Becky Kemble's Art Quilt Blog

Creation!

2008-09-17T09:12:00.004-05:00

This is one of my new pieces, called A Star is Born. I am fascinated with the infinite idea of space and stars and the constant creation of new stars, as well as the death of old ones. From the Hubbell telescope have come the most beautiful and awe-inspiring photos. It's from those that I have taken my inspiration for this piece.

"Skip" is my latest and has taken the longest to do. I have never done this type of applique before. I made this for my husband, who is the subject of the photo. As a boy and teen, he would cowboy on a ranch in Wyoming every summer. I think he's about 15 here. I painted some of the background, but most of it is applique' and the entire figure and truck are applique'. It was a great deal of fun, and I may try some other things with this method.

What is this Compulsion to Create Art?

2008-08-15T08:53:00.004-05:00

I've often wondered what it is that compels some of us to create art. I know I share this feeling of the need to make art with other artists because I've discussed it with some of them. Some artists have written entire books about it, and I've read them.

It isn't just a desire. I find myself irritable and anxious when I go too long without sketching, stitching or painting. Sometimes just being in nature satisfies my need for creation, but eventually I need to put into visual form what so desperately wants to come out.

Sometimes its just to share what my mind's eye sees when it looks at nature. Sometimes it's a message that needs to be voiced, and sometimes it's simply a place to play and experiment with raw materials. But it is a need, a compulsion if you will, that calms an unexplained restlessness.

Do athletes feel a compulsion to run, or swim or throw? Is it the same with other fields of endeavor?

I'd love to hear from anyone on this.

Eddy

2008-08-11T10:55:00.003-05:00

I am so impressed with Apple. After spending approximately three weeks dealing with on again, off again problems, they just gave me a new computer! Brand new, out of the box. Took my old one back. "Old" because I only got it in December. Had no problems until just recently. I knew there was another reason I worked on a mac. So I am now able to upload photos and post to my blog again!

The photo is of a small piece titled, "Eddy". I began experimenting by stitching on paper. It's a rather heavy, rag paper with lots of plant matter still in it. It took stitch well, so I thought I'd add paint. Took that well, too. Then I stitched it to fabric and added a little more paint. Now I think I'll mat and frame it.

As The Crow Flies

2008-08-04T15:35:00.005-05:00

Here it is! I finally am able to post a photo. I hope it's not a fluke. After two weeks of fighting with this stuff, it just worked. Now I'm thinking it wasn't my computer at all! Sigh. Well, here's the finished piece. I decided not to put a border on it and faced it instead. The gray around it is what I put behind it to photograph it. I'll probably put it on a black background for more formal photos.

Currently, I'm working on a pictorial quilt that is taken from a photo of my husband when he was a teenager and spending the summer as a cowboy on a ranch in Wyoming. I'll post some photos of it in progress as soon as there's something more visual to photograph. I'm also learning (experimenting) with discharge and thickening paste with dyes as I have two commission pieces to do that require my painting them before I stitch them.

Computer problems solved?

2008-08-03T15:00:00.002-05:00

I have now rebuilt my computer twice. After doing an erase and install, I apparently re-imported the problem I was having when I imported my data. So, I erased the hard drive again and have been reinstalling all my programs. It appears to be working now. I still have to bring back most of my data, and I'll hope I don't bring the problem back with me again!

I'll post the photo of the work I have been trying to post, once I import it back onto my computer. Hours and hours of time. Sigh, life was simpler before this technology, and now we can't live without it, I guess. Oh well, back to work!

2008-07-28T17:21:00.002-05:00

I'm having problems uploading photos to my blog. I've been on the phone with tech support for my computer a couple of times, but still don't know what the problem is. I like blogs with PICTURES!

Still, I've been working on sketches and drawings and thoughts about fabric and quilts. Sometimes I there's so much in my head, I can't get it down on paper fast enough. Then, the issue is trying to get it into fabric! Sometimes that's a problem. I don't always know how to translate what I see in my head to fabric. For some pieces takes years before I can create a piece, because I don't know the technique yet. I keep playing, however, and one day it happens. So off I go to my studio to sketch, draw, and touch fabric.

