Fiber-Art Postcards Lecture

Linda with her display boards for the lecture, featuring
fiber-art postcards from many friends, as well as her own.

Last week, FiberVoices member Linda Teddlie Minton presented her lecture, "You Mean I Can Mail This?" at the Baytown Area Quilt Guild in Baytown, Texas.  The one-hour program included ideas and techniques for creating fiber-art postcards, as well as tips for mailing them through the Postal Service. A 4-page handout was included, so that guild members could begin their own postcard exchange groups.

FiberVoices featured in Quilting Arts

Artist and writer Lynn Krawczyk wrote about us this month (October/November 2013 issue 65) of Quilting Arts Magazine.in her regular column, Replenishing Your Creative Well.  It was a nicely balanced combination of interview and pictures.  We're all very happy to have been featured in this, one of our favorite magazines about the fiber arts.

Final Days of my Residency at The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

My artists' residency ended August 31.  I feel that this was the single best artistic experience I have ever had.  In so many ways it allowed me to grow artistically and opened my eyes to the many wonderful things which are happening in the art world.  I will always treasure that experience and I hope that the incoming artists for the 2013-2014 year have an equally good time!
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The final part of the residency was capped with the Resident show.  Here is a portion of the blurb from the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft:

IN RESIDENCE: WORK BY
2012 RESIDENT ARTISTS

August 2, 2013 — November 15, 2013
In the Artist Hall

Opening Reception
Friday, August 2, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
A few of the artists will discuss their work
during an informal artist talk at 5:30 PM.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) presents In Residence, an exhibition of work created by the eight artists who began their residencies at HCCC in 2012: Tarina Frank, Chanda Glendinning, Susan Fletcher King, Jessica Kreutter, Susannah Mira, Jaydan Moore, Robert Thomas Mullen, and Rachelle Vasquez.
Each fall, the In Residence exhibition celebrates work by resident artists, derived from or inspired by their residencies at HCCC. This exhibition demonstrates the high level of creativity and skill reflected in each resident artist’s work. While engaging the greater world of contemporary craft, the HCCC Artist Residency Program gives its selected resident artists a studio space within an environment that encourages collaboration, experimentation, and a forum in which to exchange ideas and receive advice from peers.

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At the opening, each of us (artists) had the opportunity to give a short talk about our work and the exhibit.  This was really fun and we had a much larger crowd than anyone expected.  It felt good to see so many turn out for the show and everyone seemed really interested in what each of us had to say.  Good memories!

 

Inspiration from Hoffman Fabric

This year’s Hoffman Challenge fabric “K7126_136G Peacock Gold” (Fig.1) inspired Nancy, who has been participating in this annual challenge for several years. She studied the fabric and decided that the round gold-outlined medallions resembled “coins” (Fig. 2). She then mentally created a scenario to guide her in the design process. Her resulting quilt, “Payment In Gold” (Fig. 3), captures a moment in time of a knight purchasing his prospective dinner of pheasants from a local huntsman.

Nancy fussy cut the fabric’s leaves to make the huntsman’s forest cape, added the quiver strap across his chest, and spent time carefully hand cutting rows of “feathers” to achieve a believable visual narrative. For the knight, a richly embroidered tunic over chain mail establishes his ability to command a pouch full of gold coins.

She had fun incorporating layers of a silver party fabric for the chain mail and using Razzle Dazzle thread for embroidery “bling” on the tunic. Special attention went into creating the appliquéd hands by first painting the fabric and then using thread painting for the final effect (Fig.4).




(Fig. 1) Peacock Gold fabric

(Fig. 2) One of the "coins"

(Fig. 3) "Payment In Gold" finished quilt

(Fig. 4) Detail of hands















I Created the Fabric, Now What?

In March, 2013, Connie, Linda and Nancy met at Connie's beach cabin and spent a few days painting fabric.  They decided to do a group effort on three different pieces - a colored piece in spring colors, a black on white (flora theme), and white on black (fauna theme) (see Fig. 1 - Connie's fabric).  The colored piece was painted first, with everyone moving around the work to cover the area.  When finished, it was cut into 3 equal pieces and distributed among them.  By the third work, white on black, they were all becoming "territorial" when it came to the section they knew would be theirs.  Great fun was had by all.

