Creating

Posted April 27th, 2011 by Ellen and filed in My Work, Other Artists
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Eyes Wide Open  (working title)

Embroidery on hand-dyed fabric

 Detail

Susan Sorrell  www.creativechick.com  conducted a workshop through the Charlotte Quilters’ Guild early this month.  The class title “Doodle Designs”  intrigued me.  The premise was to use a doodle and replicate it on fabric.  The doodling was a great challenge for me, as I’ve stuck with one “design” since I was a kid . Three dimensional  boxes.  Always.  But only when I’m on the telephone. 

With the encouragement of my friend and table mate Debby, I began scribbling.  “Add more,” she said.  “Now add some more.”  I kept at it until I had a passable doodle. 

What I’ve completed is just the design outline stitching.  My piece probably will not be finished in the same way as Susan’s amazing work.  I have another idea about the direction I will take.  In the meantime, its completion will wait  until I’ve had cataract and hand surgeries.   I’ll then be able to see color much more accurately.   Right now, I think the piece  is primarily yellow with a bit of green, but can’t be sure.

 

Art in the Mail

Posted February 10th, 2011 by Ellen and filed in Other Artists
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“Please Hand Cancel”   Detail

Original Collage  by Frances Holliday Alford

6″ x 8″

Amazing artist Frances Holliday Alford posted recently on facebook that she would send a piece of her art to someone who’d left a comment to her status.  The only catch was that the recipient had to agree to give  one of his/her works to another during the calendar year.  Assuming dozens had already responded (after all, Frances has a huge following)  I commented that  it was such a cool idea and that I would love to have a piece of her art one day.  I was thrilled to hear I would be a recipient.

Wow, was I excited when a fabulous collage from Frances arrived yesterday.  I don’t know how she knew, but it is made from several of my favorite things:  the color purple, hearts and postage stamps.   The piece is beautifully done -  signed and dated, matted and framed.    I love it!

Frances also enclosed two “in progress” collages complete with her address labels.  I will embellish and mail them back to her in Vermont, as she  enjoys receiving postmarks from different places.

I have jars full of stamps, dating back to the 1960′s.   Many were used when I covered a wooden box with them as a gift for my baby sister Patty, a retired letter carrier and union official/activist.   Sifting through my stash, I chose stamps depicting her heroes and causes.  It was a really fun project.  Seeing Frances’ use of these tiny graphic images makes me want to dig them out and incorporate them in my art, too.

Thank you, Frances.  You’ve made my day with your wonderful gift while inspiring me to create new works of my own.  See more art from Frances here:  www.franceshollidayalford.com


An Artist I Admire

Posted October 29th, 2010 by Ellen and filed in Other Artists
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Susan Shie, Copyright 1994

4 1/2″ x 5 1/2″

I’ve admired the work of Susan Shie for a very long time.   The self described, “Outsider artist with an MFA, painter, writer, and social commentator” is  fantastically talented.   Regarding  political and human rights issues,  we’re on the same page.  Her words and work speak to me.

Susan (Lucky) and I are both members of the Art Quilt Network which meets twice a year in Columbus OH.  It was through that group that I really got to know her.

The tiny piece shown, made to be worn as a pin, was purchased from Susan (Lucky) in 1994 at QSDS (Quilt Surface Design Symposium) in Columbus.   I love it!  It hangs in my studio as a blessing and inspiration.

See more of Lucky’s work here:   susanshie.blogspot.com

Blog Bark

Posted October 25th, 2010 by Ellen and filed in Other Artists
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This was posted on Facebook friend  and artist Tristan Robin Blakeman’s status today.  I just love it!  Woof woof.

Check Tristan’s page for more info:   http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=732277006

Sarah’s Art Car

Posted July 9th, 2010 by Ellen and filed in Other Artists
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I believe we always end up where we’re supposed to be, that so-called coincidences happen for a reason.  Yesterday, I met the most wonderful young woman when we both “just happened” to pull into the credit union at the same time.  She was driving an older, brightly painted Dodge Caravan.  As I got closer, I saw what I hadn’t previously noticed.  The background of the driver’s side was covered in car art script.  This is a person who obviously has a lot to say.
I told the driver and artist, Sarah, how much I liked her car.  Soon she, her father Eddie and I were chatting as if we’d known each other forever.  From her father I learned Sarah’s Honors Art 4 project had been her car, on which she’d earned a grade of 100. Sarah will be attending college this fall in Ohio – also the home of acclaimed quilt artist Susan Shie. Susan is perhaps best known for the air pen writing which covers every square inch of background space on her quilts.  Who knows – maybe Sarah and Susan will run into one another in Ohio.  Wouldn’t that be cool?  susanshie.blogspot.com
I wish I’d gotten a close-up of Sarah’s writing.
What looks like a person examining the roof of her car, is actually
 sculpture at the credit union. 
I was caught up in conversation and so quickly taking pictures, I was looking without seeing. It wasn’t until I loaded the shots into my computer that I saw this was an anatomical painting of a heart with wings.  With our family history, you know that’s the first thing I would have asked about.
Sarah’s garden of flowers.
Sarah’s car is a feast for the eyes and brain, coming and going.
Sarah and Eddie – Thanks for taking so much time to talk with me yesterday. You both blessed my day!  I’d love to hear back from you.  Please contact me by email:  ellen@ellenguerrant.com