January came with sunshine this year.
After two months of rain I loved this return of the sunshine like a friend I had thought I had lost.
I've been working on my book for North Light, and am now almost on Chapter Seven.
This is a all consuming job, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
What I have noticed is that when you love a subject, the words and the art pours out. I have also learned how to use my husbands Nikon, especially when I take photographs of my art. But my trusty Cannon is still best for still lifes and outside photographs!
But last weekend I was finally getting over an awful chest cold and I needed a break! Much of the work I do, and like many of you,is alone... being an artist is a solitary life. That is one reason why teaching and taking workshops is so important, to be with like souls and share your passion.
So I called a friend and we went to a workshop I was intrigued by, Shibori Dyeing taught by the beautiful and energy-filled Sharon Kifoyle.
Lorri Scott hosted this workshop in her studio high in the Santa Cruz mountains. Lorri's studio is one of my very favorite places to be.
I love being a student.
Here are some of the things I made using silks and cottons,dyes, discharging and even Indigo dyeing.
And our lovely teacher resting after the second day, with some of her own samples hanging behind her.
This is some of Jan's work,
And Lorri's...
The processes were colorful and exciting to watch.
Bubbling and sizzling,
fizzy and frothy concoctions were brewed.
I'm really excited about my projects. From the beginning I was thinking of dyeing fabric for my books and my collages, (and to share at my worshops of course!). These will probably be cut up and stitched over...
The process is actually quite complicated, soaking, dyeing, watering down,rinsing, heating, clamping, discharging and re-dyeing. All repeated until you get the desired effect!
I love working on the vintage velvet and raw silk the best, but cotton, muslin and other silks are wonderful too.
Now I am ready for this new year, and my wish for you is that spring will come soon,in your garden and in your heart!
Vist here to find out about my workshops... and here if you would like to friend me on Facebook!
