Sunrise Serenade was created for the Dinner @ Eight Artists juried invitational exhibit, Rituals, curated by Jamie Fingal and Leslie Tucker Jenison. This piece was inspired by a photo taken at the Haifa Educational Zoo in Israel. While there, I stayed at a hotel located across from a park. Deep within the park was a zoo hidden from view. The first morning, I awoke to a rooster crowing, his voice accompanied by an unidentifiable, “caw caw” sound. Later, I came across this very unlikely pair. They were the best of friends and their contrasting colors were quite exquisite next to one another. Each morning, I would hear them  practicing their daily ritual of greeting the new day with their delightful sunrise serenade. Thinking of them, brought a smile to my face and I just knew that I had to create this piece.

The base is comprised of a bamboo/cotton blend that has been painted with acrylic textile paints and machine quilted with trilobal polyester thread. The batting is an Eco Friendly Quilters Dream Green Batting which has been recycled from green plastic bottles. I absolutely love the idea of taking trash from landfills and giving back to the community, an aesthetically pleasing piece of art. Dinner @ Eight Artists, “Rituals” exhibit will begin its debut at the 2012 International Quilt Festival Travelling show in Long Beach, California and continue on to Houston, Texas. It is sponsored by Moore’s Sewing Center http://www.moores-sew.com/ and Havel’s Sewing http://www.havelssewing.com/ .

Since March when I finished creating this piece, I have stumbled upon a local park here in Austin that is home to dozens of peacocks. There was one male that was particularly flashy and actively displaying his courtship dances for the females. Not having captured the tail feathers in Sunrise Serenade, I was inspired to create this piece. It’s current working title is Primavera though it is subject to change. It is funny how one piece can lead to another. Primavera is currently under the machine and will be finished later this week but I still have one more piece in mind. Can you guess? I am now pondering how to capture a front view of a peacock with it’s feathers spread out. And I am thinking of doing it in a 3 dimensional manner. You know what they say, little ideas can percolate and turn into grander creations. I also have a hankering to create a piece with a pair of matching roosters from a photo I took earlier this year. who knows, I may end up with two series born from one piece. And that is the beauty of being an artist, deciding which one will be next and how it will be accomplished. For now, I am off to finish the second piece and see where it takes me. Wishing you a happy and creative day!

Hello, thought I might give you a peak at our art quilt group meeting! I belong to the Austin Art Quilt Bee. Pictured from left to right are Leslie Tucker Jenison, Susan Storey Lewis, Connie Hudson, Sherri Mc Cauley, Barb Forrister, Natalie Jenison and Kathy York. Most of us live in Austin but we also are fortunate to have Leslie from San Antonio, Texas and Frances Holliday Alford from Grafton, Vermont. We gather together to work on group collaborations. This is an amazing group of women and although, we do not meet on a regular schedule, when we do get together, we are celebrating the holidays or are in high gear working on our next project. Each of us have our own unique style that we bring to the table and yet somehow we are always able to blend our work together to come up with some pretty cool compositions. This year is no different, We are working on a rock quilt and are now in the design stages. The background has already been quilted and pieced and the rocks have been created. Now comes the fun part; the design process. Pictured below is our third revision of the design and still, it may not be the end product. We will move and rearrange things until we come to a general concensus that we all find pleasing to the eye. Once we conclude the design process, we will address how to finish the edges. This quilt has an irregular edge on the bottom which I believe allows the eye to move freely around the piece and adds interest. This week, we will meet up again to reinforce the seams on the background and hopefully come up with the final design. The most wonderful thing I have experienced working as part of the group is that we are all committed to creating art collaborations and supporting one another in our own personal and art endeavors. That is a very unique and endearing aspect of which I am blessed to be a part of. I hope that this post offers insight as to what it is like to belong to an art quilt group that fosters love and support and enjoys creating art together. To read more about our group, please visit http://austinartbee.blogspot.com/ .