Connie was the first to cut into her new fabric.  She decided to use the black on white as a background for a floral arrangement, the white on black as the container and dark leaves, and other painted fabric for the floral arrangement.  Two commercial fabrics were used:  brown/white circles and dark green floral greenery.  Her work-in-progress photo shows a whole host of problems - overwhelming background, underwhelming floral arrangement, etc. (Fig. 2).  A white Gesso wash and a little more life in the floral arrangement solved the problem (Fig. 3).

           Connie's Panels-Approx. 18"x48"  (Fig. 1)

 

 

 

 

               Problems-Work-in-Progress        (Fig.2)

 

 

 

 

     Corrections- Finished Work - 16-3/4" x 25-3/4" 

                                                                    (Fig. 3)

 

 

 

 

 

Connie Fahrion in Quilting Arts Magazine - again!

Our own Connie Marie Fahrion has a new article in the current issue of Quilting Arts Magazine (April/May 2013).  Her article on creating innovative paper quilts using coffee filters, paper towels, paints, inks and dyes, is lots of fun and gives a wonderfully different take on art quilting.  Check it out!

See the Quilting Arts Magazine information here.

The Art in Fiber, 2013

Gerald and Debbie Tobola have done it again ... created their annual fiber-art show at their Copper Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top, Texas.  The artworks, all submitted by Texas fiber artists, were juried into the show by none other than Karey Bresenhan, Founder and President of Quilts, Inc.  Here are a few pictures from the opening and the following day's brunch. 

Debbie & Gerald Tobola ... true friends of the artist.

Susan Fletcher King and Mary Ann Littlejohn in the front,
Connie Fahrion and Linda Teddlie Minton in the back.

A fabulous Artist's Brunch was held for us by Angela Allen and Julie Maffei, art patrons and supporters of Texas artists, who just happen to be sisters.  It was held at the beautiful old Menke House at Festival Hill. I understand that Menke House is available for weddings and receptions, and if I ever wanted another wedding, that's where I'd have it!

Menke House

The gorgeous meal was served up by a very impressive chef whose name I neglected to write down.  He was roundly applauded for the outstanding brunch he served, which included the tenderest brisket I've ever tasted, an exquisite smoky smoked salmon, and hand-churned ice cream.

Le Chef made a brief appearance after our appetites had been sated ...
this was a very long-distance photo from the back of the room,
sorry for the blurriness!

Some of the artists lined up before the grand staircase.  Gerald and Debbie Tobola are on the stairs,
and Julie Maffei is on the far right in the colorful jacket.

Gerald and Debbie giving a brief thank-you to Angela Allen (center)
and her sister, Julie Maffei (who had just stepped out of frame!)
We would like to add our thanks to these two generous women of the arts.

There's Julie!  Laughing as usual, and
so, of course, is blurry in the picture.
Thanks again, Julie and Angela!

Houston Center for Contempory Craft - Interview with Susan Fletcher King

Susan Fletcher King is currently an Artist in Residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary
Craft  You can read it here at this link.

A Christmas celebration, 2012

FiberVoices had our traditional Christmas meeting at Nancy's house, where we all enjoyed a fine lunch (her Rum Cake was only one of several delicious dishes) and great comradery.  Nancy had decorated her house and tree with many of her own exquisite hand-crafted ornaments, as well as many that her mother had created.  It was a treat to see and admire them.  We enjoyed "show and tell" as well as a small-gift exchange.  It was lovely to have a totally non-business meeting.  After lunch we adjourned to Nancy's back patio to watch the deer and sip a little Spumante.

Nancy, Susan, Linda,and Mary Ann

Connie and Mary Ann

This is a finely beaded ornament that Nancy had made;
there were many more ... tiny, embroidered, cross-stitched ... and even some
gorgeous temari balls!  (Thanks, Connie, for getting a good shot of this one.)

These beautiful young does came up very close to the back porch.
What a beautiful ending to our FiberVoices get-together.

