Central American Youth Arrive Today

From the studio this morning, I travel to Selah, Bamberger Ranch, to help facilitate a workshop for youth ambassadors from Central America and South America. The kids, arriving here from Idaho (I think the weather will please) are participating in a three week program hosted by USAID and Georgetown University. After staying at the Ranch and participating in some media workshops, they will join Texas families for the rest of their stay. We'll be presenting work, thoughts, art and more on our themes related to leadership and entrepreneurship on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Southwest School of Art.

Yesterday, I met the new group of SEED teachers -- Central American rural teachers here at Palo Alto College for a year of training. A wonderful team of spirited, strong women and men worked with me learning to lead and assist in some of the activities with the youth ambassadors. A team of ten will join us at the ranch and another team will assist in activities on the river and at the art school. If you'd like to follow along with some of the ongoing projects I do with these international programs, click over to the posterous blog at http://SEED2011.posterous.com and subscribe for updates -- or just check in occasionally to see what's going on. 

Love your Inner Artist

How often we forget to feed the hand(s) (and heart) of the inner one who keeps us creating. Our inner artist is the one we hear when we haven't made it to the studio often enough. The one who comes knocking when we forget to slow down and put our hands into our favorite materials. The voice inside our head that starts whining when the well is dry.

Creativity is an activity that happens with intent, with some "new eyes' experiences, with a little bit of adventurous exploring, with some soul food that nourishes the spirit and imagination.

One way to feed your inner artist is with artist dates, as Julia Cameron styles these fill-up times in her book The Artists Way. At least once a week we need to do something intentional, often on-our-own, to bring joy and inspiration to our inner artists. INTENTIONAL is a key word. I'm sometimes tempted to look back on the week and say that sure I had an artist date, remember that movie I went to, or the 30 minutes at the used book store? Well, better than none, but best of all is making an intentional, anticipated date with your inner artist in advance, and then sticking to it. Iam going to see my friend Liz today in Kerrville for some artist inspiration and advice, and on the way I plan to stop in at one of my favorite thrift stores -- the Animal Defense shop in Boerne. Now that's an artist date. And I planned it in advance. And I will give myself a modest allowance of "blow" money so I can even do some shopping or tea sipping.

What's on your artist date calendar this week? I'd love to hear what and how you feed your inner artist and keep her (him) happy. 

AND if you are looking for a weekend-long artist date, I hope you will consider signing up for one of my next two El Cielo workshops. 

(HEART) YOUR INNER ARTIST

February 11-13

How do you nurture your creative self in a world that doesn’t always honor artists and artful work? This pre-Valentine’s Day workshop will provide that support while you learn more about your individual design strengths with creativity exercises, learn simple yoga and breath work, and make an artist’s altar for your studio. 

NATURE-INSPIRED SURFACE DESIGN March 25-27

 Find color, shape, form and inspired design for new surface design tools at this spring-is-sprung weekend in the blooming Texas Hill Country. We’ll do sun prints, leaf-inspired thermofaxes and screenprinting with dye, flour paste resist and more.

Sign up early (at least 30 days in advance with a $25 deposit) for a $15 discount on the $175 fee. (Accommodations from free to $30 for both nights) Email me susiemonday@gmail.com for details. First come/first serve -- single bedrooms are in demand! Note that some of the recent workshops have been filling early. Workshops generally start with an optional Friday night potluck and fun activity or two, then continue through 3-4 pm on Sunday afternoon. Most supplies included.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

Flying or driving in from afar for one of these weekends? Or just want some solo supported work time in the studio? Add one or two days of instruction in the studio for learning techniques that you are interested in -- dyeing, screen-printing, ink-jet transfer, soy batik and more. Each custom designed workshop and night’s lodging and meals costs $225 per person. Limit, 2 artists per session.

OR Are you interested in a workshop for your guild or other group? Many of Susie’s workshops go on the road! Please write for available dates and fees.

Cool Cards, New Year, Good Prayer

If you live anywhere near a Half Price Books, look for these amazing popup cards designed by  David A. Carter and published by Random House. The artist's website is at www.clarksonpotter.com. 

We used the cards as a little intro on the year at this last weekend's Artist Journal/Aritst Journey workshop at El Cielo. Six of us renewed, rejuved, reconnected with each other and our artist selves during the Friday to Sunday look at the past year, planning for the future, with journaling as a key tool for artist survival. 