There were a few quilts that had excellent design qualities but were not executed well in terms of stitchwork, binding and yes, even appearing square from a distance. I began with each category by systematically doing a quick walk through to see the entire category as a whole. In this way, I could get a good idea of which quilts really caught my eye from a distance. Then, I began with the first one and using a judge’s form began looking at each piece.

In terms of design and workmanship, I was asked to address 10 issues:

1. Did the quilt appear square? I don’t mean did the quilt have exact parallel measurements on opposite sides but rather did it appear to be square?

2. Were the bindings well executed? The number one thing, I have experienced with judges is that they always seem to comment on whether the binding is full. I tend not to care so much about this but rather on whether the binding appears even and the corners are mitered well.

3. Does the quilt lie flat or is it distorted? Many times, this will relate to #1, does the quilt appear square? Often, when a quilt does not lay flat, it appears distorted and not square. This can be due to heavy stitching and embroidery work or lack thereof.

4. Are the stitches even for the most part? Here, I tend to place emphasis on whether the stitches are overall consistent with one another rather than determining how many stitches there are per inch.

5. Was the quilting uniform throughout? I know that this is a very controversial issue and that most judges like to see a uniform amount of stitching throughout the entire piece. It is my feeling however, that dense quilting in the background provides depth while a change in scale both in the mid and foreground stitching offers a more 3 dimensional feel and I am fine with that. In fact, I support it! Though as I mentioned, my views on this matter do not reflect the norm.

6. Is the workmanship with regards to piecing and appliqueing executed well? If given my druthers, I would not even look at this aspect unless it was done extremely poorly. However, as a quilt judge, we are asked to assess this aspect and so we must.

7. Is the tension consistent throughout? To be truthful, unless there are major problems with ticking or knots on the back, I tend to think it is not an issue.

8. Is the design pleasing? Does it catch your eye and draw you in? This is so important and often overlooked. We tend to think that pleasing colors offer a pleasing design. Not so! Color is important but it does not replace design. Rather it works to support the design. Designs should be well balanced and move the eye successfully around the quilt, thus drawing in the viewer.

9. Is there a good range of color value within the quilt? There was, in fact, a piece that was completed all in a medium value color range and consequently appeared flat and difficult to look at. I think the eye becomes overwhelmed when value is not used successfully.

10. Lastly, I like to provide a comment on each sheet to let the maker know what he/she is doing successfully. I find that positive critique when done honestly and genuinely, fosters a healthy and positive outlook.

At the conclusion of the judging, we were asked to name our own Judge’s Choice and confer with each other regarding Best of Show. I chose an art quilt that was very well executed for my Judge’s Choice and we named a traditional quilt, Best of Show as the workmanship was phenomenal! I had a most pleasant experience and hope that I may once again be asked to judge a show. I love looking at all the quilts whether they be art quilts or traditional! Each one has it’s own merit!

I have been working on making rocks for a group collaboration project with my art quilt group. At this point, the background has been quilted and pieced together with a zig zag stitch. We gathered together to square up the quilt and begin stacking rocks to make Cairns. We have a pretty good idea of what the quilt will look like. Here, I have my rocks on a black background but in fact, they will be placed on a neutral light colored pieced background. My group has been extremely patient with me as I am just now finishing my rocks. You may remember, I fell and broke my left arm. I am now in a splint and I have managed to finish my entry for the juried invitational, Rituals. It was time to move forward and begin making rocks. I have returned to working in the studio again, however, not as much as I would like! The healing process is slow but it is getting better! This was a wonderful way to ease back into the swing of things. I first began by layering scraps of hand dyed and commercial fabrics on batting. I sewed around each rock, placed a piece of fabric (for the backing) right sides together with the rockface and again sewed the entire sandwich together. Edges were trimmed and a slit was cut in the back of each rock so that it could be turned right side out. The rocks were pressed with a hot iron and I began painting them with acrylic paints to make them look a little more realistic. Some of the rocks were texturized with bits of thread and fiber bits fused on top with Mistyfuse. They were then quilted with decorative threads to add texture and interest. The photos below show some detail shots that I hope you will enjoy. Please let me know what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Sunrise Serenade by Barb Forrister

