Let There Be Peace

Today we are all  mindful of the pain and suffering of the families and friends of the victims and survivors of the Newtown, CT tragedy.  Healing is a slow process and I extend condolences, prayers of love and hope to the entire community.

Among many excellent exhibits at the 20th Anniversary exhibit of Quilt Week was a tribute to the victims and survivors of the tsunami.  Quilters from around the country made what appeared to be 7-8" square quilts there were a tribute to the victims and survivors of that tragic event.  In addition to the mini quilts was a super size quilt hanging from the rafters.

                                             This is the opening signage for the exhibit.

Following are examples of mini heart quilts that were among my favorite  They tugged at my heart strings.  I liked the variations in styles, techniques and materials.

I really like this quilt where everyone is standing together and cheering for hope and love.

It is hard to choose a favorite but there is something about this circle of love that I find especially appealing.
If you have a favorite let me know. I actually encourage viewers to make their own mini heart quilt statement to share with me, on Facebook or any place where others can know we are about LOVE!

Other themes in the exhibit include flowers and yoyos.

 Let peace rain down.

                                           Who doesn't love a sunflower and a little bee?

 

Spinning tops were very popular when I was a child and it was nice to see this quilt with two of them on them.

                                             We can never have too many angels.

                                                                 Mini red work!

                 Hug your family and friends and see you next time. I'm off to making a mini heart quilt.                      

PIECES, ISN'T EVERYTHING A QUILT?

Although I focus on anything related to quilts, I certainly had time to enjoy other things as well including the  Quilt Week venue neighborhood.  Yokohama, a port city, had plenty to offer.  The architecture and public art was wonderful to observe.  Inside and outside installations gave me plenty to think about.

The Pan Pacific Hotel opens into Queens Mall where Christmas decorations were already visible.  This tree was beautifully decorated and the light/music show had it's opening the first day we were there.

The Queens Mall has three sections with five floors each.  There is an abundance of shops and restaurants that range from international chains to local specialty shops.  You can take the subway located in the  basement level to  numerous locations.

                           

 These are examples of exterior site specific metal sculptures located on the bridge walkway level between the sections of the mall.

This mosaic work is located near the post office on the 2nd floor level of the mall.  I love the color and movement from wall to floor or floor to wall, take your pick.    
 

                     

 

                                                          Pieces,  reflections and me.

                              
This glass and paint public art piece is on the fifth floor of one of the building.  I regret that I didn't take a detail.  I am always inspired by how other artists see the world and make their marks in it.  Following are a series of pattern pieces showing the use of mirrors on buildings that create a beautiful set of shapes and  patterns.

                 Two views of exterior of Intercontinental Hotel and looking toward the Harbor Bridge.

                             
 
                                

                                         Upper level exterior view of Intercontinental Hotel.

 

                                                                    Reflections

                                 Street level views of the cityscape near the harbor and quilt venue.
 

                                 I love this 3 D effect with several floors coming out the main structure. It looks like an exterior reflection.
                         
                                          

                                             Pan Pacific Hotel and mall buildings in the distance.
  

                                                                        Mall Tower

Examples of the cityscape will be continued as we look at  trees, a bit of fun with Cup of Noodles and more quilts.

Quilt Week 2012

Well there's nothing quite like taking a long trip and becoming one year older to get anyone's creative juices going.  It was my good fortune to be invited as a guest artist for the 20th anniversary of Quilt Week Yokohama 2012.  Patchwork Tsushin editor Naomi Ichikawa invited me to participate and made sure the exhibit and lecture experience was excellent.  I want to thank the entire Quilt Week Executive Committee for their generosity and kindness.  Our translators Ayu and Noriko were wonderful before and during the event.

My life and art partner, Nyls and I enjoyed every moment of the trip even when we our flight was cancelled and we had to shift to another airline.  We rolled with the punches and  made it to Yokohama in time to  fall fast asleep in our Pan Pacific Hotel room.  We had a chance to enjoy a great view of the Cosmosworld Ferris-wheel as it  changed lights and kept excellent time.

Opening day brought large crowds focused on seeing the latest quilt creations and of course SHOPPING.
I was very pleased to see my work exhibited in such a dynamic way.  Thirty quilts were included in the exhibit.  I gave two lectures and participated in a talk show format with Naomi and Alice Beasley, the other other American artist.  We had the good fortune to meet Jen Jones and see her collection of Welsh Quilts.

                                                      Opening Day Crowds

                                                               Opening Remarks

 

Opening Lecture with translator Ayu to my right.

                                  Opening to Exhibit with large quilts handing from ceiling

Paper Quilts Ala Carte

March is "Art is Education Month" in Alameda County and Dublin Library hosted an event on Saturday, March 3.  Families came out to work on paper quilt blocks that addressed the theme of Building a Better Future Together with healthy eating habits.  Participants were encouraged to work individually and together to design and create their quilt blocks.  All participants overcame any fears they may have experienced about art making in the past and plunged ahead with various colorful and experimental creations for the paper quilt that finally measured 40"H x 64"L.  The quilt will be on display all month in the library.


                           
 A perfect afternoon for a bit of family time together while thinking about healthy eating, sharing meals and having fun.
 
 There's nothing like taking art to the next level.  As you can see one participant, Kyle loves origami and made a bowl and beverage container for one of his quilt blocks.   You get to make new friends with these events too.


Don't you just love the food in the bowl and the straw in the glass.  Awesome!


Think Green including gardening, green vegetables , greens for salads and green fruits...apples, kiwi, pears and yummy grapes.



Meal planning for today's family...Think About It.

 Yes father's know about meal planning and art making.  Our young artist couldn't part with his quilt block.

 There's nothing like teamwork to speed up the process.

Making quilt blocks was just what this participant need to get over her fear of art making.  She was a great help with cleaning up too.

 It is always exciting to see students think of different ideas to present a theme.  I really like Lose the Fat, Not the Flavor.

 As you can see all ages attended the workshop and that's exactly what we like to see for Art Is Education.

 

The paper quilt will be displayed around one or more pillars in the Dublin Library through the month of March.  Drop by and see it and think about making your own paper blocks using the theme of Building a Better Future Together.

A special thanks to the library team for inviting me to give this workshop and helping me set up, prepare the paper quilt for display and cleaning up afterwards.   Remember SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY.