Channeling Josef Albers

In the comments section of this previous post, my friend Michelle from Cicada Studio asked if I had researched Josef Albers. As much as I would love to give a resounding "yes" to this question, and wow you all with my vast knowledge of the artist, the truth is I had no idea who she was referring to. (In defense of my ignorance, please keep in mind that my last art history classes were more then 23 years ago, and my peri-menopausal hormones have made me even more forgetful of anything I might have once learned then ever before.)

Despite my ignorance, one thing I did know was that there had to be a good reason for Michelle to ask me, and so I googled him and lo and behold, I understand why she asked!


Above: Josef Albers Study for Homage to the Square


Above: My Mod Square Pillow in Shades of Orange... Do you see the similarities between his work and my new quilted Mod Squares?
(Of course you do!)


Above: Josef Albers Homage to the Square: Soft Spoken


Above and below: My Mod Square Functional Art Quilt in Blue and Green...


We even use the same colors... Freaky cool!
(Please excuse my oh-so sophisticated art speak.)

Well I am just blown away by this creative connection. Who knows, maybe I've been unconsciously channeling Albers creative spirit... if such a thing is possible. (Are you there Rod Serling?!?) All I can say is move over Frank Lloyd Wright, my new art crush is on Mr. Albers... xoxo. Thanks Michelle for the introduction! I look forward to doing my homework and learning more about the man.

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A special thank you to all who left such sweet comments in regards to my Uncle Jim, and for sharing the love by passing it on. The funeral was very moving, and I was deeply touched to hear every person who spoke of him talk about his gentle kind smile, his amazing goodness towards others, his mechanical genius and his delightful sense of humor. The world was made better by his presence.

Have a lovely weekend everyone. xoxo

Creative Drain-O

I hit a creative road block last week. It happens more often then I like, and despite lots of ideas popping around in my head, everything I make feels off. I start to feel like a drain with a clog in it. No flow.

So, I decided it would be a good time to empty my scrap bin. It's a lovely old red and white enamel pail that I keep by my sewing machine, and at the time it was filled with lots of bright colors, oranges and blues, purples and yellows, all from my last few sewing projects.

Using my scraps often helps to break up the creative clog. It acts sort of like a creative Drain-O! I definitely think that there is some kind of energy moving correlation between freeing up our outer space and freeing up our inner space, thus helping the creative flow to return.


I pulled out the strips of fabric, sorting them by size and just began to sew. After I had made a few sections I started to move them around listening to my gut, along with the fabric, until I had arrangements that looked pleasing and right.


The results were two new art quilts...


The first is called "Dialogue" and is available "here.




And the second, titled "Conversation", (my personal favorite of the two) is available here.


It looks like a busy week awaits me. Taxes need to be done, (ugh!) a couple of appointments to keep, and oldest daughter is coming home for spring break, (Yay!) and for her 20th birthday, (Yikes!) So, if I don't get around to another post this week, I hope you all have a great one! Also, very best wishes to Rachel of Fog and Thistle. Rachel will be appearing on the Martha Stewart Show this Friday! She will be showing off and demonstrating how she makes her fabulous nightlights. I will definitely be watching and cheering Rachel on!!

PS. Mo's had a couple of really great days, with amazing bursts of puppy like energy! I think she has spring fever, and it does my heart good to see her so happy!