Archive for the ‘Art’ Category

UNH Professor Explores the Mysticism and Diversity of Spain in Public Talk

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Dr. John Chaston, Associate Professor of Spanish and Linguistics at the University of New Hampshire, presented a program titled “John Chaston on Spain: A Magical Mystery Tour” on August 16, 2011 at the Hampstead Public Library. The talk is just one offering of the UNH Speaker’s Bureau program. Chaston is the director of the UNH Study Abroad Program in Granada, Spain. He lived in Spain for an entire semester in the years 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2010. Projected images, videos and music accompanied his remarks about food, agriculture, Spain as the gem of the Roman Empire, Moorish architecture, and the totally immersive and influential elements of the Catholic Church on Spanish Art and Architecture.

He showed clips of a soccer game, bullfights, and a flamenco dancer performing for tourists in a cave located in Granada. Anyone would come away from this lecture, inspired to know more about the topics he presented and perhaps might wish to travel to the country itself.

In any lecture about so broad a subject as the presenter was tackling, much information would be left out, by necessity. The talk was meant to whet appetites, not satisfy them completely. As a graduate of UNH with a degree in Spanish, who also studied abroad through UNH’s student abroad program in Pamplona (about 40 years ago), I applaud the efforts of the University to reach out in this manner. As it turned out, a young man in the audience, now a sophomore in high school who is studying Spanish, mentioned that he is thinking of majoring in the language. The professor was quick to give him contact information and to invite him to sit in on some Spanish classes. This is great encouragement and the young person seemed to be very pleased.

Spanish mysticism was mentioned, and examples of great paintings were discussed. A few poignant quotes from acknowledged Spanish thinkers and notables such as Unamuno, were added to the mix. I enjoyed every component of the lecture and for Jim, who has never been to Spain, the talk opened up new information, a real service to those of us who are lifelong learners. Kudos to UNH and this professor for encouraging community involvement in the University and its programs. Dr. Chaston plans to offer additional talks about Spanish Art in the future. He can be reached at: jchaston@unh.edu

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Artist Mary Stoudt Chosen for Ohio’s Quilt National Show: May 28 – September 5

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Award-winning Artist Mary Stoudt Chosen for Ohio’s Prestigious “Quilt National” Show from May 28-Sept. 5

Her colorful and contemporary work also in upcoming shows at some things looming and the GoggleWorks in Reading, PA.

City View
“City View”

Reading, Pa—Award-winning contemporary quilting and fiber artist Mary E. Stoudt (www.marystoudt-artquilts.com/) will be part of three major national and regional arts shows being held throughout spring, summer and fall 2011.

They include the prestigious Quilt National exhibit at the Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio; the national juried “Size Matters” Show at the some things looming Fiber Arts Gallery and Studio, Reading, PA; and the “Inside Outside: A Broad Interpretation of Space and Place on the Edge and in Between,” Reading, PA.

Since the 1970s, Stoudt, a former art teacher, has been stitching, weaving, making paper and creating mixed media to create diverse works described by critics as “whimsical and spiritual.” She has a studio (#314) in The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601.

Village Dreamscape
“Village Dreamscape”

She said, “In 2003, I started layering fabric in a grid fashion. Simply put, I visualize the quilt’s composition, its colors and forms and than—as I move through the process—I improvise on the details. For certain pieces, I make an actual size pattern as I move through the creation process, but I introduce new elements while using the patterns. “I love the warmth, the flexibility, the play of color and the textures of quilt making.”

Wool Meets Cotton
“Wool Meets Cotton”

In addition to her colorful one-of-a-kind original contemporary quilts 3 x 5 feet and larger, Stoudt creates quilted-based beaded and embroidered necklaces, painted 100 percent one-of-a-kind silk scarves and other pieces. Her art has appeared in invitational and juried shows throughout eastern Pennsylvania, the Mid-Atlantic States, other states and other countries.

• The 17th biennial juried exhibition of contemporary art quilts, “Quilt National,” will be on view at the Dairy Barn Arts Center from May 28 through Sept. 5, 2011. Stoudt’s quilt “Equilibrium” will be included and was also chosen for a special award. Quilt National demonstrates the transformations taking place in the world of quilting. Its purpose is to carry the definition of quilting far beyond its traditional parameters and to promote quilt making as what it always has been–an art form.

