Planning stage for me ... but.... What I am planning is WOW!!

I thought I would share this with you:-
http://fibre.acadnet.ca/category/visiting-artists/
It is the part of ACAD's fibre blog that deals with visiting artists.  You might like to keep an eye on it.  For example... I didn't know that kathryn Walter visited in March.... Did you? ...
Was there an opportunity to see her work or hear her talk or even attend a workshop?
Maybe there was but how would you know?
One way not to miss out on opportunities is to stay in touch - and I can help you do that....
Send me a message and get your name on the Open Network for fibre and mixed-media artists.
I will be calling for registration very soon for workshops across Alberta with Jason Pollen, and I will share this information by email... so don't miss out....

For now here is one of his works for you to drink in and savour.  Better than any mulled wine with mince pie....

Here's to a great holiday and wonderful year ahead.

This is Very Much not my work.... but ring any bells???

It is by Junco Sato Pollack

Go here to see read about the artist.

ORIGAMI #2 1998 Abstract composition in hand scroll w/ Plexi rod 25" x 50" x 8" Sublimation, embroidery on polyester organza

Remember discussing Origami and use of disperse dye at the ACAD Residency last summer?
Omg, and note the design, squares in those powerful colours, suspended from a perspex rod using? fishing line.... hmmmmm....
I truly get what you are on about dear friends who have been discussing the complexities of working where one is constantly seeing others' work.  Where is the line between yours and mine?



Kreative Momentum Runs its 13th Workshop - not unlucky for anyone we hope.
The latest Kreative Momentum Research and Development Day was held last Friday where we investigated the use of Fosshape for 3D work under the guidance of Angela Dale.
For a taste of what we got up to go to Arlee's blog
And here is one stolen image:- ( You OK with this Arlee?)

This R&D Day  was just Soooooo oversubscribed and will run again... as a 2-day event. 
The following was e-mailed to me by a participant after the event:-
"Thanks so much for the day. It was very enjoyable, a good start on 'R&D' (perfect descriptor as there is no pressure just exploration), and a nice introduction to each other. You and Angela made us all feel comfortable and went to great lengths, esp. all the samples! Please do know that I am very grateful for the opportunity for get togethers like this in a community of like minded learners."
Name withheld for privacy reasons.


If you feel you want this sort of thing for your professional development, then be sure to get in touch and get your name on the list for future workshops and R&D days.
ioftheneedle[at]me.com

More pats on our backs:-

See below the wonderful press we are getting for the current Contextural show at the Epcor Centre

Adornments - for sale

People seem to like these as brooches and (these) hair adornments; they are selling.
A take on Flexing Felt.
Should I market them big time?  Which way to turn I ask...
No time to rabbit on today...

The WIP - Work in Progress blog link (at right)  has helped me to stay focussed... and provided gratification as I aim to post something I am doing each week.
Above is  a sample - ??Quilt?? so I am a quilter now?  Yes, it has 3 layers and is quilted and padded... a type of trapunto quilting I suppose (but without the slit, I never liked the end result of that).
It is a piece I will use in the workshop Flexing Felt that takes place here on Friday.  I loved making this piece... just to do some hand stitching... now I just have to finish off the seeding and then with some more lines but of hand stitching.

It is a piece for winter.  But I think it has potential as the edging for a winter scarf. I just need to source the right type of (micro) fleece.

The Research and Development Event, mentioned last week, will take place on 9th December and all places are full, with a waiting list and list for a future session too.... I hope to post some images of the outcome.  If you are interested in Textile Techniques, workshops or master-classes please email me.

WIP this is for you

Little fishy things.
Anyone know a supplier of fibre optics in the Calgary area?
And I could do with a tame electrician!

Far from eliminating things from my work load I appear to be stacking more on the pile.
Why oh why was it so hard?  I have spent hours drawing up my first emailable newletter for the Alberta Branch of Surface Design Association... I am now the representative for Alberta. If you want to contact me to talk about SDA please do.  You know where I am..... ioftheneedle[at]me.com

I don't think I will make it to finish my Dreamweaver self-directed study because 1) My use of the trail version has expired. 2) Someone else wanted the Missing Manual from the library!

Met a like-minded soul this week.  We chatted and didn't notice the time, I probably got a parking ticket!!!
Check out Angela Dale's work on Flickr.

An Aside

The Calgary Public Library has a series of books circulating right now that encourage public involvement and creativity.
These are books for people to create by being creative via literature or art. But not the two together!
So I put a 'hold' in for the arty one with the title "Diversity" sounded right up my street.
I had thought I would get a book that was already half full of artworks, cartoons and sketches.  In fact I got a book that had this skillful and beautiful rendition of the Ash in Calgary, and nothing more.  In other words I was expected to be the second 'artist' to add something.  The pressure was enormous.

I held onto the book for a week or so and considered simply returning it to the library... after all, I don't do art like that and it had made me feel rather insecure I suppose.
But then I thought... it is only people like me participating that will make this thing a diverse work in itself.  So I have added my bit... consider it a doodle or playful work... both of which are acceptable additions to the "Travelling Art Book" it says this (I paraphrase) in the directives on the first page.
My piece illustrates the diversity of coral reef to deep sea... and I had fun. And if it encourages people to simply relax and have fun and put something on the pages... all well and good.

 To get hold of one of these books yourself go to Calgary public library.

Fibre Fun

From time to time there has been healthy debate about what is fibre art and what is not.

I think this is fibre art.  

Calgary Farmers' Market prior to Halloween.

 The work Eveline Kolijn - Plastic culture.  This is a person I would like to meet.
in the window space near the C-train downtown Calgary.
For more window art go here.

I hope to see my life:art coach this weekend.  

See if we can thrash out time-management issues.