It seems like it has been ages since I last blogged about a new piece that I have completed. I very rarely get to say this but I have been travelling abroad and when I returned home, I broke my left arm. Good thing, it wasn’t the right arm as I am right handed! I had been working on a piece for the juried invitational, Rituals, curated by Jamie Fingal and Leslie Tucker Jenison. In fact, I took my piece to Israel and worked on it in the evenings at the hotel. I decided to change course, when I happened to come across this very unlikely pair. Sunrise Serenade was inspired by a photo taken at the Haifa Educational Zoo in Israel, this last February. While there, my husband and I stayed at a hotel that happened to be located across from a park. Deep within the park, there was a zoo nestled in the farthest corner, hidden from view. The first morning, we awoke to a rooster crowing, his voice accompanied by an unidentifiable, “caw caw” sound. Later in the trip, I discovered the zoo and these two marvelous creatures within. They were the best of friends and their contrasting colors were quite exquisite next to one another. Each morning, I would hear them practicing their daily ritual of greeting the new day with their delightful sunrise serenade. Thinking of them, brought a smile to my face and I just knew that I had to create this piece. When I returned home, I began drafting the pattern for this piece. The format required it to be 24″wide X 60″ high, a somewhat unusual size. It took three tries but I finally came up with a useable pattern. I transferred my pattern to fabric and began painting the piece. I was able to complete the rooster and the peacock before I fell and broke my arm. The sunrise and meadow had to be painted with one hand as I was in a full cast past the elbow at that point in time. I am so grateful for my two daughters who helped me to heat set and layer the quilt together so that I might attempt to quilt it. I had never broken a bone in my body before and really had no idea if it could be done with one hand but patience and persistence saw it through to the end. My machine broke early on and my good friend, Kharon graciously brought her Janome over for me to use. What a relief! I have always used a Bernina but I found the Janome quite easy and a pleasure to use. Sunrise Serenade was quilted entirely with Highlights, Nature’s Colors and Living Colors threadlines by Superior. The batting is Dream Green, a soft, batting made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. The paints included Setacolor. Jacquard, DecoArt SoSoft and Stewart Gill. All in all, I am happy with this piece and have resigned myself to accept that the quilting is pretty good for having been quilted with a broken arm. Sometimes, we all have to let go and accept things for what they are! I am hoping this piece gets juried into the invitational, Rituals exhibit. Wish me luck! 

Sunrise Serenade (Detail) by Barb Forrister

Sunrise Serenade (Detail) by Barb Forrister

Songbird by Barb Forrister

Wow, I was so jazzed to learn that Songbird placed Third in the Art Pictorial category at the 2012 Dallas Quilt Celebration. The exhibit sponsored by the Dallas Quilt Guild took place on March 9-11th at Market Hall in Dallas. Last year, I did not submit any entries but somehow, I had the feeling that this year might be different and it was! So glad I decided to throw my hat in! You know what they say, “The only way to win is to try.” I was so tickled to hear the news! The show was judged by Cindy Ericson, Marcia Kaylakie and Connie Silber, three very well known and distinguished judges. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the show. Family always comes first and it was quite a busy weekend! Sometimes, life is just that way! On Friday morning, a friend posted this photo on my Facebook wall. I am most grateful to her as it made my entire weekend that much more enjoyable. I have been waiting for the winners to be posted and have just learned that she, too won at Dallas though she never mentioned it, sly devil! And so, I would like to congratulate Andrea Brokenshire for placing Third in Master Art Category! Way to go, Girl! To see more of the winners, please visit http://www.quiltersguildofdallas.org/quiltcelebration2011/assets/final_version_Award%20Winners%202011.pdf .

