in the back yard), because he thinks someone (me) left trash laying around. He’s a good sport and doesn’t say anything, except “as long as it makes you happy.”

So recently, I found a group of local women who are mixed-media loving artists. They inspire me and fill my need for comradery. I laugh to myself every time I’m with them when I realize…they “get IT!” I don’t have to explain my doubts, fears, or mistakes. They feel the same. I also don’t have to explain to them why a color makes me happy, or how touching a fiber brings chills to my skin, or how I find creating something from a pile of stuff that most people would consider garbage is a very rewarding opportunity. They understand and feel the same.

You cannot realize how long it has taken me to find a group of woman like this. They’re smart, they’re brilliant, they’re supportive and they understand. They abhor the bitchy cat fighting most women do. They are not in this world to be “better” than anyone. They are here to be the best “they” can be and if they can find someone along the way to help…they’re there for them.

How cool is this??!!!

So on this day of good luck 08/08/08, I give a “shout out” to my friends. I wish you only good luck, prosperous journeys, and eternal happiness. You motivate me and make me smile. I am glad to have you in my circle of friends.

I’ve tried hard the last couple months to work on my art. I’ve made several Art Quilts for the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (sorry Ami, I’ve not registered any of them yet). I’ve had a nagging idea for one of this mini quilts and tonight I finally worked past my procrastination. I guess when you get a message from a messenger you have to listen to it.

See the idea came to me the last couple weeks. I heard someone say “God, rest their soul.” Immediately it made me think of my Great Aunt Dorothy. She died the year before last, outliving all her brother’s and sisters. As a spinster, she died alone, just the great-nieces and nephews (my siblings and me) who cared enough to be there for her in death. So sad. Well, what struck me when I heard “God, rest their soul” was Dorothy. She was terrified to die.

Here she was basically alone in the world, but she was terrified to pass from this life. My deep sense, is that when you pass, you’re finally re-united with the ones who proceeded before you. I can only hope I’m correct, because there are so many that I’m looking forward to seeing again…including Dorothy.

So, being the anti-religious person that I am (no don’t send me hate mail, you can’t change what I believe), I remember being at the lovely and emotional Catholic church service when we buried Dorothy. I cried and cried hard. All I could think of when I saw her casket and the priest waving the smoky orb over it, was Lord, let me be right! Please, let there be a big party for Dorothy right now. Please let my mom, grandma, great-grandma marek, and definitely Aunt Flo, Uncle John, and Uncle Tony, be there welcoming her to the pearly gates. Everyone being there, giving her hugs and asking to hear her stories. As they all looked down at us with tears in our eyes. Missing them all. Please let Dorothy’s fears be for not. She was such a kind soul and deserves to rest in peace, if not rest in joy for a long life well lived.

So the long story is for these quilts. They are inspired by Dorothy. “Lord, please rest her soul!” And why did I get inspired today to create these? Well, this afternoon when I turned on my Palm Pilot, a message popped up to remind me that Dorothy’s birthday is August 1. I miss you Dorothy, as I miss all of you…

Update 10/1/2008: After my Uncle Ed died in late September 2008, I sent the “brother” to Aunt Dorothy’s quilt to my uncle’s family. It seemed appropriate since Ed suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. I donate these little quilts to Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (www.alzquilts.org), so they may raise money to fund research on the disease.