• “Size Matters” will run from May that will run from May 7 through June 18, 2011 at some things looming, 526 Washington St., Reading. It will incorporate original work representing any and all techniques in fiber and textile arts. The right size is 12” square for two-dimensional work for “Size Matters.” Three-dimensional work can be freestanding or must fit on a 12”x12”x12” pedestal. Stoudt’s “Pipes 1, 2 and 3” were selected for the show.

• “Inside Outside” is the 2011 juried show at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading, which runs from May 13 to June 19, 2011. Stoudt’s “Vintage Gold Circle,” a mixed media work of fiber and papier mache, has been selected for this show.

For further information on her work and the three upcoming shows, visit Mary Stoudt’s website: www.marystoudt-artquilts.com, e-mail her at marystoudt@gmail.com, or call 610-507-1815.

# # #

Mary E. Stoudt: Artist Statement

Mary Stoudt

“I create my art quilts looking through a lens informed by decades of experimenting with a wide variety of art media, namely, photography, printmaking, ceramics, weaving, collage, and sculpture.

“To begin an art piece, I imagine a basic composition in my head, concentrating on color and form, and then work intuitively through each piece. As I progress through the quilt, I improvise, perhaps like a jazz musician would.

“Sometimes, I give myself assignments such as, ‘See how big you can make a quilt,’ or ‘Use wool and cotton together,’ or ‘ See how many layer you can add.’ Some of my quilt creations could be put in categories such as color studies, storytelling, or optical illusions.

“I am influenced by a variety of artists, Here is my short list of favorites…Hundertwasser, Red Grooms, Audrey Flack, Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, Lee Krasner. If I made a list of favorites a month from now, I would probably add more names. Visiting an art gallery or art museum is my idea of a good time.”

Mary E. Stoudt Invitational Group Shows:

Pennsylvania Art Educators, Harrisburg
Artists’ look at Y2K, Penn State, PA

True Stories/Waking Dreams, Florida Craftsmen, Inc.

Without Restraints, Allentown, PA
New Arts Program, Allentown, PA

Yeiser Art Center:
Quilt National 2007 

“Up in Stitches,” Penn State Berks 2008
Art of the State, PA (1ST Crafts – 2008), (2nd Place – 2009 & 2010)

The Natural World, GoogleWorks Art Center (1st Place – 2009)

Allentown Art Museum Juried Show (2nd Place – 2009)

Amazing Art Show SAQA 2008

Paper and fiber-Museu Da Praia- Maragogi, Alagoas, Brazil- 2009

“More than Fiber,” GoogleWorks Art Center 2010

“Collective Thread,” University of Central Missouri Gallery of Design 2010

“Works on Paper,” Reutlingen, Germany 2010

The Art of Jazz Frank Scott Memorial Art Show- 1st place 2010

Concordia College- N.Y. Sew New 2010

Reading Public Museum-”Art of the Craft”-2010

Quilt National 2011
“Size Matters,” some things looming, Reading-2011.
–

SHIRKcommunications
www.shirkcom.com

HOME OFFICE:
The GoggleWorks
2nd & Washington Streets
Reading, PA 19601
(610)736-9223
Fax: (610)736-9224
Alan Shirk
alan@shirkcom.com

SATELLITE OFFICE:
105 Willow Glen Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
(610)286-1977
Cell: (610) 574-0295
Mike Shirk
mike@shirkcom.com

This press release sent by Alan Shirk: alan@shirkcom.com, 610-736-9223 is brought to you courtesy of Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Spanish Paintings Tell the Story

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

In 1972-1973, I had the unique opportunity to study Spanish Art at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. As part of my coursework, I studied the great Spanish painters and on winter break, I was able to travel to the central and southern parts of Spain to enjoy seeing some of the works we had viewed in slides. On this Easter Sunday, my thoughts turn to the many religious images found throughout Spanish Art and Architecture.