I'll continue to work on the photo problem as well.

Summer Thoughts

2008-07-14T15:25:00.003-05:00

In Iowa, this has been a difficult summer. Too much rain and violent weather. The largest natural disaster ever experienced by the state. Several towns and cities were devastated by flood waters. 4000 people in Cedar Rapids alone, suffered moderate to severe damage to their homes. FEMA is in the process of moving in about 2000 trailer homes for "temporary shelter" for those who's homes were destroyed. The University of Iowa in Iowa City with more than $275,000,000 worth of damage at last tally and they're not finished yet. The entire town of Oakville is trying to decide whether to try to rebuild or move the town. Some will leave and try to start over elsewhere. The cleanup has just begun. Iowans are a strong and resilient people. When knocked down, we get back up and begin again. This time it's just going to take a little longer to put the pieces back together, and with a few more tears.

If anyone wants to help, they can donote to the National Red Cross Disaster Relief. They're here with many temporary shelters set up around the State, even though they ran out of money weeks ago. Click on the link http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main

Rewards of Summer

2008-07-01T11:45:00.004-05:00

In amongst the weeds that seem to make up my gardens, are the rewards for hanging in there through the winter. The Cuckoo-pint has bloomed. It's white flowers giving way to the green berries (very poisonous) which will become red later in the summer.

The daylilies are blooming with their golden heads and deep green foliage. I'm intrigued with the berries of the Cuckoo-pint and fascinated by the rich yellow of the petals of the lilies. There are other wonders in my garden as well, that brighten the landscape with pure color.

And even better, the hummingbirds are back! My favorite little friends that come to visit the feeders placed around the yard and deck. So much energy. So much excitement.

AsThe Crow Flies

2008-06-26T10:44:00.004-05:00

An old saying, as the crow flies. Implies a shorter distance from someplace to someplace, up and over. To take the road might mean a longer journey, but as human beings without wings, a necessary one. Besides, there's so much more to be seen and experienced when the road is taken. Isn't the journey the best part anyway?

My guild had a challenge in which we were to use two squares of fabric given to us along with a "named" traditional block. The block I was to use was "flying geese". I was given a piece of green and a piece of white. The only rule was to use the fabric on the front of the piece. It didn't have to be a large piece, but it had to be used. The dimensions couldn't be any larger than 20" on any side. Here is my unquilted and unbound top in answer to this challenge.

I pieced the curved seams from the top. I've combined techniques from folks like Laura Cater-Woods and Vikki Pignatelli and added a twist of my own, I believe. We learn things from others, and then at some point, we no longer look at our notes, and our samples from classes, but instead just do what seems to work for ourselves.

Now to finish this piece with stitch and binding.

Where Does the Time Go?

2008-06-20T13:56:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's late June already! The focus has been on weather - so much water. Mostly in the Eastern part of the state, but some here. The flooding is devastating. Damage as bad as Hurricane Katrina - only here there's no name for the storm. Or better yet, the many severe storms that dumped anywhere from 2" to 10" at a time.

I've not been in my studio for several weeks now. I'm really anxious to get back there, but other needs have superseded my creative ones. For me, mostly family needs. We were spared from the flood waters. I think I will be able to get back to work in another week.

In the meantime, I continue to look for ways to help those who've lost everything in whatever small way I can.

Small Works

2008-05-01T15:54:00.011-05:00

Spring is finally here. The daffodils are in bloom and so are the grape hyacinth. Butterflies are about and the weeds are growing rapidly! Lots of raking and pulling yet to do. Feels so good to have my hands in the earth. The cycle of life begins anew.

Birds are active and singing in the early morning hours. Calling out to one another in their spring mating dance. All but the cardinals, who have partners for life. I think there might be a few others that do, but I can't recall them right now. The winter birds have gone and most of the summer birds have arrived. Soon the Orioles and humming birds will be here. They're my favorites. The birds let me know when the seasons change much more than the weather. They seem to know just when to show up and when to leave.

I've been focusing on doing small works right now. I've begun a series of birds in a 4x6 size format. I've included the first two here, a cardinal and a chickadee. Watch my blog for more. The goldfinch is currently on the drawing board.