Art in Fiber 2013

The month-long exhibit and sale "Art in Fiber 2013" (juried by Karey Bresenhan) will open on Saturday, February 2, 2013, from 2 to 6:00 p.m.  Linda Teddlie Minton, Susan Fletcher King and Connie Fahrion will each have work in this exhibit.

This annual fiber show is held at the Copper Shade Tree Gallery, Round Top, Texas.  Be sure to mark your calendars; we hope to see you there.

Rituals exhibit to travel to The Netherlands

The invitational exhibit "Rituals" (created by Dinner@Eight's Jamie Fingal and Leslie Tucker Jenison) was so well received at the Houston International Quilt Festival this October/November 2012 that it will fly across the pond to the 'Open European Quilt Championships' in the Netherlands. Show dates are May 3-5, 2013.  Both Susan Fletcher King and Linda Teddlie Minton have work in the exhibit.

You can buy the Rituals book here.

"5" A Pop-Up Show featuring HCCC Artist Residents

 November 16 & 17, 2012

Susan doing some deconstructed screen printing

The current Artists in Residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft are having an exhibit just down the street from the HCCC.  The show features new works by Tarina Frank, Chanda Glendinning, Susan Fletcher King, Jaydan Moore and Robert Thomas Mullen.

OPENING RECEPTION - Friday, November 16, 2012 from 6 to 8:30pm
LOCATION - 4411 Montrose Street, Suite F (second floor), Houston, Texas
HOURS - Friday & Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

It's a "pop-up" show, only open for two days, so mark your calendars and don't miss it.

Houston Area Fiber Artists Show

Two of Mary Ann Littlejohn’s pieces have been juried in the Houston Area Fiber Artists show. 
Focus on Fiber 2012
18 Hands Gallery
249B W. 19th Street
Houston, Texas 77009
September 22, 2012 – September 30, 2012
Hours: Wed-Sat: 10 AM-6PM;  Sun: 12PM-5PM
www.18handsgallery.com
Juror:  Sally Sprout
Opening Reception:  September 22, 2012, 6-9PM

Turn, Turn…

Seven Sisters

Yes, both Linda Minton and I have been juried into the next Dinner @ 8 show - this one is called "Rituals" and the new size (24" x 60") was a challenge.  I really like working with strong verticals or strong horizontal formats, but the idea that I had for this theme just didn't lend itself to the new size.  So - back to the drawing board - or should I say - deisgn wall?  I am pleased with my final results and so thrilled to once again be included in this show!  And yes, we are thrilled that Moore's Sewing Centers at the Long Beach show, and Havel's Sewing at the Houston show are sponsoring this effort. Their support is hugely appreciated.

"Moon Drunk"   by Susan Fletcher King

Below is a detail of "Moon Drunk".

"Rituals" entries accepted

Both Linda Teddlie Minton and Susan Fletcher King of FiberVoices have had their entries accepted into the juried invitational exhibit, "Rituals", curated by Dinner at Eight Artists' Jamie Fingal and Leslie Tucker Jenison.  The exhibit will debut at the July, 2012 International Quilt Festival, Long Beach, and will also show at the Houston International Quilt Market and Festival in October/November, 2012.

"Kissing the Cat Goodnight", 24x60"
Linda Teddlie Minton

"Kissing the Cat Goodnight", detail
Linda Teddlie Minton

We'd like to join Jamie and Leslie in thanking our sponsors for this exhibit ... Moore's Sewing Centers at the Long Beach show, and Havel's Sewing at the Houston show.  Their support is hugely appreciated.

Monthly Meet & Eat

Yesterday, we had our monthly meeting at Mary Ann’s home. We enjoy our visiting around the table with lunch as much as sharing what we have been doing or planning to do.

Oh, yes, we had a lots of show and tell, but I forgot to take photos of most of it.. One show and tell was Mary Ann’s newly installed A-1 long-arm quilting machine in what  is becoming the longarm/music studio.

The Art in Fiber 2012–Copper Shade Tree Gallery

Four of our members:  Connie Fahrion, Linda Minton, Mary Ann Littlejohn and Susan Fletcher King are included in this invitational exhibit.