El Buen Pastor

One of my favorite Spanish painters is Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617-1682). Among other works, he painted “El Buen Pastor” (“The Good Shepherd”). There are many written references in the Bible and in hymns to Jesus as “shepherd.” A popular psalm, often used at funerals, begins, “The Lord is my shepherd / I shall not want [..]. Christians speak of Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” In the Old Testament, lambs were often the victims of sacrificial offerings. Why is the image used a lamb? In considering why a lamb might be chosen, the thought of its appealing innocence comes to mind, as well as its trustworthy nature.

John the Baptist

In the painting above, the seated figure is that of St. John the Baptist who is clutching his heart as if seeing a heavenly vision. The lamb he is tending could be representative of Christ himself, as symbolism goes. We cannot ask Murillo his intent and as with any art work, especially of a deceased person, we can read as much or as little into it as we might wish.

Christians sing a song about being “washed in the blood of the lamb.” Of course, this is figurative speech only. No one kills a lamb with an intention of taking a bath in its blood. There are many such references to lambs, flocks, and shepherds in Christian literature.

Velazquez

Another famous artist, Velazquez (1599-1660), gets a little more graphic in his painting of “Cristo Crucificado” (“Christ Crucified”). This image shows a dying Christ, a thought that is an integral part of the faith model of anyone who calls himself a Christian.

On Easter, Christians celebrate Christ’s triumph over death and his resurrection against all human odds. We share in the joy of his “overcoming” death itself. My late brother Steve always told me that one should be an “overcomer.” He said that if Christ could overcome death, then, by his way of thinking, we could overcome anything that is dished out to us in this life. That is a good thought to keep in mind. We all face obstacles to our own happiness.

Today, I wish you joy and peace and a sense of new beginnings.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Posted in Art, Easter | 1 Comment »

Art Quilts with Words: A Consolidated List

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

I decided to create a permanent directory on my website to all of the blog and website entries that I created that are related to my call for “quilts with words” last year. Now, they will be easy to find from the list found here:

Art Quilts With Words

Enjoy!

Pat

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The Artist’s Journey

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

What is the essence of art? What leads artists to create? How is art related to quilts? What makes textile art worth collecting personally or preserving in a museum? All of these are evocative questions. Many of them will need to be answered from your own perspective, based on your own experience.

Before we consider this topic, let me share a brief anecdote. Recently, someone spotted a quilt in the “Irish Quilts” file of our website. The person contacting me thought that perhaps his mother-in-law could make it if she had a pattern because reportedly she can sew “panels, a mile a minute.” The quilt is pleasing in every way and I remember lingering in front of it at a show and appreciating its workmanship and design. The quilt was made by a skilled artist. Doubting that she would have a pattern or even want to create one for sale for her unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece, I suggested that he contact the quilter directly. It wouldn’t hurt to ask. The point here is that the general public views the FINISHED product but if they do not quilt themselves, they have no clue as to the level of expertise needed to make a certain design!

From the first scribbled crayon drawings of a child to the most masterful oil painting, art can be appreciated in its many degrees of being. Think about art that is collected in museums or is standing as architectural wonders, like the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Consider the art treasures of Egypt, many of which were recently damaged by vandals who broke into the museum in Cairo. Recall the fine art paintings of Americans with their themes of portraits, flowers, landscapes and seascapes. What makes art worth keeping for decades or even centuries?

seascape by Guillermo Gomez

A seascape by Guillermo Gomez (1862-1942), a Spanish painter / collection of the Prado Museum

A brief answer is that the themes presented are timeless and they reflect the values of people. So saying, I am calling to mind all of the religious art I saw in Spain, an ornately-decorated Baroque Cathedral, a highly stylistic Gothic cathedral, and many in the Romanesque style. I am thinking about Picasso’s “Guernica,” an abstract statement of his hatred / observation of war, the Spanish Civil War, and Goya’s famous painting that also depicts themes of war. The school of French impressionists lent their own vision of timeless beauty to their pointillist paintings.

