• BIG NEW Fiber Studio

    BIG NEW Fiber Studio

    Canopy I’ve moved a great deal in the last year or so to different studios. Now I am where I want to be.  Big Medium studio has opened a fresh new building that will house over 50-70 artists;  painters, printers, ceramists, metalists, fiber artists and even a one-eyed english bull dog named Piper who paints. [...]

  • Hand/Eye: Global Art, Craft & Design

    Hand/Eye: Global Art, Craft & Design

    A great resource and read that features global art, craft and design.  The publication focuses on international artisians whose environment and cultural identity is revealed in their art work.  The art work includes cloth making and design, weaving, ceramics, jewelry, wood -working and embroidery to name a few. The photographs are stunning and the articles [...]

  • Fiber Reactive Dyes

    Fiber Reactive Dyes

    The most widely used dyes for fiber are called Procion MX fiber-reactive dyes.  The dyes are meant to be used on cellulose fibers that include linen, cotton, rayon and silk.  There is a wonderful array of colors, but you can mix any of the primary colors (12 colors on the color wheel) into an infinite [...]

  • Why use Symbology in Fiber Art?

    Why use Symbology in Fiber Art?

    I have added a new section on my blog about symbology – symbols that have been used by primitives, represented in mythology, cultural societies, biblical,  historical and artistically expressive. Symbolist painters believed that ‘art should reflect an emotion or idea rather than represent the natural world in the objective, quasi-scientific manner embodied by Realism and Impressionism’. [...]

  • Texturely and Fiberly Active

    Texturely and Fiberly Active

      I’ve started to use these wonderful Indian woodblock stamps. You can use them with fabric paint, thickened dyes, wax and adhesive glue to apply foil.  They make great textures for layered printing on cotton or silk (if the silk is pulled taut).  Often the wood blocks are made from sheesham (teak), and they last [...]

  • Outsider Art / Brut Art

    Outsider Art / Brut Art

      I have been studying this subject for quite some time and incorporating some of the features into my fiber art.  Check out The Discovery of the Art of the Insane by John M. MacGregor for a comprehensive look at Outsider and Brut Art (Raw Art).  The majority of these artists have no art training [...]

  • Making Fiber Art

    Making Fiber Art

    I have been working diligently for almost 6 months on a project for a class. I’ve been dyeing, screen printing, stamping and finally it has all come together.  The four pieces should be finished by August. I highly recommend taking the time to do your own color charts. Do all  12 colors then choose  each [...]

  • 12 Step Program for Fiber Artist - Update

    12 Step Program for Fiber Artist – Update

    I had 12 items that I wanted to accomplish, and to-date I have tried, learned, been exposed to or dabbled in 8 of the 12.  That’s not bad. I still have to work hard on the other 4 and keep working on all the items listed. I am getting the screen printing down much better. [...]

  • Colors for Fiber Art

    Colors for Fiber Art

      I have been concentrating on colors, drawing color wheels and making discoveries about their relationships. I’m sure many of you already are familiar with these, but they’re worth restating. Complimentary : A hue that’s across from each other on the color wheel. Examples would be yellow and violet, red and green, blue and orange. [...]

  • Fiber Art in the Country - Eye of the Dog Art Center

    Fiber Art in the Country – Eye of the Dog Art Center

    I am currently working out of a studio in San Marcos, Texas.  Beautiful country and the nicest people you could hope to meet.  Eye of the Dog Art Center provides workshops for clay, mixed media, screen printing,  paper arts and more.  You can hold you own workshop and be served delicious food to boot.There is [...]

  • Fiber Art Master Class with Jane Dunnewold

    Fiber Art Master Class with Jane Dunnewold

    February in San Antonio was my first class with master fiber artist, Jane Dunnewold.  We met as a group of 12, who came from all points in the U.S. and Canada.  Jane is a warm, sensitive person and teacher, and our group became cohesive quickly.  We shared our own work, books we loved, and a [...]

  • Lessons Learned from 100 Art Quilts in 100 Days

    Lessons Learned from 100 Art Quilts in 100 Days

    I must say that I don’t regret challenging myself to making 100 Art Quilts in 100 Days.  It was often overwhelming , and I floundered some days. Other days were triumphant, productive and amazing.  I would like to chronicle the lessons I learned over the period of December 2010 to March 2010. 1.  A self-challenge [...]

  • Photographing Art Quilts

    I am finally caught up posting all the current quilts.  70!  I’ve gotten this far without having to buy a new digital camera (not in the budget).  If only you could hear the curse words flowing after having camera trouble and talking to customer service. All and all its worked out so far. Thank you [...]