Good morning, Everyone! It is so good to be back home and blogging again. This month has been a whirlwind but in a good way! I had the unique opportunity to visit Israel for two weeks and explore the many wonders this country has to offer. What a treat! My husband and I travelled all the way North through Haifa, Akko, Nazareth, Sea of Gallilee, the Golan and the ancient Banias waterfalls at Mount Hermon. Never knew it snowed up there! So much inspiration and beauty. While in Haifa, I visited the beautiful Bahai shrine and garden, the zoo and Castra Cultural Art Center. The zoo was perhaps one of the highlights of my stay there. They had the most unusual animals including a Siberian bear, an Egyptian vulture, black swan and even a griffon. Dozens of peacocks roamed the area. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit!
On one occasion, I took the train south to Tel Aviv to meet up with some amazing artists. They were most kind, engaging and invited me to their home to visit, have lunch and show me their studio and artwork. These women explained how they worked their strife and turmoil during war and difficult times into their art. It was humbling to hear their stories, learn of their perils and how they managed to work as a group to ensure their children’s safety during times of trouble. Such amazingly strong and graceful women! They were such a pleasure and I am blessed to have connected with them on so many levels. I hope to see them again, soon.
The following weekend, we made our way south toward Jerusalem where I came upon this fabulous textile market in the old city. The owner was a third generation textile artist from Damascus. He had the most beautiful fabric from all over the world. The photo above shows a small part of his shop. I purchased a few pieces, an ikat, some silk organza, striped pattern and a beautiful brocade. Ikat fabric is quite interesting as the fibers are dyed prior to constructing the textile piece and the patterns are endless. Continuing on throught the markerplace, I could smell the aromas of spices in the air. Here, you could find anything from spices, textiles, musical instruments, clothes, toys, carvings, food and so much more. Such a delight for the senses! We visited many historical and sacred places such as the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall and the Garden of Gethsemane. Such stunning beauty and architecture everywhere. It was like stepping into another world and you could truly sense the spirituality and ancientness of these places. Two days and still I did not see everything there was to see in Jerusalem but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and look forward to returning soon and reconnecting with newfound friends. So blessed to have been able to see that part of the world.

Fabrics from Israel, Ikat on the left

Marketplace in Akko, Israel

Earlier this month, Kathy York contacted me to let me know that Quilting Arts would be featuring our Artist Village in the February/March 2012 issue. I was so thrilled! The news came when I was feeling blue and needed a little pick me up. Nothing like that to chase the blues away! Meanwhile, I have been planning a trip to Israel and anxiously awaiting my copy in the mail. Checking the mail everyday is a little like watching a pot boil. And still, I hoped to get my copy before I left. Finally, after the mail came today and still no magazine, I went and bought the issue at Barnes and Noble. At last, I could see it! Wow, I am so jazzed. Kathy did a fantastic job at bringing this project to fruition. The article is wonderful and describes how to make a 3 dimensional house. This month’s Quilting Arts issue features 3 Dimensional Art Quilting and is a special Art Quilt Collaboration issue. The Space Between by Dinner at Eight Artists is also represented and I am so excited to see my friends, Susan King and Linda Teddlie Minton mentioned. They are marvelous artists and I am happy Dinner At Eight Artists were represented well! I also really enjoyed Jane Davila’s article, “Artistic License: Licensing Your Art to Maximize Your Time.” So much wonderful information! To order your copy of Quilting Arts, please visit http://www.quiltingdaily.com/content/SubscriberServices.aspx .

Happy New Year! I am so happy to be blogging again! I am back making art again. This piece shows a photo that I took while staying at a friend’s home in San Antonio, Texas. I love this picture and somehow I knew I had to incorporate this Mexican Scrub Jay in my art. He’s a beauty for sure. The photo was printed on textured paper that was coated with Golden Digital Grounds Media to allow the full color to shine through. The background is handmade paper that I made years ago and at the time had no idea how I would use it. Bits of paper were torn and mixed with glue. I thought it might be fun to include some threads, Angelina fibers and even heat distressed painted plastics before setting the paper in the mold. Once the paper was formed, I painted it with acrylic paint. And there it sat in the studio for a few years before I finally paired the two together. They were treated with a semi gloss surface protectant and adhered together with acrylic medium. I really like the way they came together. It is as if they were made for each other and the background is simply an extension of the photo. Great way to bring in the New Year!