Velazquez - Felipe IV

Velazquez (1599-1660) painted huge murals of royalty on horseback, another timeless and historical theme / collection of the Prado Museum

What does all this mean for quilters? In thinking about this subject, it seems that the quilts I have enjoyed seeing the most in the last quarter century have been unique ones rendered by those with art school training. One such quilt is Jonathan Shannon’s “Los Amigos Muertos.” The quilt is rooted in the Mexican traditional practices of the celebratory Day of the Dead. I am amazed by the quality of workmanship in this quilt. The quilter was expressing personal messages in the work, yet they were built-in and not apparent to the viewer. To me, this work stands in sharp contrast to the quilt art of today that which is intended to make personal statements. The genre is self-limiting. All art is valid but art that reaches out to a larger view than just oneself perhaps has more enduring qualities, unless of course, the artist is already famous and decides to create a self-portrait.

All thoughts are welcome!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Zentangle Art / Zentangle Quilts

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

The concept of Zen art or “zentangles” was recently developed by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. As described in a current article in The Quilter magazine, written by Dawn Goldsmith, Pat Ferguson has adapted the idea into making small quilts that usually are machine stitched with black thread on a white background, although some of her quilts utilize color.

Rick Robers and Maria Thomas

Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, co-creators of the art concept of Zentangles

zentangle drawing

A Zentangle drawing provided at Rick and Maria’s website

Let’s take a look at the words of the creators of this new art concept:

Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. Zentangle is an intuitive art form which increases creativity and focus. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and a wide range of skills.

“One day Maria and I were having a conversation about how she relaxes and loses all sense of time while doing her art work,” says Rick Roberts, “We wondered if it was possible to create a simple technique so others could enjoy a similar experience.” This was the beginning of the simple and elegant system known as Zentangle. “Little did we know,” continues Mr. Roberts, “that it would grow this quickly and touch as many lives in as many ways as it has.”

Zentangle is easy to learn and easy to do method which results in beautiful images created from repetitive patterns. Even though it has a specified series of steps, it results in a creative expression that transcends its own rules. It is fun and provides a lighthearted way of relaxing, while shifting focus and perspective.

Ms. Thomas agrees. “You cannot fail to create a Zentangle,” This is because a Zentangle is not meant to look like anything other than a Zentangle. “It has no up or down,” Ms. Thomas states, “You can do anything one stroke at a time! Zentangle allows a return to basic creativity using simple tools, which is part of our human heritage.”

Ms. Thomas and Mr. Roberts have run Zentangle seminars for many organizations, schools and businesses. “It was a terrific team building exercise,” Says Dennis Rice, executive director of Alternatives, “where everyone was successful.” Zentangle is used to improve self esteem, individual confidence, creativity and cooperation in team efforts. Mr. Roberts explains, “For people who are convinced they can’t draw, Zentangle’s method removes the intimidation of facing a blank sheet of paper. A novice’s work can be put next to a ‘pro’s’ work and fit right in.”

At their workshop, Ms. Thomas and Mr. Roberts will introduce an elegant Zentangle kit which includes everything an individual would need to create Zentangles. The kit is made up of die-cut tiles of fine art paper, archival pen, pencil and sharpener and instruction book and DVD.

For further information please visit http://www.zentangle.com

Suzanne McNeill has published three books on the subject:

An online site that offers support and free patterns and “how-to” instructions is: http://www.TanglePatterns.com

Have fun!

Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Reflections on Being An Artist

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

In one of his twice-weekly newsletters, in September 2006, Canadian artist Robert Genn, stated, “Artists need to live in the present tense.”

I cannot think of a statement that has more truth. Once a piece is created, it is past history. It exists as a moment in time, a vision completed, or a mission failed. At the very least, working through the decision-making process of creating art, has been instructive for the artist, consciously or subconsciously.

Art, like life, is a learn-as-you-go deal. We are never perfect, and we often do not live up to our own expectations. The necessity is to persevere and continue doing what we enjoy most, in spite of the critics, who, as it turns out, are sold a dime a dozen.

I have reached a point where I never show any unfinished work. When I used to do so, people have felt free to tell me what I should do, or what I could have done, or what I might do. Now, I don’t allow anyone to interfere with my mind-set, nor rob me of the joy I feel when I am creating.

Later, if my work is criticized and it is already a finished piece, any negativity belongs to the beholder, but I have not allowed some outside force to prevent me from wanting to finish the piece.