We also watched a couple of TED Talks, first:  Brene Brown's about vulnerability

 We also watched The Three As of Awesome from Neil Pasricha’s blog 1000 Awesome Things. Neil savors life’s simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk from TEDxToronto, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that’s truly awesome. (Recorded at TEDxToronto, September 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Duration: 17:33)

And, also, thanks to a NWV faculty retreat that Linda attended that was facilitated by Parker Palmer, we read and absorbed some wonderful poems. Here is one by Ted Loder from one of his books of prayers (I've already ordered it to add to the collection that I draw from before our El Cielo communal meals):

Thanks for Those Things That Are Yet Possible

At the beginning of this new year

we give thanks for our time

and for those things that are yet possible

and precious in it:

daybreak and beginning again,

midnight and the reassurance of routine,

the taming of demons in the dance of dreams;

a word of forgiveness

and sometimes a song,

For our breathing...and out lives.

We give thanks

for the honesty that marks friends

and makes laughter;

for fierce gentleness

that dares to speak the truth in love

and tugs us to join in the long march toward peace:

for the sudden gust of grace

that rise unexpectedly in our wending from dawn to dawn:

for children unabashed,

wind rippling a rain puddle,

a mockingbird in the darkness,

a colleague and a cup of coffee:

for music and silence,

for wrens and Orion,

for everything that moves us to tears,

to touching

to dreams

to prayers.

We give thanks for work

that engages us in an internal debate

between reward and responsibility;

for our longings,

our callings,

our lives.

T. Loder, Guerrillas for Grace

Loder is a retired United Methodist minister, and,

true to the wonderful ways of the web, I found his blog -- though he appears s to have quit posting in

October of 2010..

Text on the Surface at SWSchool

Coming this spring to a school in SA:

 Intermediate/Advanced

2560 | Text on the Surface

Susie Monday

Learn to embed text messages into the surface of your art cloth or art quilts, with the form holding as much importance (and as much of the “message”) as any literary element. The words might disappear, remain legible, or become a surface texture; find ways to add letters and text with innovative materials. Some techniques to be explored include soy wax scrafitto, stitched paper cloth with word collages, direct printing on fabric with an inkjet printer, sun printing with letters and words using dye and paint, and making your own stamps and thermofaxes with words, collages and favorite quotations. The course includes handouts and other resources. A supply list will be posted on the SSA website.

Mon, Jan 31 – Feb 28 | 1:00 – 4:00P

Surface Design Studio | Navarro Campus

Tuition: $170 (Members: $155) | 5 weeks

Need a Jump Start? Or a Kick to Closure?

El Cielo Studio is waiting for you!

It's time for another edition of the El Cielo Studio UFO workshop. December 4-5 (yYep, I know it's December). If you have a piece of work or two that has been haunting you over the past months, weeks or year, bring it to this workshop retreat for a little energy to completion -- with the expert advice of some sister/fellow artists. Often, its just focused time and a new eye that helps a piece find completion and success -- or we might all just decide to cut, slash and start again!

Sometimes it just takes focus, and that's what this UFO (Unfinished Fiber Object) retreat is meant to provide. We'll start with a round robin of look-and-see-and-suggest (totally controlled by you, the artist) and then work during the next two days with all the resources of the studio available. For example, you'll be able to design and make thermofax screens, overdye or over-print, add some stitching with the machines or by hand, get help with frames or finishing details, even a little writing time to write and edit an artist statement if you wish. Learn a technique with a individual session with Susie, or practice something new with aid and abettment by the experts on hand.

In between individual work sessions, I'll lead some creativity exercises aimed and energizing the process, and we will, of course, enjoy great food, good company and each other's tales of success and strategies for living the artists' life. (P.S. I've had a request for "on-line" remote participation for a similar workshop -- I'm working on that for next year!)

One possibility, if time allows and the group wishes, is a Sunday afternoon outing to see a private family museum in-process, with some amazing collections of folk art, drawings and paintings and more. And, the hot tub is back in action, the hills are alive with color and breeze and hawks flying through on their winter migrations. Bring your binoculars and  walking shoes if you'd like a little hike down the hillside, too.

Here are the next few workshops that are coming up:

UFO WORKSHOP December 3-5 UFO, “unfinished fiber object.” Bring along work that needs finishing (perhaps a gift or two, or work that’s stuck for need of constructive critique). Enjoy the resources of the studio and the advice and support of peers. We’ll customize the techniques to the tasks at hand.

