alone in the studio

Studio Move

 

 

The studio move has begun!  I'm moving down the hall to a slightly bigger space. This requires major reorganization, as well as some major muscle.  These photos show most of the current space (in the beginning stages of dismantling and packing up).  I missed taking a photo of the main design wall and sewing table, but otherwise most of it's here.  The chair and bookshelf, along with the bulletin board and small design wall, form my "thinking corner," which also serves as a great little napping space. 

Home

Sunrise through a back window--a welcome sight after an arduous 27 hour journey. 

Art Quilt Inspiration--Korean Sweets!

There are stalls upon stalls of colorful confections at Seoul's fascinating Kwang Jang Market. This image just might inspire a new little art quilt.

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Did you know? MickeyD's Delivers!

These photos were snapped in Seoul this weekend, but this is also a common sight in Beijing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veggies, Beans, Fish, and Giant Latkes

 

 

 

 

The food--your choice of ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat-- is amazing at Kwang Jang Market in Seoul.

 

Fabric Shopping in Seoul

 

 

I returned to the huge fish, veggie, and fabric shops at Kwang Jang Market to buy ramie and silk for making pojagi (also known as bojagi). Out of dozens of stalls (a hundred, maybe), I was fortunate to find my way back to the folks I'd bought fabric from in the past. 

New Birds in Beijing

Almost finished!  These are two of the six that were commissioned for early autumn arrival in New York City. I used Kaffe Fassett prints and Moda solids for this pair.

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On the subject of critters, one of the teachers at the HCU program made this version of a Chinese folk art tiger last night and gave it to me today.  The traditional-style design is striking, and it's made with great care (on both sides!).  She even embroidered hearts in the border. I'm really touched and honored by this gift of time and self.  

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children's Chinese Folk Art Tigers

Examples of Chinese Folk Art images drawn on the chalkboard.

Student Tiger

Engaged students and a teacher.

This student asked if she could make a rabbit, not a tiger. It's the Year of the Rabbit in China, and of course I told her, "Sure, why not?"  She smiled and proceeded to draw and paint this collection of fish.  Great initiative and imagination! 

Student samples--so much personality!

The "Blue Team" and one of their teachers display their finished projects.

Chinese Folk Art Project and Amazing Air (for Beijing)

 In a jet-lagged fog, I worked on final samples for the  Human Capital Unleashed academic enrichment camp art project this week.

The new version is unturned, making it simpler for the children (and teachers!).  I'll post pictures of the students and their creations later this week.

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Check Out the Air Quality!

I arrived back in Beijing last night after a quick trip to the States to help my youngest daughter with her cross-country move for a new job.  

After weeks of Air Quality Index ratings  in the unhealthy 200s, 300s, and even dangerous 400s levels, this is what it was this morning. I'm so happy to see those tiny green bars!
 
 

Sashiko Table Runner

 14" x 34" sashiko panel lined with pale pumpkin-colored linen.

 

Bird Prototypes

 

Three in-process, all slightly different, muslin bird bodies.  My quest for a perfect bird body--not too small or too large, not too wobbly or too stiff-- continues.