Is Spring Finally Here?

2008-04-03T10:16:00.002-05:00

The snow has finally left the ground. The mounds of ice have melted and today we have rain. The daffodils are peeking through the mulch that has yet to be raked. Buds are on the trees and bushes. Winter birds are leaving or have left, and the summer crew is arriving. I don't expect any humming birds for another month yet, though. They seem to wait until there's enough foliage on the trees for camouflage. They are my favorite, so I am anxiously awaiting their arrival.

My quilt, African Dreams went for a respectable sum for the fund raiser. I am pleased with the outcome.

The show that was up for the past six weeks, has come down, and my art work is now back home. It seems some things have drawn to a close, and new things are not yet completed. I am working on several pieces, but they are not in any state to photograph yet.

Perhaps in the next week or so.

New Work!

2008-03-01T14:48:00.003-06:00

Here is a new one, just completed! It's called African Dreams.

This quilt will be donated for a fundraiser for an organization that assists our refugee population.

Our city, Des Moines, IA, has been bringing people here since the Vietnam war ended. Our refugee resettlement began with those who left Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and has continued through today resettling people from Bosnia, the Sudan and several other African countries. It's a wonderful mix of people and makes for an exceptionally nice experience in the summer at our downtown farmer's market where people sell all kinds of things, not just produce. The only rule, is that it has to be made or grown in Iowa!

Inspiration

2008-02-28T11:46:00.003-06:00

Where does inspiration come from? For each person it's different, but I would venture to guess there isn't a person who's truly alive that isn't moved at some level by the natural beauty of the landscape at times. Especially if they're in a place other than their usual surrounds. I think we tend to take what we see on a daily basis, for granted, or lose sight of the beauty close at hand.

This is/has been a long winter for those of us in the Northern Midwest and Northeastern US. It's been cold and snowy. More so than the last few years. After awhile it's difficult to see the beauty in yet again, more snow. But as I type this, that's exactly what I see outside my window. More snow. It's light today, not the heavy wet snow we've had the last couple of snows. It's not supposed to amount to much. Even so, another inch on the ice already on the walk and driveway isn't a pleasant thought. It makes spring seem so much further away.

The good news is, warmer weather will eventually come, and the ice will transform and become water. Water that flows down the streets and into the fields. Water that soaks into the ground with necessary moisture to feed the flowers and plants that will shoot through the last bits of snow and ice with the hope of more to come. Living in the Midwest offers a literal vision of the cycles of life: birth, death and rebirth, in the transformation of the landscape from one season to the next.

It's still pretty, the snow and frozen landscape. It's nature, doing what it does. Offering the hope of transformation. I find that very inspiring.

Art Show Hung

2008-02-20T08:03:00.008-06:00

My daughter, a jeweler, and I hung a show yesterday at Scottish Rite Park, a retirement center in the heart of the city. I've uploaded some photos of how it looks. It's the first time I've seen many of my works all in one place on the walls. I included some drawings and paintings here. It wasn't until I had it hung and looked around that I could see my cross over from pastel and paint only, to fiber and paint. It was very interesting to see my "themes" as well. See what you think.

I seem to work on black often. I like the way color seems to pop on it.

Beaches and glaciers - water and ice.

Some of my daughter's work. Wish I had gotten some close ups. I might need to go back and take some.

Prismacolor and collage.

More Art Work

2008-02-18T16:11:00.005-06:00

I'm working on some new pieces, but these are finished, so thought I'd post some photos of them. (While images of ice and water continue to float in my head.)

This one is called "In The Beginning". It is pieced and applique'd, painted and beaded. The detail shot is below this one. It's 34" x 39".

I guess I've been in the mood for hand work, as the next one is heavily beaded. It's called "Jeweled Garden". Both full and detail shots are below. This is a small one. It's only 11" x 9".