ARTIST'S JOURNEY/ ARTIST'S JOURNAL, January 14-16 This workshop has become an annual tradition. Join me for a weekend of reflection, goal setting, and information about how the habit or journaling can benefit you as an artist -- and make a unique journal cover and artist calendar for a new year of creative work and inspiration. Building good habits for your own work. (SPACE IS ALMOST FILLED FOR THIS ONE)

(HEART) YOUR INNER ARTIST February 11-13

How do you nurture your creative self in a world that doesn’t always honor artists and artful work? This pre-Valentine’s Day workshop will provide that sup- port while you learn more about your individual design strengths with creativity exercises, learn simple yoga and breath work, and make an artist’s altar for your studio. 

El Cielo Studio workshops are designed with the needs of the participants in mind; free time is sched- uled throughout the week- end for reading, reflection and personal work in the studio. You are welcome to bring projects in process for Susie’s critique and for peer feedback in an environment of trust and respect. You’ll share meals, poetry and stories, music and advice for living an artist’s life. Enjoy the 25-mile vistas from the deck and strolls down the country roads. A spa and pool, and large screen media room are also avail- able to participants. The fee for each workshop retreat is $175 for a 2-day event with discount for early enrollment. Comfortable accommodations (double and single rooms with private and shared baths) and meals are available from $15 - $30 per workshop. Most supplies included. Call 210-643-2128 or email susiemonday@gmail.com

Bookmaking with the Maestros/Maestras

We're doing another round of book-making here at Palo Alto with the international program scholarship teachers in Group 4. Everyone is writing and illustrating with photo collages their own "me books," as models and to take back to their schools as examples when they return to the classroom. The creativity is exciting -- and everyone is enthralled withusing copiers and photo printers -- technology not necessarily at hand back at home. But, as the digital world gets broader, as tools become more accessible, these teachers will return with the knowledge and experiences to dream with their students. And, the basic book-making and writing and illustration exercises can be done with low-tech supplies and tools, too.

 

Chihuly Tower Workshop

Here's a few pics from the workshop this past weekend at the San Antonio Public Library. I almost forgot to take any, so these are from the last hour, after most of the hoards had departed!

The circles are clear plastic plates collaged with tissue paper and gel layers. When dry, the tissue can be peeled off and becomes a transluscent light catcher. We also painted "sea form" underwater murals (inspired by Chihuly's work and photos of jellyfish, sharks etc.) and made lookers (that's what's around the girls' necks below) with insulation tubes and sparkles and colored cellophane. And had Chihuly's Hot Shop video running, too. 

 

Color at the Edge

Come along on a color adventure! My recent trip to Central America was, obviously, a trip through the lands of color. In both countries (as in much of Latin America) a ride through any city, a walk through any market, an exploration of the arts and crafts takes one straight into the heart of color.

Since I consider color as one of my strong suits -- where I start most of my work -- this trip was like visiting the guru on top of the mountain (volcano is more appropriate, I guess) -- a trip to my own Mecca. Working with color is where my heart goes when I work, and I consider myself a pretty masterful color craftsman, and my work is bold and brave in its palette usually. Now, I like more subtle palettes, too, and sometimes use their "rules," and I certainly love the work of artists whose palettes aren't as bright as my own.

Even so, when I stop and look at some of the photos I took on this trip, (many of them snapped out of the van window as we speeded by) my eyes are amazed. Certainly "what works" takes on an entirely new set of parameters. For example, just what doe s that little stripe of reddish orange do for the blue house in the photo at the top of the blog?

As I plan my next El Cielo workshop on COLOR (coming up in November with new exercises in dye and paint, fabric and paper) I am finding some interesting new exercises inspired by some of these photos. I'll use some interesting software web-based color tools (more later) and provide some parameters for some fabric collage mini-quilt assignments. If you'd like to join in for the LIVE and UP FRONT experience, sign up for the workshop -- or just follow along on this blog for some every-once-and-a-while color updates. You will be able to find the exercises when you click on the KEYWORD COLOR on the sidebar, OK?

Here's the first assignment:

1. Take any solid color of tissue, construction or other art paper. Choose a color you like, but not one that you use all the time, just to stretch the eye muscles. Cut twelve 6" by 6" squares of the same color.

