Maria Patrizzi’s Art of Paper Casting
In April, guest tutor, Maria Patrizzi, came to share her unique expertise to a group of students for a fully packed day of papercasting. Maria is a specialist in papercasting vessels and other dimensional items. The students are in Level 4 Diploma – Experimental Research for Advanced Design. At this level they are researching themes, working with a variety of media and are beginning to work in a 3 dimensional format. At the end of the day everyone completed samples and were really excited about the many options of the design process. They went home to build a dimensional item themselves. Maria will be teaching a 5 day class here next summer in 2014. Let us know if you would like to be on our list of interested people!!!!!
Gail
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Level 4 Experimental Stitch and Multimedia
My theme for the last four years has been a study of water and the art of the Native people of the Columbia river basin and the Columbia Plateau. The color, movement and the light glinting on the water have entranced me since summer holidays at the beach. The ancient designs found on the basalt rock walls and the Baskets and bags touched me with their powerful symbols and enduring spirit.
This segment of my art life has built on the skills of previous parts of the journey. New skills and a refinement of previous skills have given my work more breadth and depth. The main lesson is still the same; learn to see, and the rest will follow.
Level 4 Stitch and Multi Media
From walks on rocky beaches to shells on sandy shores to sunsets over the waters, I have been exploring shoreline treasures for the past four years. The magnificent colours of sunsets have inspired much of my recent work. Learning to observe nature and to transfer the images and details of my photographs into fabric art has been a wonderful challenge in this course. I have tried to create the textures -both visual and tactile- of shells and seaweeds in my embroideries. Translating my designs with needle and thread is a lifetime goal. The excitement of learning new techniques and trying new fibres and fabrics to create unique pieces of textile art has been a wonderful adventure for me.
Barbara Gilbert……………………………………….
Visions in Multi Media….Guest Blogger…..Cathy Jo Hall
Level 4 Experimental Stitch and Multi Media
My Inspiration these past 4 years came from our Eye Clinic and studies of the Eye. I was excited to create some “Visions” from the amazing world as seen thru our Eyes. My research included Visual Distortions reflected from the windows of tall glass buildings in Chicago, the Anatomy of the Eye, Vision and the patterns and colors of Eyes in Nature.
Starting with this theme in Design 4 years ago has been an amazing journey. The past 2 years have been exciting, as I’ve brought my designs alive in stitch watching all the possibilities with color, texture, layers, stitches and multi-media effects! Eyes camouflaged in Nature, protecting each species, continued to intrigue me throughout the course. Seeing nature in a whole new light, I will continue to study and create from these revelations for many years to come!
Having this incredible opportunity to study with Gail has been such an Honor! She has taken me to a level in Art and Design that I am forever grateful for due to her passion for Teaching, amazing Eye for Detail and most especially her kindness and time she takes to help each of us grow individually as an artist! Thank You Ms Gail for this wonderful journey I will treasure forever!
Level 4 Experimental Stitch and Multi Media
Fabric, fiber, thread and stitch, whether hand or machine, have been my favorite things for as long as I can remember. While I have studied drawing and painting, for me they are either a starting point for designing a piece or a method for adding detail to my work. I chose to study my Russian heritage, focusing on folk art, icons and wooden architecture. My goal is to convey the joy I feel about all the materials and my subject matter. Marcia
Hanging Out With the Girls
Level 4 Experimental Stitch and Multi Media Diploma Course - Topaze
As one member of the Topaze sorority says: “It’s not about the course, it’s not about the finished projects, it’s not about the exhibition. It isn’t about the end- it is about the journey together. It’s about the laughter, fresh lemons, the books we share, the great home cooked meals, fresh soups and pumpkin bread with just a little wine (and washing and drying six yards of white burlap all at once). It is about sharing and caring. It truly is all about hanging out with the girls”!
From Gail – We started out the week with rain but it didn’t dampen spirits as tulips were blooming in Skagit County. Alex, Marcia’s husband visited a tulip farm to buy dozens of tulips for the group’s exhibition. Noel and Glynn ironed a mountain of tablecloths for the display tables and Gail C. (a student) assisted with the mass transformation of usual work space to gallery space. We missed Joan and Maryanne who were unable to be with us this week. We all worked together on hanging the exhibition over 4 days. It has truly been an honor to work with this group of women. Life happened for people but despite obstacles, they managed to continue their studies to complete the most demanding of all the courses. Watch for pictures of the exhibition. Congratulations! Gail
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