Yes, please live in the here and now, and be your own critic. You’ll never find a more discerning one. As artists, we need to be true to our own instincts, and to express ourselves now, regardless of what future critics might say.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Music, Literature and the Arts and Their Importance

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Ever since I can remember, whenever times were lean, as they are now for many people, the first thought is to cut back on spending. Now, it is reasonable to think about that. All of us should have some kind of a budget plan, and trim excess spending wherever we can so that earnings = more than expenses, at the end of the month. This is not a lecture on saving money, however. Rather it is a commentary on wise spending of money when it comes to school budgets, and even personal spending.

Music and Art in the schools are always the first departments to receive cuts in funding. In my opinion, they should be the last to be compromised. Music and Art are exactly what are needed to energize us and to make life worthwhile. For children, training in music will always stand them in good stead, as will the practice of art and the knowledge of the masters. Yes, some of those students may become professional performers or practitioners. Culture needs music and art, plain and simple.

Civilization requires a knowledge of the past and it is always fun to look at the “History of Ideas,” a field of thought (academic discipline) that was developed by a friend of mine, Florence Petherick, Ph.D., (who has now passed on). She was fascinated by ideas, and their origins and development, over time. We are all interested in what other people say and that is the reason that many books of quotations are sold. FDR said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” Who wouldn’t remember that statement? There are many sayings, even old-time Yankee ones, that shape our thinking and help us to put things into perspective.

“A penny saved is a penny earned,” is one of those frequent remarks. What people do not realize is that in an inflationary economy, such as this one, it is not a good idea to hoard money. For me, personally, I would rather have a new book than a new piece of clothing. We all have our priorities. My point is this: Do not neglect music, art or literature because of the current financial state of the nation. In our own small way, we each need to encourage the arts, and our own knowledge of them, by continuing to buy books and also encourage our local libraries to acquire new educational materials. If you have the chance, vote for keeping music and arts in the schools!

A nice birthday gift that is easy to send is an amazon gift card in any amount from $10. to $500. that is redeemable at amazon.com or endless.com We are not always aware of someone’s taste in music or books, and the gift card allows them to choose what they would like. This is just a random thought that seems to fit in well with what I am thinking, this morning. Below, I have provided a link so that you can check out this idea for yourself.

Be well.

Patricia

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Kuna Indians/Mola Makers Seen In Their Own Habitat: Archipelagos Off the Coast of Panama

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

This morning, I visited YouTube and just realized that there are quite a few videos of collected molas as well as movies of those who make them, on the archipelago sites off the coast of Panama. I enjoyed watching native Kuna Indian women, with their traditional nose rings and bare feet, making molas and wearing them. Molas are a traditional part of their everyday wear. It is only when tourists began visiting these people, in their remote corner of the universe, that a pattern of trading was established.

I have written extensively about the Kuna Indians and have enjoyed seeing an exhibit at the University of Connecticut, and many years later, one at Dartmouth College. We produced several articles for print publications. Currently, there are two related files on our website: Quilter’s Muse Publications: “A History of Molas,” “Molas and their Makers,” and others. Just key in the word “mola” into the site search feature on the front page of our website and you will be able to access all the articles in which molas are mentioned.”

back of mola blouse

This photo shows the back of a former mola (blouse). The geometric patterns of this piece are repeating designs, as you can see. It is amazing to see the extent of precision that mola-makers bring to their work.

My favorite musical video on YouTube, on this topic of the Kuna Indians, is called “Memorias de Kuna Yala.” Various villages are featured, as well as celebrations. One is called the “Conmemoracion de Revolcion Tule.” (I cannot put in the appropriate accents for Spanish, in this particular blog interface).

In the bloody Tule Rebellion of 1925, all whites were killed or expelled from Kuna territory. It is interesting to note that the Kuna flag consists of three color bands: a solid yellow fabric with a black swastika flanked by two solid red colors. Clearly, their swastika is not linked to Hitler’s Germany. For more information about the history of the swastika symbol, please visit our website file on that topic.