2. Cut 18 different solid color strips each 1/2" wide and 6" long from different papers -- or paint some papers with any bits of tempera, acrylic or craft paint. Just work randomly with favorites, or with what ever you have around you.

3. At the bottom of six of the squares, about 1" above the bottom edge, glue one of the 1/2" strips of a different color. On these six squares, try to find the absolutely most interesting, most pleasing, most shocking combinations. Don't play by any presupposed rules at this point.

4. Now, cut 1 1/2" strips (6" long as well) of the SAME colors you chose. Glue those 1" above the bottom edge. What happens when the AMOUNT of color contrast changes? Which do you like the best?

5. Now look at your squares with a color wheel in hand (or on the screen). What "rules" for your color choices can you deduce? Did you choose complementary colors, split complementaries? analogous? What did the different amounts of the secondary color show you about your choices? Try cutting some 3" wide strips of the secondary color and see what they do when the amounts on a square are equal... (You may need to make some more 6" squares at this point.)

6. And now, just for fun, combine all your squares into a pieced quilt pattern on your design wall. Since the predominant color will still hold dominance in quantity, you may find that the design is wonderfully striking and interesting. A starter for a small wall quilt, perhaps? 

Retreats and Workshops

Just a little poke in ribs. Don't you think you need a treat! These are the next three workshops coming up at El Cielo Studio. And if I say so myself, they deliver a lot of inspiration, ideas, energy AND rest and restoration to all our artist selves for not-so-much dinero.

I hope you can join us. Discounts for early enrollment!

FIELD GUIDE TO COLOR November 12-14 Explore your personal palette while learning the "rules" of color harmony with hands-on exercises. This approach to color design is both intuitive and “scientific,” you’ll learn to trust your instincts with dye, paint and paper experiments while improving your success with color on cloth. We'll tackle a variety of dyeing techniques including low water painting processes and microwave "shibori" techniques. You'll take home work on fabric and paper that can guide a whole new series of work and imagery based on a specific color palette. if you have work that just doesn't work because of color issues, bring it along and we'll do triage! Whether your preference is for earthy tones, crayon-box brights, or soft pastels, you'll learn more about what does and doesn't work and how to bring more energy and excitement to your color choices.

UFO WORKSHOP December 3-5 UFO, “unfinished fiber object.” Bring along work that needs finishing (perhaps a gift or two, or work that’s stuck for need of constructive critique). Enjoy the resources of the studio  -- thermofax machine at-cost, soy wax, dye, screen-printing tools and more -- and the advice and support of peers. We’ll customize the techniques to the tasks at hand. Almost any idea you want to explore can be tackled with support and concentrated time at this workshop. Send me your idea, and I'll tell you if we can support it with tools, materials and advice!

ARTIST'S JOURNEY/ ARTIST'S JOURNAL, January 14-16 This workshop has become an annual tradition. Join me for a weekend of reflection, goal setting, and information about how the habit or journaling can benefit you as an artist -- and make a unique journal cover and artist calendar for a new year of creative work and inspiration. We'll be working with drawing (for non-drawers, too), collage, photography, copy machine printing, web resources and tools and more.  Building good habits for your own work. This workshop fills quickly each year, so if you want to be one of the participants, don't wait to reserve your space. Friday evening will include guided meditation after the pot luck supper. 

Sign up early (at least 30 days in advance with a $25 deposit) for a $15 discount on the $175 fee. Email me susiemonday@gmail.com for details. First come/first serve -- single bedrooms are in demand (accommodations and food for the entire weekend  $15 to $30)! Note that some of the recent workshops have been filling early. Workshops generally start with an optional Friday night potluck and fun activ- ity or two, then continue through 3-4 pm on Sunday afternoon. Most supplies included.

Chihuly Tower Artarama

The Chihuly Fiesta Tower is back after being un-installed for library renovations at the Central Library in San Antonio. We're putting on a little mini-version of the citywide celebration that led up to the tower's installation. If you'd like to participate (or volunteer helping kids make some color, shape and light-related art -- no glass-blowing possible here!) please just show up -- or drop me a line on the contact form. Hope to see you there. 

Welcome back, Fiesta Tower!

 In October 2009, Dale Chihuly’s colorful glass sculpture, Fiesta Tower, was disassembled from its display location in the Central Library and placed in secure storage during roof work and replacement of the Central Library’s skylights located directly over the tower.