Interwoven III - 18 Hands Gallery

Interwoven III - 18 Hands Gallery

October 22 - November 4, 2011
249 W 19th St, Ste B
Houston,TX 77008

Opening Saturday, October 22nd,  6-9 PM

Come by, meet the artists
and enjoy light refreshments
 Join us in a celebrationof the local and regionalfiber community.

Participating artists: 

Noreen Borys, Sheila Burke, Marian Carlson, Beth Dewey, Tatiana Ermakova, Lynn Sorelle Forster, Sony Hartley, Margery O Hedges, Veronica Helton, Susan Fletcher King, Scharine Kirchoff, Charlene Kolb, Linda Lewis, Leisa McCord, Carmen McGee, Janice Daniel McKeehan, Sheryl Means, Tammy Minnich, Leila Reynolds, Olga Starostina, Olga Tarasova, Sandra Elbel Taylor, Linda Thiemann, David L. Vollmer, Doerte Weber, Lynn S. Williams, Hope Wilmarth, Gerry Woodhouse

Beach Retreat

Recently we all spent a couple of days at Connie’s new beach house.  Connie (and Mike) are always great host/hostess so a good time was had by all.  As housewarming gifts, we each made a placemat with a “beach” theme.  It was fun to watch her grandchildren critiquing them and picking a favorite.

Linda Minton

 

Liz Broussard

 

Mary Ann Littlejohn

 

Nancy Dickey

 

Susan King

Round Birthday "Postcards"

Each year FiberVoices members exchange fabric postcards for our birthdays. Last year Connie distributed a round version (non-postal) with grommets on the top and bottom that allow each one received to be attached to the next one and be hung on the wall. So this year I thought I would do the same. I wanted to try the technique of layering fabrics, sewing a line drawing through all the layers, and then cutting away the top layers to reveal the colors underneath. Then I added some hand embroidery for details. I drew different motifs so each of the six of us would have an individual design.

New Book to celebrate the Opening of The Space Between

The Space Between, co-curated by Leslie Tucker Jenison and Jamie Fingal, will be premiering at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, California. The dates are July 29 -31, 2011. If you are not able to be there, you can still enjoy a bit of what the show has to offer by checking out this link: http://www.blurb.com/books/2327096.

This book (catalog) was created by Loris Bogue who is also one of the artists that participated in the show. Be sure to take a look. Instead of showing my piece here, you have to take a peak in the book!

Opening at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Tonight was the opening for a new exhibit at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. This was the tenth anniversary of the Center, and artists from the 10 years of their Artist In Residence program were invited to submit work for this - the tenth anniversary. Lots of fun eye candy. There was fair representation of all craft disciplines - from fiber to ceramics to wood to metal. Something for everyone. The show will continue through September 3, 2011.

In addition, there is a show called "Creatures From the Deep" by Arline Fisch. This is running through July 30 in the HCCC small gallery. This is one that I really wanted to see and enjoyed because of my penchant for sea "critters". This was a new way to depict these amorphous life forms. Read below from HCCC:

Creatures from the Deep showcases Fisch’s use of knitting and crocheting techniques to create larger-than-life sea creatures made of wire. HCCC is pleased to host the touring version of this exhibition, which has transformed the small gallery into a tranquil underwater world, with floating jellyfish of different colors and shapes.

The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is located at 4848 Main Street - easy parking and open Tuesday through Sunday. Worth a trip!

Retreat!

We had a wonderful retreat in Tomball last month, at The Quilter's Cabin, owned and operated by Diane Anderson.  Here are a few pictures we took ...

Susan working on a deconstructed screen print.

Liz, Connie, and Mary Ann.

Connie was very prolific for the week!  Painting and soy-wax batiking.

A pre-screen (for deconstructed screen printing) by Linda

Another of Linda's pre-screens.

Linda's series of 4 prints.

Liz working on her free-motion quilting project.

Mary Ann and some of her soy-wax prints.

One of Susan's pre-screens.

One of Susan's deconstructed screen prints.

Susan made this tiny pre-screen, which Linda coveted.

Susan on the back porch.

Susan used some natural elements to create this series of prints.

Linda enjoying the gorgeous weather on the back porch.