The names of other YouTube videos that I viewed are:

1) Mola Art from the Republic of Panama
2) Mola Arts and Crafts of Panama
3) Kuna Yala montage
4) Mola Art from Panama
5) The Spirit of the Mola
6) San Blas Indians
7) Kuna Dance

One website that features molas is: www.molaartandcraft.com

I hope that you enjoy this information as much as I did!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Indian Designs of the Southwest

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

By now, I hope that you have seen my blog post of last night with the beautiful example of a quilt made by Linda Laird, based on Mayan symbols. The art of primitive man is fascinating and often limited in the color palette used. Of course, man had to adapt to color pigments available to him from the earth and from the blood of animals. The urge for creative expression appears to be as old as mankind.

After seeing the designs by Linda, I recalled a book that was a gift in 1994 from my brother, Jack. The name of it is simply Indian Designs and it reflects collected designs from the Southwest – Four Corners Area – where he visited, at that time.

I can’t help but notice the similarities in themes to the Mayan Indian symbols. Stylistic birds, faces, deer, fish, and an iguana, cricket, and buffalo plus other motifs, as well as abstract depictions of various spirits, are represented in the black and white drawings. An Egyptian “Banu Bird” is a symbol of immortality, according to this book. The authors of the book recommend their designs for quilting, needlepoint, appliqué, and other artistic applications. Many of the motifs are taken from extant clay pottery.

This week seems to be one in which we have seen or talked about symbols, if only mentioning them in passing. There is always so much to know, and short blogs can’t cover gigantic topics. I always like to leave you with ideas for a couple of books that will aid you in looking into any subject a little further. Many of the books I recommend, I own and have enjoyed in my own library. Others, “look good” and seem as though they would elucidate a subject. I love books, as is readily apparent.

In peaceful pursuit of creativity, wherever I find it!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications and Virtual Museum

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“Angel’s Heads”

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

First, let us turn to the dictionary for an explanation of the word “angel.”

angel (n): a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God, conventionally expressed in human form with wings and a long robe.

Yesterday, while antique-shopping near Rutland, Vermont, I found a wonderful old print of “Angel’s Heads,” a famous painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, b. 1723.

by Sir J. Reynolds

My delight in finding a tangible document, that I could reproduce to show you, was about on the same par as finding this image rendered in Redwork, in a Maine antiques shop, a number of years ago. I have re-created a usable line-drawing, for Redwork, for anyone who would like to order it and embroider their own design.

The Redwork version presented a conundrum and was nothing like we’d seen before. It features the words, “Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest,” derived from Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet,” of course. If you are interested in ordering this pattern, please contact me at: pat@quiltersmuse.com

Angels are often found as stone carvings in cemeteries. Perhaps, they help to transport a soul on their heavenly journey.

The most interesting point about Reynolds’ painting, held by the National Gallery of London, is that the angels’ head actually represent only one little girl, his model, Miss Frances Isabella Gordon. To him, she looked like an angel.

Looking at the reproduced Redwork piece, one would never guess that the angel represents the same little girl, from different angles and affects.

Victorian Angels Redwork pattern

A question remains: Why was this piece re-created in Redwork? One answer is that the image could be ordered from a 19th century catalog for stamping patterns. The second reason might be the Victorian Era’s preoccupation with Death and the occult. The piece in our collection may have been used within a coffin, or on top of a coffin, at the time that funerals were held in the front parlor. When we purchased it, the white cloth was very dirty, almost as if it had been buried, at one time.

Since then, a few times I have seen this pattern worked with Black embroidery thread, but the angels did not look angelic at all. Rather, they looked demonic, a large sway from Sir Joshua Reynolds’ original intent to paint a beautiful little girl and “save” her for posterity. We are so glad he did, and I hope that you agree that it is fun to see the original work from which derivative pieces in needlework came forth.

We never know what will turn up in the antiques shops of New England. The “hunt” is the fun part of the game. This was a serendipitous find. We hope you will enjoy it.

I will be making the pattern available on the Products Available page on our website, when I can get around to having more copies made, which involves a trip to a copy shop. Hope your day will be a good one!

P.S. – We are making some changes at Quilter’s Muse Publications. The change we made to this blog is to do away with automatic feeds to subscribers. Please bookmark, http://quiltersmuse.com/blog/ to visit our posts. One reason is that too many subscribers had changed their e-mail addresses and every time we posted a blog, we’d receive notices from the Mailer daemon. It was a real pain.