Now the Fiesta Tower has been reinstalled and the Central Library’s second-floor atrium will shortly reopen. To celebrate the Fiesta Tower’s homecoming, the San Antonio Public Library will host a family craft event from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, in the second-floor atrium at the Central Library, 600 Soledad.

During the come-and-go event, local artist Susie Monday will guide participants in creating their own Chihuly-style works of art. The event is free and open to the public. One hour of free parking is available in the library parking garage with validated ticket.

A gift of the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts through a grant to the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, the Fiesta Tower was originally installed in the Central Library in 2003 as part of the celebration of the San Antonio Public Library’s 100^th anniversary.

Susie's Newsletter & El Cielo Flyer

Finally. My intent to publish a quarterly newsletter has been shortcircuited for about two quarters! But I have it back on track and back on the publishing schedule. This electronic only newsletter summarizes some of my recent activity, includes a two-page text collage exercise, and previews the dates and topics for my upcoming El Cielo artist retreats here in the Texas Hill Country. Here's a link for a one-time download for this issue of the newsletter.

If you'd like to get your own copy AND be on the list for future editions, send me an email through the contact form on the sidebar with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. If you don't get a newsletter today and think you ARE on my list, do the same, as I may have missed your email due to the vagarities of virtual and real life!

Meanwhile, in case you don't want the pdf, but do want to know more about the workshop schedule, here's the overview, details are availble as a downloadable pdf HERE and on the sidebar. You can also access the information on the sidebar link that says COMING SOON: Workshops.

El Cielo Workshops: Artist Retreat Calendar set for Fall and Winter 2010-2011
Continuing my on-going series of monthly workshops and retreats for artists, here’s the rundown for Fall and Winter, 2010-2011. Sign up early (at least 30 days in advance with a $25 deposit) for a $15 discount on the $175 fee. Email me at susiemonday@gmail.com for details and to receive more complete descriptions. Accommodations and meals on site, $15 to $30 (or free for the sofa or sleeping porch!) Limited enrollment -- 6 to 8 artists. First come/first serve/best bedrooms are in demand! Note that some of the recent workshops have been filling early.

FIELD GUIDE TO COLOR, November 12-14: Explore your personal palette while learning the "rules" of color harmony with hands-on exercises. UFO WORKSHOP, December 3-5: Bring along work that needs finishing (perhaps a gift or two, or work that’s stuck for need of constructive critique. Enjoy the resources of the studio and the advice and support of peers. ARTIST'S JOURNEY/ARTIST'S JOURNAL, January 14-16: This workshop has become an annual tradition. Join me for a weekend of reflection, goal setting, and information about how the habit or journaling can benefit you as an artist -- and make a unique journal cover and artist calendar for your new year of creative work.    (HEART)YOUR INNER ARTIST, February 11-13: How do you nurture your creative self in a world that doesn’t always honor artists and artful work? This pre-Valentine’s Day workshop will provide that support while you learn more about your creative strengths with creativity exercises, learn simple yoga and breath work, and make an artist’s altar for your studio. NATURE-INSPIRED SURFACE DESIGN March 25-27: Find color, shape, form and inspired design for new surface design tools at this spring-is-sprung weekend in the blooming Texas Hill Country.

Workshops generally start with an optional Friday night potluck and fun activity or two, then continue through 3-4 pm on Sunday afternoon. Most supplies included.

Flying or driving in from afar for one of these weekends? Add one or two days of individual work in the studio for learning techniques that you are interested in -- dyeing, screen-printing, ink-jet transfer, soy batik and more. Each custom designed workshop and night’s lodging and meals costs $225 per person. Limit, 2 artists.

Wowie -- A top rating with Interweave

Here's what showed up on the interweave newsletter today! My DVD Workshop was one of five products featured as a "top-rated product" from those who have bought the DVD.

"At Interweave, we strive to provide the highest quality publications and designs to help inspire your creativity. Of the thousands of products at the Interweave Store, these are some of the most popular.

But don't take our word for it, here is what our customers have to say:

        "I really enjoyed this video! The artist is friendly and relaxed, and demonstrates her technique clearly. She creates a good balance of instruction and encouragement, skill and creativity. . . . It's a wonderful introduction to screen printing, and opens the way for experimenting and playing with the technique and materials."

— Jeanne D., Interweave Store Customer
on Mixed-Media Textile Art

P.S. I just looked and figured out it doesn't take too many comments to get that great rating! If you've seen my DVD, please follow the links above to the site and leave your comments. I hope to make this the first of many Interweave activities!

