Laying foundations

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Busy making a pair of shoes for an old friend. Before I sew, the pattern on the soles always needs a little extra help of some glue. They will be embellished with some sequins and beads, as my friend is a quilter who uses these materials in his work.

Practice

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In between big projects, and thinking about new ones, I practice on a personal project. Wanting to get better at making boxes and glueing in general, a new box for me. Flaws I only know about, but learned along the way.

Will

Today, I am starting work in my new studio, which is a room in my home we call “the library,” which has a huge wall of books, a wall of windows, and has always been a favorite place of refuge for everyone. Myself, my husband, our toddler and our cat Velour who has passed on. In setting up today, I have been reflecting on my old days in art school, when I would meet a lot of established artists coming through, many of which did not have children. I was always warned my career would be sidelined if I had kids. Well, a little over two years on, I have had projects take longer than I wanted, had to exert a lot of discipline and a lot of Will( capitalized thank you very much). But- I am working, thinking, making. Often exhausted.

I have been thinking, “Those artists I met, they did not know the generosity that would kick in, the kindness from others.” I had to go to a big box hardware store today to pick up something big and had no trouble getting someone to cart it up front for me. Then, when I was tying it to the top of the car, my daughter fussing, a man came up and said, “I can show you how to do that easier and better if you will let me.” I learned a new way if knotting things to the roof that was much better and faster. I move art a lot, so any new skill is welcome.

Coming home, daughter napping, I had time to clean out the old cat vibes and put up my table. I am a bit obsessed with dots lately.

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Craftland-Peaked_postcardfr72_grande

My next show is in Providence, at Craftland.

Group Show: Peaked

May 16 – June 15, 2013
Sublime explorations in paper forms.

Matthew Shlian / Eight Emperors; Ann Arbor, MI
Doris Häusler / Dorisse; Ingolstadt, Germany
Esther Ramirez / Essimar; Chicago, IL
Rebecca Siemering; Pawtucket, RI

Opening reception: Thursday, May 16th from 5pm – 8pm