In the future, we will not be posting one word comments that individuals make as a response to posts, just so they can list their own blog’s address. If you don’t have something substantive to say, don’t bother trying to leave a comment. I hope that doesn’t sound just awful. I am sick of being used for everyone’s else’s self-promotion. Whom I choose to promote because of their quality contributions is another matter. Thanks for understanding.

We do our best to bring great information to you and important public notices. We will continue to do so.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Posted in Antiques, Art, Embroidery | 1 Comment »

Artists in New Hampshire

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Art is alive and well in New Hampshire in the home of Bill and Betsy Davis, our longtime friends. Bill has been in love with drawing, ever since he could hold a pencil. Although he has tried other media, he always comes back to charcoal, graphite, and watercolors. He states that he loves the large selections of color that are included in some professional watercolor paint sets, as that precludes having to mix colors. Trying to mix the same watercolor hue, a second time, is a bear.

Just recently, Bill posted a website that shows a small portion of his work that is for sale: William Davis Fine Art. He is semi-retired, having owned his own drafting business in Webster, New Hampshire, for a number of years, called DraftTech.

sketch by Bill Davis of horse drawn mower

The sketch above is one by Bill Davis, seen here, with his permission. It is one of my favorites, reminding me of the farm and small town where I grew up. The drawing shows a horse-drawn mower from circa 1925.

I have lost track of the number of Christmas cards that Bill and Betsy have artistically-drawn and painted. Of course, I have saved them all. Here is an example of a greeting card, used here with Bill’s permission.

Wood Lilies card by Bill Davis

“Wood Lilies” by Bill Davis, 2002

The Internet version cannot capture the true color of the sky, which is blue. Called “Wood Lilies,” Bill created the card in memory of his beloved sister, Paddy. On the back of the card, he identifies the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain, West Rumney, New Hampshire as the place where he saw these Lilies. This was a favorite destination for his sister. She held a deep appreciation for nature. He painted the image in 2002.

Bill and Betsy Davis

This is a photo of Bill and Betsy when they were visiting Pat and Jim Cummings at the Cummings’ home on 11-14-1994.

Betsy, who is a State of New Hampshire retiree in the field of health promotion, is currently studying with Elaine Farmer of Londonderry, a renowned local artist who sells her work in galleries.

Betsy prefers acrylic paints. Having done some oil painting in my teen years, I asked her if the acrylics dry too fast, and she replied that she likes to purchase Utrecht paints and the company sells a retardant that slows down the drying process. However, with acrylics, once they are dry, they can be painted over.

She also likes the company called Gamblin because they stress that their products are safe for the environment and people! However, she is always sure to wash her hands before eating, especially if she has been working with “Cadmium Red” that contains Cadmium, not something that is good to ingest.

After dabbling in “En plein air” painting, which simply means painting outside to take advantage of natural light, the couple has traveled to Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Ireland, Great Britain, Italy, and Switzerland, in search of places to set up their easels and record bridges, buildings, and other sights.

In New Hampshire, a favorite place to do plein air painting is in Tamworth, at the Remick Farm & Museum, with its view of Mt. Chocorua and the yellow farm buildings.

For more information about plein air painting, a favorite technique of the school of French Impressionism, see this website.

I hope that you have enjoyed this little profile of two of my favorite people. We wish them all the best in all of their artistic endeavors.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Put on Your Artist’s Glasses

Sunday, May 4th, 2008

Whenever we are taking a ride in the car, I see countless interesting things that I would love to photograph, but usually it is inconvenient to stop, either because there is no room to pull off the road, or a Mac truck is bearing down on our bumper, or we are on a highway where there is no breakdown lane.

The other day, we passed a swamp that is situated along an Interstate highway. Just as the words came out of my mouth that the area looked like a great place for Herons to nest, I saw two nests. Herons usually choose dead trees upon which to create a home for their young. Tall, and awkward-looking, while tending their young, the birds look rather strange, perched on top of their makeshift contraptions of sticks, etc.