Creating in Chicago at CREATE



What was most fun ? Teaching, yes, then the great paint-a-thon with Leslie Jenison and Jamie Fingal (Dinner at Eight artists). Pics below of all the activities. (Next post, adventrues inside the Loop.) I'll add names later, my notes are buried in the suitcase. But All of the Artists did great work as you can see. Thanks to all of them for their work, creativity and willingness to learn a new skill - - and to haul all the big supplies needed!

Aren't these fabulous pieces of fabric? They are all water soluble media with silkscreening medium on paper or fabric, with stencils, drawings by the artists. We spent the day exploring and experimenting and getting everyone past a "fear of the screen." Apparently, that's a big one. NO NO, do not be afraid. Here's my DVD of the process in this workshop from Interweave Press --

Marilyn C. from Canada made some wonderful layered pieces.

Judy L. with one of hers. Look carefully for the bird shapes.

Mary Ann worked on fabric and paper and did some sophisticated abstracts to use in her mixed media work.

 

Fran played around with a lot of textures and layering

Francine (Fran 2) said this was her favorite of all, made with tape resist on the screen.

More after hours: Jamie Fingal, Leslie Jenison and Judy Coates Perez at the instructors' reception:

Artist Natalya Aikens was also in the workshop led by Jamie and Leslie. She's drying our big collaborative canvas. We all took home pieces of two canvases, ready to work into other art inventions.

Rainbow Printing for Free Download

I'm off to the CREATE mixed media retreat at Chicago/O'Hare and the good news is, I found the pdf for my rainbow printing handout that's been lost in inner space here on the Susie Monday macintosh! I'm sending it upstairs to the cloud for access, so if you've been wanting this handout (it's not  as complete and as multimedia as the info I'll be sharing in the course, of course, but it will get you started I think!)

In order to download the three page document (the last page is just a schedule of how the workshop is structured) please to go to my public document folder at me.com

I have been advised that some browsers don't like the me site, use Firefox or Safari if you can! Otherwise, email me through the contact form and I will send an email copy to you. (I have tried a new non-compressed document, so this may work for you!)

If you can't make the link above work, try pasting this direct url into your browser:

files.me.com/susiemonday/2joate 

New World Kids in Dallas

The team  (Susan Marcus, Dr. Cynthia Herbert and me ) is in Dallas preparing for a teacher training for Big Thought's afterschool programs. This is a pilot group of 25 or so teahers, and we've prepared a 9-week curriculum, with future units related to come. It's exciting to know that 25 or so groups of 5-to-6 year olds in Dallas Public School classes will be having a wonderful adventure with the Sensory Alphabet this fall.

New World Kids is our foundation class for creative thought, as described in the book of the same name - that one aimed at parents (or grandparents).

I'll be checking in daily with photos and other info on the NWK blog site. And then it's back to art quilts for a while.

P.S. The photo above is from the last NWK summer program at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CN. We also had a similar progam run last week at the Dallas Museum of Art. Next-- the Exploratorium and Big Thought!

NOTE: I didn't checkin daily or even once. No internet connection where we were staying or where we were teaching. Boy, do I miss it when I don't have it! Even WITH a smart phone. Here are some pics from the week, though:

 

Last Weekend -- and What's Next at SWSchool

 

A few After WORDS. We seven had a fabulous workshop this weekend at the Southwest School of Art and Craft. I, as usual, found it a challenge unmet to take photos while facilitating this workshop! I really must train myself to do so, as it would be a lot more interesting to show some photos after the fact.

Instead, I'll just share one or two images that I've been working with using the techniques that were covered in the workshop. I really love the painterly kind of images that using wet media polyester film allows -- whether in black ink only or with color copies. Sometimes the images completely disappear into lovely clouds of colors, and other times they come out incredibly clear -- its all a matter of the density of the ink and the wetness of the underlying fabric.

The quilt above, which I've shown here before, is one called "FAITH IS A LAW," and it uses several photos of my neighbors Century Plant in bloom. I'm beginning to think of this image as a true icon of the Hill Country summer.

Above: Injet print on tissue paper incorporated into paper cloth and fabric art quilt.

Below: Direct inkject transfer using polyester film (look for the wet media film called Dura-Lar for the best results.)

