Art at Stone Lake

Inspiration and Independence Declaration

A friend and I went to visit the American Visionary Museum in downtown Baltimore yesterday.

 

As always, I came away fully inspired to go home and make art.  Why?  Well, it wasn't just the enormous creativity that sparked me.   (However, every time I visit this Museum, I am awestruck by the genius of these outsiders.)

 

 

American Visionary Museum Link

 

 

 

 

Instead, it was some other insights that truly touched me. 

 

First of all, I was reminded how truly powerful the impulse is to create art.  No matter what circumstances we are in, human beings will find a way to make something, some 'stuff', that expresses emotions and thoughts and visions.  The artist within will not, cannot be denied.   People can make art using ANYTHING that will leave a mark.  And, somewhere, there are people making art with nothing...by that I mean, people without any other material will make art in their minds. 

 

Sometimes we call these Dreams....or Visions....or psychotic episodes....

 

I was also humbled by my awareness of how truly blessed my life is.  I have a home, a supportive partner and family and friends who encourage and appreciate my art.  I have more materials than I can use.  I have time.  I have quiet.  I have more than everything I need to be creative.  I live in an Open and Democratic society that does not censor me. I can make anything I want. 

 

So, no excuses for me.  

 

I Declare my Independence.  From this day forward:   I will revel in my freedom, I will play.  I will challenge myself to break through any emotional barriers.  I will sing and shout and dance around the studio.  I will always learn by looking at and loving the artwork of others.   I will follow my deepest  instincts, my Spirit and my Heart.   I will be an OUTSIDER Artist -- working in any way that I CHOOSE. 

 

Look for new "stuff"...soon...

 

 

Obama Artquilt Book Published!

Hello Friends!

As many of you know, I had an artquilt in 2 different exhibits celebrating the Inauguration of President Obama.  Sue Walen, the organizer of one of the shows, suggested to the participating artists that we self-publish a book!  and, we all pitched in a small financial contribution, and self-published our complete catalogue of the show in FULL color.  It's now available. 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BOOK.

Here's the cover...it's one of the artquilts in the book--fabulous isn't it?  And, all of the Profits from this book will be donated to a Scholarship fund for students at Montgomery College in Maryland.  Montgomery College has a wonderful arts department and their gallery is where we held the show. 

 

Thanks so much for your support.

Book Recommendation: Masters--Art Quilts

I just received my copy of Masters: Art Quilts by Martha Sielman.  What an absolutely stunning artbook!  The photos of the work are very clear, crisp and seem to be color true, as near as I can tell.  What's truly wonderful about the book is that it features multiple works by each artist.  That way, you can see a range of the work by each artist, and read their comments about the way their work has evolved. I recommend this book as a wonderful introduction to the wide range of approaches being taken in the artquilt world by people such as Michael Cummings, Kyoung Ae Cho, John W. Lefelhocz and Carolyn Mazloomi.  In fact the work of every artist in this book will challenge, intrigue, amuse, surprise and delight you! 

Order from your local bookstore or your favorite online bookseller.