I’m pleased to be the curator of this month’s special gallery, Tesserae, on the Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website.

In art the term “tesserae” refers to the small pieces that create a pattern or picture in a mosaic when used together. Of course, traditional patchwork also utilized this approach, even though the materials in play were quite different.

The art quilts chosen for this gallery strongly reference the tradition of making a larger, unified, whole from small, clearly distinct pieces, many of which are geometric in nature.

Tutti Frutti Village – Sue Bleiweiss – detail

You can view the gallery here.

List of selected artists, with their websites when available:

Catherine Beard
Cathy Kleeman
Deb Cashatt
Diane Melms
Eleanor A. McCain
Janet Kurjan
Judith Mundwiler
Kathy York
Misik Kim
Norma Schlager
Pat Kroth
Sue Reno
Susan Bleiweiss
Susan Lenz
Terry Kramzar
Valerie S. Goodwin

If you are in the area, please do stop by.

Oscar, a member of Austin Fiber Artists, was an outstanding artist with an unerring eye. His work ranged from fiber, particularly handmade paper, to mixed media assemblage. I always appreciated his clean sense of design and the harmony in his art. His work always included exactly what was needed to capture his vision; no more, no less. His work was beautiful and evocative; but more than that, it had the crucial element that is all too often missing in contemporary artwork: elegance.

You can see some of Oscar’s work on his blog. I’ve linked directly to a few of my favorite pieces, below. Click the image or title to be taken to that blog post.

Rest in peace, Oscar. Your vision made my world a better place.

Time Passages – Oscar Silva

Bloodlines – Oscar Silva

Ministering Spirit – Oscar Silva

Edit – Oscar Silva

Haiku – Oscar Silva

Red Sky At Night – Oscar Silva

Study in White – Oscar Silva

Amoeba (detail) – Oscar Silva

In my “spare time,” I’m writing some children’s books about Mindy, The Great Pyr. Here is one of the illustrations for the first volume.

What are you working on this month?

A beautiful, snowy twilight while driving across the Midwest this week. I love the way the white barn nearly disappears into the landscape.

This clarity can take many forms, most often simply stating it aloud. But sometimes we are hesitant to share our deepest felt intentions with others for fear of ridicule, lack of support, or the realization that we may have failed at previously stated goals and don’t want to open ourselves to another “public failure.” I know that this has certainly been true for me.

I’ve just started a new mail art project that seeks to address the disconnect between wanting to share a goal and turn it into reality, and simultaneously being reluctant to let those around us in on our intention. For the Goals and Intentions Project participants will make a 4″x6″ postcard, as simple or complex as desired, stating or visualizing their goal. It can be signed and dated, or completely anonymous. The postcards will be mailed into a PO Box, collected, scanned, and shared with the Universe on a dedicated website and Facebook Page.

First postcard received

Eventually, I’d like to mount an exhibit of the postcards. I believe there is great potential to inspire viewers to form their own goals and intentions, and create the life they would love to live.

This time of year is traditionally a time to make new plans, foster new dreams, and set forth on new paths. Please join The Goals and Intentions Project as we move with enthusiasm and hope into the New Year.

Visit the website to see the postcards as they begin to arrive. I appreciate your sharing the Project with your friends.

This article was originally published in my Quarterly Art News, Winter 2012 issue, December 21, 2012.

I’m delighted that my article Marketing Strategies to Sell More Art Quilts has been published in the Studio Art Quilt Associates Journal, vol 22 no 3 (Fall 2012 issue).

In this two page piece, I offer some philosophical and practical takes on art marketing for quilt artists. Also included is a check list of small tasks that can be accomplished quickly, but will combine to move you forward.

For more information on SAQA, visit the website.

A hazard of being a professional photographer is having an abundance of striking photographs that don’t really fit a particular need.

They aren’t really useful for an exhibit, and I only have so much room on my (already overflowing) walls. However, I like them and don’t want them locked away in a digital vault for the duration.

Many of these images make their way out into the world as functional items such as note cards, or accessories. The two new iPhone cases here came about just this way.

The beautiful autumn continues to fill my back gardens with gorgeous colors- glowing here in the late afternoon sunlight.

We are loving having actual seasons again.

I’ve been working on trying to get the studio organized enough to begin construction of my new textile series, Lake County, that reflects some of the beauty I find surrounding me here every day. Several pieces are designed and I’m itching to get going on them.

However, the state of the studio is such that I am still carving out small spaces and moments for creativity, and it’s taking the form of more jewelry. It’s amazing what one can make on just a tiny corner of a table.