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I am always excited to see the work of other artists! Especially textile artists....perhaps because there seem to be fewer of us out there.
In the 70's while working as a designer in Halifax I discovered "Suttles & Seawinds" creations. An ambitious undertaking by a local designer to update traditional quilting patterns and hire local women to create everything from quilts to clothing. Suttles & Seawinds not only prospered in Canada but received acclaim in major centers like New York . And I certainly treasured the pillows and vests I purchased from them for many years. And it planted a seed in me to have my own studio one day working with textiles.
After moving to B.C. I saw Carole Sabiston's wallhangings in Munro's book store in Victoria. I was fascinated by them and later had a chance to see her art close up at a show at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. And although it would be many years before I created my first tapestry type wallhanging she inspired me to use textiles to create art not crafts.
Just last year I received a book called Rags to Riches about Laurie Swim's work. And I was immediately captivated by her scenic textile wallhangings that have been inspired by her new home in Blue Rocks N.S. I grew up in Mahone Bay which is only a few miles away and I can testify that she has captured not only the images but the lighting and mood of the east coast. I have had a twinge of home sickness ever since. And her huge commissioned art quilts have inspired me to think big!
I truly believe we can always learn and grow creatively by studying other artists work. Even if they work in a different medium or in a completely different style we can always be inspired by their God given creative gifts working through them.
Now I know that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Then why do we all seem to have so much stuff ?? I was raised by two super neat, organized parents so I have always been tidy. My many years of working as an interior designer has also reinforced that motto that you have a place for everything and put everything in it's place .
However we all have our downfalls and mine seems to be my stash of fabric that is once again over flowing it's borders ! My excuse seems to be that as a textile artist I just never know when that special piece of fabric will be needed for an upcoming project. Did I mention that I have some favorite fabrics that are almost as old as I am ? I recently saw a reality show about hoarders and it was enough to spur me into action for fear I may soon qualify for that show !
Gratefully I have found a wonderful local charity organized by grandmothers who make crafts to raise money for aids orphans in Africa. It does my heart glad to know that all my treasured bits and pieces can be put to use for a good cause. It has encouraged me to buckle down and reorganize and clean out my fabric stash. I can just see the grannies smiling faces as I drive up with my vehicle filled with bags of fabric!
So I challenge all of you potential hoarders to find a charity in your area who can use some of your stuff to be a blessing to someone else. I'm now in the process of looking for more containers to sort my fabric into...shouldn't I be aiming for less containers ?!?!
I would be the first to admit I am not an athlete. Growing up in Nova Scotia I never mastered riding a bike or skating ....in fact anything that required coordination. How I have managed to climb ladders for many years to do visual displays is beyond me ! So I have some difficulty relating to the fever over the winter Olympics that are now being hosted in B.C. But it has increased the pride I feel for this country of Canada that I love .
As athletes, sports fans and news crews have poured into Vancouver I have to wonder how many are aware of the prophetic call upon Canada as a peacemaker to the nations . I incorporated this theme into my wallhanging titled O Canada . It features a maple tree as a symbol of Canada and english and french textiles to represent our bilingual heritage. It is detailed with the text - the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations.
So as Canada hosts these games I pray that the spirit of peace will prevail. And when everyone returns to their homeland they will not only carry metals and memories with them but friendships that will last a lifetime. And that the Olympic fever will turn into a fervor for peace around the world.
Sorry for such a belated greeting ! I have been so busy getting the word out about the web site I almost forgot about the blog ...and everything else !
I gratefully seem to be getting myself refocused on my painting. I plan to complete a large painting I began last year and didn't get finished . It features a mother and child walking through the desert towards the mountains and new life. In light of the recent earthquake I know I will be thinking of the people of Haiti as I paint.
My next large wallhanging has progressed from the sketch stage to fabric selection . It is going to be based around a verse " God walks in the still of the garden " and will be a peaceful garden scene. The color palette will be in cool blues, greens and yellows with lots of bead details ...or that's the way it looks right now .
A special thanks to all of you who have taken the time to visit the web site, send comments and pass the web address on to friends . I can't wait to check my email now and see who I may have a message from .....exciting stuff!! And I just shipped a painting off to the east coast today and that's exciting too !!
More soon ...keep those comments coming , Shelley
I am thrilled to officially announce that my web site is up and running! It has been a long and winding road since I began in the spring and it was definitely not a trip for the "faint of heart". However with a lot of hard work and a collaboration with a very gifted photographer and a group of talented web designers it has come together beautifully. But I know without the prayers and support of friends and family I would have never seen my vision fulfilled.
The first of the year I plan to begin blogging on a regular basis to let you know what's new and exciting at my studio. And I would love to hear from you with any suggestions for the blog or comments on the web site. I really hope you enjoy what we have created and that it will be a blessing to you.
Take care , Shelley