 

To make prints like these, put a thin, hardly wet layer of gel medium or a mixture of gel medium and water on a piece of flat weave fabric. Blot off extra moisture if you wish. Run a copy or print of your chosen image (the two above were text collages created for my online course Text on the Surface) onto the polyester wet medium film. Flop the image onto the damp fabric and use your hand or a roller to transfer the image. Careful not to move it. Peel off the film and immediated clean it off -- the film can be reused many times.  When the image dries, it will be waterproof -- this does change the hand of the fabric since it uses the gel medium as a transfer medium. You can also transfer onto dry fabric and add water or medium on top to "melt" the pigment and make it permanent on the fabric.  This gives a very painterly look to your transfer and also removes the size restriction for the fabric upon which you wish to print an image.

What's up next at the Southwest School of Art and Craft (downtown San Antonio)? I'll be teaching two offering this fall: Soy Wax Batik on Oct. 30-31

As one of the latest hot wax techniques to make beautiful multicolored fabrics, soy wax eliminates many of the environmental concerns of using a solvent-soluble wax. It can be washed out with hot soapy water! Special techniques allow the application of several dye colors at once. Discover your own vocabulary of marks and patterns. Bring 3 yards of natural fiber fabric (cotton, silk, rayon or linen), an assortment of brushes and stamping tools, and a lunch both days.

2040 | Soy Batik

$165.00

Sat & Sun, Oct 30 - Oct 31, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

And a Monday morning course in October and November on preparing work, finding exhibits to enter, etc.-- a good course for those wishing to work on professional development, no matter what level of experience so far!

Have you ever wanted to enter a juried exhibition but felt intimidated by the requirements, the entry forms, the photography requirements? In this course, Monday will help you find an appropriate exhibit for your work, and your accomplishment level, critique your portfolio of work and help you prepare it for presentation, and guide you through the application procedure including photography, artist statement and biography requirements. You will also spend time working on specific assignments to produce work to fit requirements for a magazine submission appropriate to your media of choice. Acceptance can not be guaranteed, of course, but you'll have a much better understanding of the process. Please see SSAC website for a materials list.

2600 | Surface Design Projects for Exhibition

$185.00

Mon, Oct 18 - Nov 22, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM

Think Like a Pro

 

Skip this one (too) if you are just interested in my fiber art work. I'm on location in Connecticut working with 7-9 year olds on creative projects. Here's a link to our BREAKFAST PROJECT.

And here (I hope) is a link to our movie: "Lost in Tiger Swamp"

http://vimeo.com/13775394

Lost at Tiger Swamp from Susie Monday on Vimeo.

Lost at Tiger Swamp from Susie Monday on Vimeo.

Scale and Kids

Nothing like a creative project with kids to keep you on your toes. I've been hacking my way around imovie putting some of their collaborative work together. If I figure out how to do so, I'll post the results on the blog somehow! This big project involves these 7 to 9 year olds in some projects that give them the experience of seeing their ideas become part of something larger than they could do alone -- and also puts adults in the picture as the facilitators and technical experts to help their ideas grow into projects that might -- at the moment -- be beyond the abilities of the kids to do on their own.

Why is this important? It looks like the grownups are doing all or most of the work -- but what happens is that with the kids in the driving seat --and as the initiators of the ideas -- they get to really experience the aha of seeing something little grow into something bigger than life. This kind of powerful experience early in one's creative life can be what makes that creative path worth the obstacles ahead. At least that's how it worked for me!

And the cool thing is, the kids really do feel ownership! It's "their" work, even if the matt knives have been in the grownups' hands; even if the movie editing was mostly done by me in the wee hours after the kids went home.

"Think Like a Pro" is the name of this new program, and part of the aim, too, is to help kids see how different professionals approach creative work. The program is also a trial run on what we hope will be the  next chapter for our soon to be launched afterschool curriculum in Dallas with Big Thought. Now, the challenge is how to scale it up -- how to train others to take on the commitment to making kids' ideas shine.

Inkjet to Art

Before

And after.

I'm teaching an Inkjet to Art class in a few weeks at the Southwest School of Art and Craft. One of the great advantages of the school is the wonderful surface design studio. I can almost guarantee that every participant will have a large 8 foot studio table to work on! You can bring your printer to this class or use mine -- you'll learn three separate and distinctive ways to make inkjet transfers of images, photos, drawings -- what ever lives in your computer or can be placed on the glass of an all-in-one copy machine!

