Small Work - Structures #78
Structures #78 ©2007 18" x 18"
Today I finished stitching the texture lines on Markings #10 (shown in my previous post). I still have to finish the edges and attached the hanging sleeve but I’m going to save that work for a while as it’s been a while since I designed new work and I want to make some more small pieces such as the one above.
My original goal for the year was to complete 10 new small pieces but in July that changed to 18. So far I’ve completed 10 so 8 more to go. An easy goal to accomplish, I hope, because at the end of November I’m going to need 6-8 small pieces for a holiday art show and sale at the Arvada Center, a local art center. I’m also hoping to send some small work to the new Visions Art Quilt Gallery in San Diego
Until this year I rarely made small work because I felt too restricted by the small spaces. I like big, the impact and the room for so many possibilities. This year I’ve learned to love to work small. Getting the proportions right is much harder in the small space so it really forces me to pay attention to what I’m doing.
Once I cut the fabric the only way to fix a mistake is to redo the section. But it’s not always so easy to know where to make the cuts because I lose at least 1/2" on each shape when I sew it to the adjacent pieces. It’s taken me years of practice and I still mess up and cut in the wrong place. So I’ve cut/sew and the recut/resewn some of these composition several times to get it as I want it.
Any time I get lazy and think "good enough" I always regret it so I’ve learned to love this process of redoing. But more importantly, I’ve learned to get good at knowing where to cut in the first place as the consequences can be fairly high for screwing up.
I originally made Structures #78 as my piece for The Blogger Show in New York. Then I realized I should have read the rules first as this was too big by 2". So I made Structures #79 and sent it instead. You can get a preview of this show on The Blogger Show Online Portfolio. Thanks to Marc Snyder for creating the website.
Posted by Lisa in: Abstract Contemporary Textile Art
Tagged: proportions, small work, Structures Series, the blogger show, Visions art quilt gallery
Brenda said,
October 22, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
Another elegant work,rich in both colour and texture.
San Merideth said,
October 23, 2007 @ 8:07 am
Thanks for visiting my blog, Lisa. I’m glad I know where yours is. Your art is beautiful and I enjoy that you share your process and your life.
Both of of my grandmothers, as well as one of my great-grandmothers, were quilters in Appalachia. I treasure their work, which was pieced together with cheap outgrown school dresses and flour sacks. Your vision of course is much more sophisticated and takes that textile tradition several levels higher. I nevertheless find that connection in my mind between your art and my ancestors’ very comforting.
Steve said,
October 24, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
I love this - it’s very comfortable and cozy.
Lisa Call said,
October 24, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
Thank you everyone.
San - my grandmothers both quilted also and I too cherish the connection between my work and theirs. That family history is important to me.
Susan Constanse said,
October 28, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
Hi Lisa,
The piece is beautiful. We have your package at the gallery. I can’t wait to open it!
But in the meantime -
As one textile person to another, what kind of epi are you weaving? These look really dense.