  • Now You can Buy Art Quilt Books

    Now You can Buy Art Quilt Books

    I  hesitated about offering books for sale on my site – seemed a little much.   I believe a good art reference library is important, and I spend  a great deal of time researching techniques and art quilting in general.  I offer reviews of books  I have found valuable to my development. I try to [...]

  • Radio/Podcast Interview " Art and Soul" 100 Art Quilts in 100 Days

    Radio/Podcast Interview ” Art and Soul” 100 Art Quilts in 100 Days

    This evening at 7:00 pm, artist Lesley Riley, will be interviewing me on “Art and Soul”. It’s a wonderful venue for artists.  Listeners are treated to different aspects of an artist’s work – approach to their work, techniques, motivations and feedback on where their art can be found. Tune in at this online address and [...]

BIG NEW Fiber Studio

 Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Feb 072013
 

Canopy

I’ve moved a great deal in the last year or so to different studios. Now I am where I want to be.  Big Medium studio has opened a fresh new building that will house over 50-70 artists;  painters, printers, ceramists, metalists, fiber artists and even a one-eyed english bull dog named Piper who paints. A very diverse group.  The new building will go under the name of Canopy at 916 Springdale Rd., Austin, Texas 78702. The amenities include a courtyard, cafe and space for the performing arts.

There will be lots of shows, networking with other artists and collaborations and exposure to Central Texas. Big Medium is a prestigious non-profit organization, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

I have a wonderful new space for Lynne Brotman Fiber Art on the 2nd floor. It’s a 20′ x 20′ space, 10′ ceilings and one whole wall of opaque glass. Lots of natural light – and yes, AC/HC. Hallelujah!  I am in the process of building a dark room, exposure unit,  a big fiber table, lots of shelves and great wall space to hang my work.

I am in heaven. I have dreamed of this space for years. I have come out of the basement into the sunlight! Drop by and visit me in #213.  Photos to come.

 

 Posted by at 2:09 pm

Hand/Eye: Global Art, Craft & Design

 Art Book Reviews, Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Jan 162013
 
Hand/Eye

Peru Cover

A great resource and read that features global art, craft and design.  The publication focuses on international artisians whose environment and cultural identity is revealed in their art work.  The art work includes cloth making and design, weaving, ceramics, jewelry, wood -working and embroidery to name a few.

The photographs are stunning and the articles informative.

Check out their website at http://www.handeyemagazine.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 Posted by at 3:03 pm

Fiber Reactive Dyes

 Fiber Art Designs, Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 
Fiber Art

Pro Chemical Procion MX Dyes

The most widely used dyes for fiber are called Procion MX fiber-reactive dyes.  The dyes are meant to be used on cellulose fibers that include linen, cotton, rayon and silk.  There is a wonderful array of colors, but you can mix any of the primary colors (12 colors on the color wheel) into an infinite color, tone or shade.  The dyes can be thickened, for painting or screen printing using sodium alginate (good ole’ seaweed) making them very versatile.

Easy to use but you must take safety precautions; gloves and face mask.

You can purchase these dyes from Pro-Chemical and Dharma Trading Company online and from their published catalogs.  There are tutorials that will demonstrate how to use the dyes and the chemicals added to activate them.

 Posted by at 9:30 am

Why use Symbology in Fiber Art?

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Aug 292012
 

I have added a new section on my blog about symbology – symbols that have been used by primitives, represented in mythology, cultural societies, biblical,  historical and artistically expressive. Symbolist painters believed that ‘art should reflect an emotion or idea rather than represent the natural world in the objective, quasi-scientific manner embodied by Realism and Impressionism’. Probably the one person most associated with symbols is Jung, and I have been doing quite a bit of reading up on this brilliant man.  He is a source of inspiration and insight.

I have been researching art works that not only use obvious symbols but also hidden symbols such as El Greco’s el Caballero de la mano al pecho. There have been various interpretations of the hand across his chest. It was believed that El Greco was a Spanish Marrano (converted Jew during the Inquisition). The hand across his chest is used in Jewish prayer (the Amida Blessing) signifying the Hebrew letter shin.  It was a hidden way to identify himself as a Jew without alerting the Inquisitors.  You will also notice it is the same symbol used by Lenoard Nimoy ( an Orthodox Jew) as Spock in the series Star Trek.  Interesting, yes?

