Art at Stone Lake

30 Americans: A Groundbreaking Exhibit

 I want to congratulate the Corcoran for mounting an inspiring and important exhibit of works by contemporary African American artists.  I visited the show and saw work by both familiar and new (to me) artists working in a wide range of media.  I won't describe any of the work--suffice it to say that this is a show not to be missed.  It isn't scheduled to travel very much as of this writing, but you can buy the catalog from the Corcoran if traveling to the Washington DC area isn't feasible. (And, definitely buy the book from the Corcoran because Amazon is selling it at an outrageously high price.)

30 Americans Website

And, one other fact that is extraordinary:  This show is mounted from a PRIVATE collection.  Read more about the owners here:

About the Rubells

Rubell Foundation Website

 

 

New Documentary: Why Quilts Matter

YAHOO!!!!

PBS has issued a new documentary titled: Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics.  It is a 9 part series that will air this fall.  However, you don’t have to wait.  The series is available for immediate purchase. I’m very excited about this series because it spans the centuries, with a clear balance that honors  traditional quiltmaking while featuring contemporary quilt artists as well. 

 In addition, unlike many other  documentaries about the textile arts, this one includes African American quilt artists and scholars!!  

 Here’s the link if you want to find out more and purchase it:

 http://www.whyquiltsmatter.org/welcome/about/the-series/

Identity and British Nationality -- Digital Catalog

Hi,

I ran across an interesting item online.  The Neuberger Museum in Purchase NY has uploaded a free digital catalog for one of their exhibits.   The Exhibit was titled, 'British Subjects: Identity and Self-fashioning, 1967-2009.  Fascinating catalog and it is free!!

Here's the link to download it:

Digital Catalog

Enjoy!

Carole

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.