For more information, go to the fiber class section of the school's websiter at www.swschool.org.

Instructor : Susie Monday Class Level : New | Intermediate/Advanced Class Time : Sat & Sun, Aug 07 - Aug 08, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Membership : Non-Member Member (-$15.00) The selected item is full, please select a different item or combination

Description

Class Sessions: 2 Maximum: 10 Location: Surface Design Studio | Navarro Learn to print on unusual materials including plastic, interfacing, Tyvec, felt, fabrics of all kinds and films to use directly in art quilts, art cloth or mixed media art. You'll learn how to tease an inkjet printer into using unusual substrates, what kind of printers work best, and how to get around the size limitations of your printer by making poster prints online and using polymer medium to make prints with painterly qualities. If you like, bring your own inkjet printer or use the instructor's to learn the basics. Please see SSAC website for a materials list.

Fee

ID Number	2338
Fee	$165.00

CREATE Workshop this August

I'm part of the lineup for CREATE, the new Mixed Media workshop extravaganza and conference near Chicago, sponsored by Cloth Paper Scissors and Quilting Arts. Here's some of the rundown:

CREATE will be held just outside of Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois, August 25-29. It's 4½ exhilarating days of hands-on workshops in many technique themes. You can choose from 60 sessions on: Fabric Fusion, Bookmaking & Art Journaling, Surface Design, Sewing & Quilting, Printmaking & Collage, Mixed Media & Metal, and Mixed Media Jewelry. CREATE classes must be registered for in advance, and they are filling up. So, be sure to sign up for your favorites ASAP on the CREATE site. 

Mixed Media Workshops, Art Exploration and FUN for Textile Artists

Embark on an artistic journey and be a part of the first annual CREATE with Cloth Paper Scissors Mixed Media Retreat August 25-29, 2010 at the Rosemont Hotel in Rosemont, just outside of Chicago, Illinois. Learn more and register now.

Fuel your passion at CREATE, four-and-a-half exhilarating days of 60 hands-on workshops in seven workshop themes: Fabric Fusion Bookmaking & Art Journaling, Surface Design, Sewing & Quilting, Printmaking & Collage, Mixed Media & Metal and Mixed Media Jewelry.

CREATE was designed by the team behind Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors magazine—it’s built by artists for artists.

The 29 instructors at CREATE are a Who’s Who of top mixed media artists. Learn more about the instructors and explore the 60 workshops at www.clothpaperscissorsretreat.com. You can plan your personalized class roster with the help of the handy schedule-at-a-glance. Other activities include:

Shop for hard-to-find supplies and one-of-a-kind finished artworks at the Artists’ Faire
Meet the Cloth Paper Scissors team, Instructors & new friends at the first CREATE Mixed Media Mixer
Showcase your talents in a series of Artist Challenges to win special prizes
Sign up early for the full package rate (your best deal) or make your own schedule and pay per class. Be sure to enter email code: QD71. We look forward to seeing you in August!

Here's what I'll be doing:

Rainbow Printing with Water Soluable Crayons (6 hours)

Date: Thursday, August 26
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Technique: Printmaking & Collage
Instructor: Susie Monday
Price: $140
Kit Fee: $5

Using all manner of water soluble media--water color markers, water soluble crayons and oil pastels, chalks and pastels -- you will create original fabrics using hand painting, screen printing, and stencils. Construction methods for a small wood-framed art quilt will be demonstrated, and many examples of use of the fabrics in multimedia work will be shared, but the emphasis will be on making a variety of textiles that can be used in work back at home. These techniques use textile paints and polymer media in interesting multi-color applications, with layering, tinting and color washes used to add depth and subtlety. The improvisational prints are similar to mono-printing, but can be used for highly detailed realistic imagery, as well as for abstract color field experiments.

Tools & Supplies List: Small to medium sized screen printing frame for fabric printing (available from Dick Blick and other art supply companies), squeegee for fabric printing (rounded blade), any brand of water soluble crayons or pastels (ie, Sargent, Prang, Crayola, Caran d'Ache), 1 set of water color markers (non permanent), towel or padding for printing surface, tray large enough to hold printing frame, 2-3 yards of smooth textured light colored fabrics and/or papers, variety is good, with 20" by 24" minimum size for each piece of fabric and /or paper, foam brushes, 2-3 empty cans for water and paint, 1 small jar set, color or other colored fabric paint, to use and to share with others, plastic spoons for paint