This painting is only one of many that use hidden symbols.  Others are more apparent -  Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden by Titian.  Although the Old Testament never identifies the fruit as an apple, it is still recognized as a symbol of sin and the downfall of mankind.

Freud knew a thing or two about symbols – particularly dream symbology. But sometime “a cigar is just a cigar”. Jung’s analysis relies heavily on symbology as well.

So what does all this have to do with fiber art? Everything!  Colors, are for one, considered symbols that we all consciously or unconsciously recognize as having meaning. As fiber artists, we are all about color.  Although not a fiber artist, Jesse Reno, uses symbology that he has borrowed from primitives and creates symbols that have personal meaning for him.

Since I am fascinated with symbology, I am headed in that direction with my own fiber art work – using ones that are easily identifiable as well as having personal significance.

Texturely and Fiberly Active

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Aug 082012
 

  I’ve started to use these wonderful Indian woodblock stamps. You can use them with fabric paint, thickened dyes, wax and adhesive glue to apply foil.  They make great textures for layered printing on cotton or silk (if the silk is pulled taut).  Often the wood blocks are made from sheesham (teak), and they last for years.  Very old used ones can cost up to $300 or more, but you can find them on etsy and google searches for a reasonable price. They make for wonderful surface design.

The blue one is approximately 3.5″ x 3.5″ and 1″ thick.  The image is usually very clear, but sometimes you just have to get over perfection and go for that organic look!

I will post the fabric I’ve printed in the near future – stay tuned.

 

 

Outsider Art / Brut Art

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Jul 162012
 

Adolf Wolfe

 

I have been studying this subject for quite some time and incorporating some of the features into my fiber art.  Check out The Discovery of the Art of the Insane by John M. MacGregor for a comprehensive look at Outsider and Brut Art (Raw Art).  The majority of these artists have no art training and many created their work when they were institutionalized due to mental health issues.

Making Fiber Art

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Jul 122012
 

I have been working diligently for almost 6 months on a project for a class. I’ve been dyeing, screen printing, stamping and finally it has all come together.  The four pieces should be finished by August.

I highly recommend taking the time to do your own color charts. Do all  12 colors then choose  each on the wheel and add white or black on two separate charts. Example: Select orange, then keep adding white to it to get all the varieties.  It’s an enlightening experience, and I have never really looked at color the same.  Now when I want to dye something, I can match the dye or fiber paint to the exact color I want.

Liberating!

 

 

12 Step Program for Fiber Artist – Update

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
Jun 242012
 
Fiber Art

Exuberance

I had 12 items that I wanted to accomplish, and to-date I have tried, learned, been exposed to or dabbled in 8 of the 12.  That’s not bad. I still have to work hard on the other 4 and keep working on all the items listed.

I am getting the screen printing down much better. Gave me the fits when I first started.  The prints are appearing much cleaner now.

Learning color theory has been a boon.  I don’t think you ever learn it completely – much more complex than I thought it would be.

Colors for Fiber Art

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  No Responses »
May 312012
 

 

I have been concentrating on colors, drawing color wheels and making discoveries about their relationships. I’m sure many of you already are familiar with these, but they’re worth restating.

Complimentary : A hue that’s across from each other on the color wheel. Examples would be yellow and violet, red and green, blue and orange. They display a high contrast and are attention grabbers.

Analogous:  Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Ex.  Yellow, Yellow-Orange, Orange, Orange-Red

Monochromatic: Colors that are progressively lighter or darker, depending on whether you add black or white to them. Ex.  White to red until you end up with a pale pink.

Value: Ex. Blue #3 # is from the chart

Blue-Violet #3

Violet #3

Value is all the same shades or tints.  Black, white and gray are values too.

Well there is more to this than meets the eye – maybe another installment another day.

 

 

 

Fiber Art in the Country – Eye of the Dog Art Center

 Types of Fiber Art Designs  1 Response »
Apr 172012
 

I am currently working out of a studio in San Marcos, Texas.  Beautiful country and the nicest people you could hope to meet.  Eye of the Dog Art Center provides workshops for clay, mixed media, screen printing,  paper arts and more.  You can hold you own workshop and be served delicious food to boot.There is a wonderful country road that meanders through the Texas Hill country with beautiful cactus flowers, angus and longhorn cattle and lots of inspiration. Eye of the Dog Art Center is primarily a clay and mixed media studio, but they thankfully decided to let me set up a small fiber art studio. What a blessing. I can spread out my fabric , dry it in the sun and eat peaches too(soon).

What’s better than that!!

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