Courage and Imagination

2008-02-15T13:06:00.005-06:00

I took this photo of the female Ruby Throated Hummingbird last fall. It was late in the season and it was cold. She had come to the feeder to start her morning and it just proved too much. She had to shut down, go into torpor to preserve her energy. I have become accustomed to seeing hummingbirds in torpor over the past many years. We've fed them every year for about 10 years now. I've seen them hang upside down on the feeders, eventually fall off and land on the ground. It makes them extremely vulnerable to predators. They are literally helpless. They also look very lifeless. To hold a hummingbird in your hands until they warm up is a wonder. They weigh nothing and then the wings begin to move and their eyes open and they are ready to go!

I am so much in awe of these small creatures. They swoop and chatter and dive at one another to "own" a feeder. One bird book describes them as "fearless and pugnacious". They must be. I wish I could allow myself to be as vulnerable as a hummingbird. Fearless, trusting enough in my own abilities to allow my imagination to soar.

Sometimes creativity comes in waves in small, rhythmic movements toward land from a vastness of ocean depths, and other times it comes crashing in on top of the rocks with a loud roar. The first is easy to become lulled into peaceful complacency. Rather like listening to the hum of the wings of my Ruby Throated friends when they come to the feeder one at a time. This is nice, but it's the wild crashing into and on top of, that's impossible to ignore. I need to be able to make enough noise to "own" my own feeder. There is no creativity without imagination. Imagination can have no reigns. It needs to be able to move into the unknown.

More on Ice

2008-02-11T12:25:00.000-06:00

No sun to play off the snow today, and the clouds portend more snow.

I've been reading a book called The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto. He developed a way to photograph ice crystals as they form. He photographed them in different situations, such as with negative words and positive words. With the positive words, the crystals are beautifully formed, but with the negative ones, sometimes they are deformed and sometimes they don't form crystals at all. Love and gratitude form the most beautiful crystals.

This makes me wonder what effect anger and negativity have on the human body as we are 90% water when we are born and 70% water by the time we are adults.

It seems ice has much to tell us.

Colors of Snow

2008-02-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I said I liked the snow, but was ready for some color outside. Today the sun is shining on all the snow. As I look out my window, the shadows that stretch across the landscape appear gray/blue. There are different nuances to the whites, subtle differences in the way the light reflects and bounces off the surface. Mostly blues, but occasionally a slightly pink caste can be seen. The wonder and beauty is that it will shift and change as the day goes on and the sun moves from east to west. Shadows will deepen, colors will shift. Cameras don't always capture the tiny nuances of subtle change, but imagination can.

Today, I will watch the light on the snow and let my imagination go, as I finish other works that have deadlines attached, and finish the paper work. This evening will be time for sketching what I imagined today.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2

February 7, 2008

2008-02-07T23:37:00.000-06:00

It's been a very snowy winter so far. Just has a foot of snow yesterday. I don't care, I really like the stuff. I think it's pretty. That doesn't mean I'm not about ready for spring to enter. I'm ready to have some color outside again.

I've been working on a number of things. See if I can upload the photo of the one I just finished. It's called "Ice" until I can come up with a better title. I've been to Alaska six times. I've fallen in love with the landscape, icescape, lighting, wildlife, you name it. This was inspired by the glaciers. I think there are many more icy pieces to come.

Snow!

2007-01-21T09:44:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful morning! It has been snowing since about 8:00 last night and it's almost 10:00 am on Sunday morning. It's still coming down. It's so beautiful. We already had about 4" on the ground from last weekend and it looks like another 4 or 5" on top so far.

It's going to be a very quiet day. I wish I didn't have to go to work this afternoon and could just stay home in my warm and comfy house and sew. Oh well. All for now.

Wow, this was Easy

2007-01-19T16:33:00.000-06:00

Who would have thought creating a blog would be this easy? I think the most difficult part was choosing the template I wanted to use!

I'm so excited because my picture appeared in the newspaper in front of my art quilt in an article about the show I'm in at the Ankeny Art Center. I'm part of a group of textile artists here in Iowa and this is our first gallery show! The artist's reception was last night and we had a pretty good turn out. I am very pleased.

I haven't been "quilting" that long. Only since 2000. So to be included in a show at this point in my fabric medium is really exciting.

As soon as I figure out how to post photos, I will.