As we drive through rural areas, my eyes are alert to any birds or wildlife. My reaction when I do see something is, “Oh! Oh!” – which actually turns out to be an ineffective communication to the driver that I want him to pull over. The other day, a fat Grouse was just standing by the side of the road in a wooded area. She was not bothered by our passing; just took it in her stride.

I like old buildings – old abandoned mills that still (barely) stand along waterways that once turned them into productive hubs of activity, many of them former woolen mills. Old barns are neat. Once useful and vital, now they are hosts to mice, hornets, and other critters seeking shelter. I love to see old barns that have been well-kept. Only the rich farmer with time on his hands, or a lot of help, is able to maintain buildings, too.

We once saw a fox crossing a field, not far from our house, early in the morning. They are mostly nocturnal and like to “Dance by the Light of the Moon.” I love to see them.

Much of what we view cannot be captured on film. We have to train our eyes to see quickly and to remember the details of the experience. That’s why I say, “Put on Your Artist’s Glasses.” Train your eyes and your brain to be totally saturated with information, “in the moment.” Bring along a sketchbook and some colored pencils with you so that you can jot down design ideas, as they happen.

Being an artist is all in the details, but if one cannot remember many of those, there is still the opportunity to create a piece that is impressionistic … as did Monet and so many other artists of his era. Make notes of the colors you see in a field.

However, the first step is to be fully aware. Open your eyes and experience life. It’s “out there,” just for the looking.

Patricia Cummings

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Carl Spitzweg, Beloved German Painter

Tuesday, March 11th, 2008

When my gift subscription copy of German Life, February/March 2008 issue, arrived, I had time to briefly glance at it and then set it aside. Yesterday, I returned to the magazine, only to find an article about Carl Spitzweg, (1808-1885), a famous and much beloved German painter, written by Robert A. Selig who holds a Ph.D. in German history from the University Wurzburg (1988).

I simply love “Arme Poet” (The Poor Poet) painted in 1839. The first time I saw this image was a postcard sent from Germany by my sister. She is an artist and she studied the art works of Europe by traveling to major museums when her husband was stationed in Germany.

You can see a small version of the painting online, and read more about the life of Spitzweg. Selig states that “Arme Poet” was “voted as the second most popular painting among Germans.”

German Life is an excellent magazine. I am so pleased to have received this subscription, as a gift. Maybe this will give me an incentive to spend time learning more German. Another incentive is that my Ukrainian quilter friend/penpal who now lives in Germany is studying German. It could be a common second language (besides her English) and just another way for us to converse.

Patricia Cummings, http://www.quiltersmuse.com

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Just Lines

Saturday, March 1st, 2008

A lecturer about art once described drawings as just lines. He said that they can be parallel or they can intersect. Lines can be straight or they can be curved. They can be placed so as to create a “vanishing point,” as in looking a long way down a straight road to a place where parallel lines are no longer visible.

Of course, to artists, there is a lot more involved in creating a drawing. One has to be cognizant of the shadows an object is casting. One needs to think about where more lines are needed … or less lines.

Like anything, if we say it fast, as in “You just do this and you just do that,” drawing seems easy as pie. It is sort of like telling someone how to bake a pie who has never made one before.

Children come easily to art. They have no high expectations of themselves. They just like to create. If you want to ruin a child’s chances of ever wanting to be an artist, just start telling him that the “sun” should be bigger, the stick figures fatter, or that the bunny’s ears should go up, not down.

Adults who pick up charcoal pencils or colored pencils or pastel sticks do so with trepidation. Adults are afraid to make a mistake. Adults think that because they are adults, they should do everything perfect … the first time. Even though they know that is not possible, they have to be talked out of their fears.

Just for the fun of it, doodle. No matter what instrument of writing you have in your hand, start making lines. Experiment. Make some lines thicker, some thinner. Draw circles freehand. Try drawing ovals. Create the image of a monkey face. You’ll find that drawing can become rather addicting. All the while just think, “I’m making lines.” Maybe you’ll be able to find some pleasure in the task, rather than superimposing an expectation on yourself that you are making “ART.”

Patricia Cummings, http://www.quiltersmuse.com

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