I find it important to look at other disciplines and media in order to grow as an artist. As such I not only hold subscriptions to rug hooking and spinning magazines, but also to art magazines such as “International Artist”. I garner ideas for inspiration and methodology for approaching my rug art. Today I spent time going through some past issues of IA, noting ideas for future reference.
Better than reading a magazine is to wander the local art galleries for ideas. I take my sketchbook and note ideas in the car between stops. Sometimes I sketch sample compositions.
The composition for “Ice Caker” was modeled after a painting I saw at the Assiniboia Gallery in Regina, SK. I have no recollection of who the artist was, and the piece has long since sold. But whoever it was, I thank them for solving my compositional dilemma.
I spent part of this morning doing Internet searches for old artist friends that were involved in the Airdrie Artist Guild with me many years ago. The Guild is now defunct. I was pleasantly surprised to find several have done quite well since the early ’90s. I was prompted to look them up because I finally have some of their early pieces framed to put on the walls here. It is interesting to see the progression of an artist’s style over the years. I have pieces spanning 10 years for one artist, and spanning 20 or 30 for another. I am left wishing I had the resources to purchase some of their current pieces. But my, how expensive their art has become! I am so happy for them, but sad for me. 🙁
I am busy dyeing wool swatches again today. The last tan is cooling on the stove. This afternoon I plan to start dyeing reds. 🙂 I love red, so this is going to be FUN! I cannot get over the lovely colours I am dyeing. The photos on this blog in no way do them justice. I just cannot seem to catch the vibrancy of the colours with my camera. I imagine it is my lighting. I am often shooting in the evening.
Well, it’s back to dyeing wool…’talk’ to you all later. 🙂
I like “Fiber Art now”, and “Watercolor Artist”.
I enjoy reading what you are doing in the dye pots .
Yesterday I did a transitional run between charcoal and seal brown. 9 jars. I liked them. Have wanted to try dyeing this now for a long time. Did some very light warm yellows too. Tryed to see how light I could get them. I need more of the lighter values in my stash. Will be working at getting a nice collection of light transition. 🙂 Perfect day.
Love your blog.
Thanks Chris. I’ve been thinking about subscribing to “Fiber Art Now”. I am having trouble keeping up with my current subscriptions.
Your dyeing sounds wonderful! What brand of dyes are you using? My Majic Carpet set does not have a charcoal. I’m in the opposite situation. I may have to stop dyeing swatches to dye some more intense colours soon. I go through them rapidly! Not surprisingly… 😆
I like Pro Chem dyes too. I know what you are saying about keeping up on the reading material. But, so wonderful to have on hand. 🙂
I was thinking of negotiating a switch to ProChem dyes, but the lady I was buying dyes from commented the yellow didn’t “take” as well as the Majic Carpet yellow. And I need serious colour in my fibre! So I stuck with Majic Carpet…this time.
I use all my dyes together. I have MC and Cushings.. The Cushings are so rich in color. Cushings take longer to take up but are well worth it to me. I get very spoiled at how fast MC dyes take up. All is wonderful at the end of a dye day. Nice visiting with you.