Birdbrain

Sometimes an idea for a project swirls around in my head for years before it comes to fruition. Here is the beginning–a small mat I’ve just finished, inspired by the work of Ton Schulten. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. My wedding rug, completed in 2012 was a start. But for this one, I set out to understand his use of colour and value and to learn how I could take this into rug hooking. The impetus now for this piece is a project for a study group where I am to hook a larger piece inspired by his style. This is the first ‘sketch’.

But there is a sad note to all of this today. In the process of learning about Schulten’s colour block style, I discovered the work of quilter Ineke Berlyn. Her book, Landscape in  Contemporary Quilts, which I bought and read in 2009, describes her discovery of Schulten’s work and her journey to creating landscape quilts based on the style of his paintings, “a bright picture-postcard centre…offset against shades getting darker towards the borders.” (p.25) I loved the pieces Ineke created and followed her development of the style on her blog. It was with sadness that I saw today that Ineke died just yesterday. I encourage you to visit her blog and look at the many online images of her work. It’s amazing how we form bonds with other textile artists online, and although we have never met them, feel so saddened by the passing of their creative light.

I visited the Textile Museum last week to see the Sheila Hicks exhibit, Material Voices. This link will take you to Hicks’ site with photos of the full range of her work. The large wrapped and coiled structures are exuberant, brightly coloured and impressive. The show in Toronto contains some of these and also excellent videos of the installation of her enormous architectural pieces.

Bas-relief panel for an architectural project.

But it was the small framed pieces which intrigued me, her minimes. From the museum: “Working on a small scale provides her with the freedom to investigate colour, line and form; to test new techniques and to respond directly to her lived experiences. Indeed when she leaves her house or studio, Hicks often carries with her the small loom she build in the 1950’s should inspiration arise.”

I loved the thought of carrying a small frame and weaving on the spot. Testing out ideas in small hooked pieces is something I’ve been doing in the last few months–although in the studio, not on location! I have two big projects in mind and I’m taking my time working things out in my small mats.

By the way, I’ve updated both the Rug Hooking Gallery and the Leather Gallery to include all my work for the last year. It’s good record of what I’ve tried and helps me see where I want to go next. Check these out by clicking the link under Navigation on the right hand side of the blog page.

To all those who visit this blog, I wish you and your close-ones the very best for 2017. The world seems an uncertain place these days–and I’m hoping along with Liz Lochhead  that “the light comes back”. We can work together to make it happen for climate, for civic harmony and for peace. Let’s each do our bit, whether big scale or small.