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Archive for the ‘Spiritual Life’ Category

An Alternate Universe

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

I often feel that I exist in an alternate universe that is connected to another, but is upside down and in reverse. So that is what I am trying to portray in this discharged piece.

I dreamed about doing this all night. I was going to hit the studio early this morning and get on it. Life intervened. I had to do an SDA website update this morning and so I didn’t get started until after lunch.

I drew the pattern on freezer paper and ironed the circles to one side and the remainder to the other side.

I used a chlorinated gel cleanser to remove the color. It was a nice warm, breezy day do I was able to do the work out on the patio.

Now, I have to work out how to quilt this. I think I will do hand stitching on the planets.

There is no fiber sketch tonight. On Wednesdays, Mr C and I have dinner at Trinity Cathedral, followed by a class. Tonight we started a class on the writings of David Abram. He writes about the cultural causes and consequences of environmental turmoil from a very spiritual point of view. He has done a lot of study with indigenous people and it strongly informs his writing. He gave a lecture at Trinity last week-end, and I was captivated and spell-bound.

A Busy Week-end

Sunday, September 19th, 2010


So what has transpired since I last posted? I finally am feeling normal after my pesky virus attack. I got my hair cut and the color freshened – that made me feel better.

I got a rejection letter from Quilts=Art=Quilts. I was disappointed because I really like that show. I was in it two  years ago. I know that shows like this one are very dependent on what the jurors are looking for and I think it will be a more abstract show this year. Anyway, I have two quilts to enter in other shows.

Last night we had a wonderful Eucharist at Trinity to celebrate the harvest season. It was set to the music of Neil Young and was very inspiring. I may be in my 70s, but I am not stodgy about changing things up.

You may be wondering what that photo up there is. Well, it is a rusty pipe that Mr C saved for me when he tore up the old irrigation system in our front yard. The theme for the next Twelve x Twelve colorplay is rust and blue green.

I thought I would try doing some shibori rust dyeing with the pole up there. So I soaked some silk fabric in vinegar and water and wrapped it around the pole. Then I sprinkled it with salt and wrapped it in plastic. Now, I wait.

I am almost finished with Allegro. It is all basted. I just need to do the final stitching of the pockets and trim the seams. It is going to be a difficult piece to  photograph because of the transparency of the organza. Here is a detail.

We have been having strange weather. Long, warm sun breaks and rainy downpours. The temps have been mild so it is easy to take. Hope you had a good week-end, too.

A Liturgical Textile Treasure

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Yesterday, the new Bishop of Oregon was consecrated in Eugene, OR. Today, he was seated at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. At the beginning of the service, he knocks on the door and after some liturgical exchanges, he was led into the sanctuary and seated in the bishop’s chair.

For me, the excitement of this event, was to see the vestments specially designed for him and made by Bryan Paatz a Portland liturgical artist. Our last bishop wore very traditional vestments that you could order from a company that specializes in such clothing.  I was not impressed.

When our interim bishop, who was a retired bishop, showed up looking like this, my heart about burst!!

The cathedral commissioned Bryan to make the cope and stole which he wore this morning. It was dazzling. I could not get very good photos with my iPhone, but these will give you an idea. The first photo, above, is a detail that I took when he put the cope on a table in the parish hall.

This is a view from my seat.

I caught him on the move in the parish  hall. The colors in this are subtle and complex. It is just a gorgeous play of colors.

Someone stepped in front of me just as I was about to get a photo of the back. There is a tree of life that is rising out of water.

This is a blurry detail shot of the collar.

This is what Bryan said about the process:

The symbolism in this design lies not in traditional forms such as sacred monograms, cross, etc. (all church sanctuaries are replete with these), but in a more abstract form.

In working out the visual components of this composition my sense was of light illuminating, water nourishing and color conveying the cycles of the calendar and liturgical year. All properties contained in various church symbols and combined herein the Tree of Life, an ancient symbol in the church.

As with all my work, there are great differences between the design layout done on paper and the actual finished vestments. Often the usage of certain materials and techniques of handling will not occur until I am in the middle of executing a concept. Call it creative license. The textiles and other items I have around my studio will suggest their own place within the composition.

The results of this process are a visual form that is somewhat abstract and nebulous. It is this visual situation that invites the viewer to participate via meditation and contemplation and assigning meaning.

I am hoping to obtain a better photo to share in a future post.

It was a gorgeous day here in Portland. I have a bit of spring fever and basically have taken the day off. Feels good. Had some play time with Scooter in the front yard. Caught up on blog reading. And now the day is about over. Hope your day was full of visual treats and play time, too.

Let the Quilting Begin

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

I finished fusing Mother lode to the batting and found a great batik for the backing.

I had to run to Fabric Depot to find some thread for the unusual color palette of this quilt. Several dollars later, I was back home and started the quilting.

Tonight, I had a wonderful time at a Literary Round Table at Trinity. We listened to some Leonard Cohen music and discussed the meaning, poetry and spirituality of his lyrics. So now I have Leonard’s music running around in my brain. One of my favorite lines is from Anthem: There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in. This has so much meaning for me, an imperfect and “cracked” being.

Finally, the pink season and pink snow has come early to Portland.

My Diploma

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Just thought I would post this extra large diploma, worthy of framing, that I received today after my four years of study. We had a lovely time reflecting on the four years of study. The mentor described me as being a quiet presence. I laughed because I think that may be the first time any one has said that about me. She said it was because Mr C had so much to say. He is, after all, the official theologian of this family. I just tag along for the fun of it.

She also remarked about my doodles and wondered if I was designing quilts. I was and also drawing portraits of her. I think I will find all of them and give them to her as a gift.

Everyone seemed to love their bookmarks. I was happy about that.

Don’t forget – Twelve X Twelve reveal is tomorrow.