The Nature of Image and 7th Quilt Festival Luxembourg

Early in May I was in Luxembourg where I was guest artist at the 7 International Quilt Festival (more on this later). I ‪stayed in ‪Clervaux‬ which had an annual exhibition of photographs ‪‎. Clervaux - cité de l' image 

Sonja Braas You are Here

Tine Poppe Where Gods Reside, (Clervaux Castle in the background)

We sometimes take image for granted. It is so easy just to take a 'snap' in these digital days. This stunning exhibition set beautifully in the landscape of the small town demanded attention raising the questions on how we record the world around us, the 'nature' of that world and our place in it.
The view of Clervaux Castle has been a constant companion.I slept at night with it as my nightlight through the window. This is where the Battle of the Bulge was fought 16 Dec 1944. The castle has been rebuilt after the town was reduced to rubble

The festival itself took place over several villages in the region. Details of some of the works in Centre Communal, Wilwerwiltz, ‪taken at end of set up.Works below by by ‪ ‪fellow artists sharing the space.

Julliette Eckel‬ 

Di Ford Hall‬

 Kate Dowty‬

‎‪Photographer in among ‪ Tea Flora Tales with the work of Jacqueline de Jonge in the background‬.....and a few more images of my work installed in a lovely space

 And there is always time to draw among the visitors
I had little time to see other works here a few of works further afield.I managed a brief walk to the neighbouring village Enshaerange and caught these pieces in the local fire station by the Norwegian group 'Sting'.

Inger-Ann Olsen

Bente Andersen Sundlo

 and Grenzenlo(o)s Dutch German collaboration in the historic flour mill:

Group project, Ladies with Bags

Installation shot

Johanna Mench

Hilde Kamps

I had time on my last morning to take a walk in the woods and footpaths around the Clervaux village:

All for now, I am taking time to work on new pieces for 'Concealed' the forthcoming exhibition with Art Textiles Made in Britain at Festival of Quilts this Summer.I also have work in the 6th European Quilt Triennial at the show.

Also see Visions blog

South West Wandering, California Dreaming

As I come to my last few days in California preparing to return home I am equally saddened to wave goodbye to good friends. I complete my trip with an exhibition 'Stitch Stories at Visions Art Museum.( Sneak image preview below.

I spent some time in San Diego taking in local culture. Loved the Do Ho Suh exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Equally I enjoyed the bamboo in the botanical gardens. Beautiful views through to the green and light. I love art inspired by nature, This new E Book by pat of a series being produced by  Textile Artist should prove mouth watering:'Textile Art Inspired by Nature' E-Book 

And the patterns in the sand and the majestic trees at Torrey Pines....inspiration for artists everywhere.

The Canyons in the city are full of wildflowers and wild habitats. I enjoyed walking through these overlooked spaces with Maureen of Studio Maureen and the Next Door Gallery (housing an eclectic mix of vintage finds and fine local artists work.

Good to revisit the Mingei Museum and look at some stunning Ai-Zome stencil Kimono with text by the great Soetsu Yanagi who was one of Japan"s Living National Treasures, a master  potter and founder of the Mingei, Japanese  Folk Arts Movement. Beautiful indigo and white stencils.

 All to soon I will be leaving on one of these planes flying over Little Italy. An airport really in the heart of Downtown.Thankyou sandiegobookarts.com, Visions Art Museum, Sedona Arts Center and many more who have made this trip such an enjoyable and richly rewarding experience.

South West Wanderings

I have been in Arizona nearly two weeks now. Returning first to Red Rocks country in Sedona. (more about that later) before spending a little time with friends in Tucson. The sketch above is on the road from Phoenix to Tucson. Below is my friend's dog, Lola.

I had a lovely first day on Tumaroc Hill which is part of the Sonoran Desert. Filled with majestic Saguaros with views over Tuscon basin. The top of the hill is a research station. I loved the mix of industrial and reserve.

I also went for a walk around the neighbourhood where I have been staying. The majestic Palo Verde are in bloom. They provide wonderful shelter in the washes (arroro) which take the run offs of rain water during the rainy season (usually August)
Although very hot for my more sensitive English skin, I arrived during a relative school spell.  I was able to take in exhibitions at the Tucson Museum of Art. I loved Ellen Wagener's Big Skies/Hidden Stories. Beautiful majestic landscapes in pastel.

 And this painting of three girls by Mary Wyant.

There was also a Textile exhibit, String Theory:Contemporary Ary and the Fiber Legacy which I would urge anyone in the vicinity to see. On until June 19.
Sedona always remains a special place for me . I was delighted to return and spend time with friends. I was also delighted to work with the Sedona Arts Center over the Easter weekend.

Images of work in progress 'From the Land' pieces created by the workshop participants.

Isabel Simmer

Paula Clarke 

Suzette Young

Lorie Garver

Kathy Przkopp

CC Landauer

Ann Crossland

Irene Peake

I am looking forward to my exhibition opening of Stitch
 Stories and book signing at Visions Art Museum on 16 April. Pop in to see it if you can. I will be at the Open Event from 5-7pm. There will also be the opportunity to see work by Gay Lasher, Edie Greenberg and The Jury is In and Visions Members challenge Geometric. I will also be giving a talk on my work on Friday 8 April as well as running workshops with San Diego Book Arts and 'Sense of Place'. Full details on this link