Monthly Archives: October 2013

Re-Visiting The Masters: Michael James

I grabbed a few older books from my bookshelf for a 22 hour car ride and ended up reading Michael James: Art and Inspiration from cover to cover. And then I went back and re-read certain sections of it.

Art and Inspirations: Michael James

Michael James: Art and Inspirations was published in 1998 by C & T Publishing. It is retrospective of Michael James’ career as well as the quilts that were representative of his new direction at that time period.

Some great quotes from the book:

” I started out believing that there was enough inherent dignity and value in the medium, in its history and its methods, to justify a dedicated and continued involvement. ”

“There are limitless possibilities, so no one can tell someone else which route is best. Every quilter has to map her or his own direction. ”

“…and you have to be loyal to the inner voice that is the best guide you’re likely to have. ”

Michael James: Art and Inspiration

There is an absolutely wonderful interview in the back of the book by Patricia Malarcher where he discusses artistic influences on his career and his definition of craft versus art. HIs very confident artistic voice is evident in all the questions and there are many beautiful pictures of his quilts.

I finished the book and wanted to know more and hear more from Michael James. You might be able to find this book at your local library or on Amazon.

Workshop Withdrawal

I vowed it would not happen this time. I promised myself I would not come home to workshop withdrawal. I have been to six intensive workshops at the Barn and each time I have returned home, I fall flat. It takes way too much time to regain my momentum in the studio. The first few days I catch up on everything that is undone from my absence : I clean (always a novel concept), I iron clothes instead of fabric, I run errands that really can wait, I cook great dinners and I make cookies. I procrastinate. I do everything but return to the studio.

I rationalize it thinking I am overstimulated with new ideas. I write down all of the ideas in my journal. And I do nothing with them. Then, I think I am useless as an art quilter. After seeing all the great work that others have done, I compare myself to the famous and fall woefully short. I order books that will make me smarter. I review my notes.

Then, I relax. The studio is in order. I am going this weekend to travel to see my daughter at college in Iowa. I am going to love on her and have fun with her. I am not going to think of my workshop withdrawal. Instead, on Monday I will do what I always do when I return from a workshop: make a baby quilt or two. It has worked every time.

What do you do when the adrenaline from a workshop is gone?

The Aftermath

The Aftermath of a Workshop

I came home on Saturday after a 2 week workshop with Nancy Crow at the Barn titled Potpourri 1 and 2. To spend time with 27 other women who are pushing the boundaries of their work was more than a privilege. There was a wide range of experience but no limit on honesty, compassion, support and willingness to share technique and information. I wanted to pinch myself at times to make sure it was real. And then, when I slept for about 5-hours, sewed for 12 hours every day including sewing time on the weekend , got frustrated beyond belief when nothing would come of my efforts the last few days, drank a few glasses of wine and laughed until I cried, I knew it was real.

I met new friends (miss you Barb and Maria) , caught up with old friends from previous workshops, and worked side by side with Elizabeth . I am inspired , a little overstimulated, sad sad it’s done with but more than excited to get back to work in my studio.

Back to work after I put it all away.