ANDREA GRAHAM - Feltmaker

Steaming (mad, that is)

2012-01-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Oh! Peek a boo! Yes, my work hanging out the corners that could be removed through the holes!

Okay...I am so ready to put this to rest, but must vent/provide a cautionary tale.

In a nutshell...was invited to be part of a curated felt show with many other respected feltmakers. I sent work. Work was returned packed so poorly that the pieces fell out of the corners of the box (thankfully not lost).

I sent an email disgusted by how they handled my work. No reply. Sent another email to someone else who made a few excuses for lack of communication. Attached to her email was the internal communication in which I put 2 and 2 together to determine that the person who packed my work (co-curator!) is an "award winning" fibre artist for decades and was president of a handweavers guild...and this is how she packed my work? Wow. Really? Her name or the organization I will not reveal, but I certainly will not forget.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

happy family...

2012-01-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Denial

2012-01-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

Winter?! Whaaaat??
I had been duped the last couple of months into believing I might possibly not have to dress in schlumpy clothes, shuffle about in rigid winter boots or see my own breath, but alas, it has happened. I would like nothing better than to be able to hide under the covers and hibernate. However, I must go purchase boots for children who curiously do not share my "distaste" for frozen pant cuffs, snow falling down the back of the neck or clear rivulets running from ones nose. When the children were smaller, I tried to embrace the season. I really tried and found as soon as they were old enough to be out there by themselves, I was so happy to just stay in and make hot chocolate for them instead!

I hope the trip will be quick and painless and I can get home quick to my cozy studio and my wool! May this winter be brief!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Workshops: Students needed :o)

2012-01-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

I did post this on Facebook, but realized I did not post it here! I have having 2 workshops in my studio next month. My goal was to respond to so many local people who have asked about workshops and, of course, the ones replying are from afar! C`mon locals!!

In any case, the space is limited as it is here at my place.

Sunday Feb 5th: Vessels- $100 + $15 materials FULL

Sat/Sun Feb. 25-26: Felted bags- $200 + $20 materials + leather strap (if selected) FULL

9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. My least favourite thing is chasing registrations, so if you are keen, email me ASAP.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

what's up...

2012-01-14T07:20:00.001-08:00

Detail of finished piece...
Another detail....
working on layout...
first look this a.m. (about 24 x 36, I am guessing)

Yesterday I felted an abstract piece I have been working on for a show titled "I AM WATER".
This is a group invitational with some well known local artists to bring awareness to issues surrounding our water. It will be a month long event with lectures, literary readings and music...and, of course, visual art. The show will take place in the early Spring and this is my "getting my feet wet" (yes, bad pun) piece. Not sure what will evolve, if I will even submit this piece, but I am just playing. I have some ideas for some 3D pieces based on the theme...you know I love 3d. As I write I am having some ideas that I look forward to exploring!

I have 2 students joining me today by webcam from the far, far north for a brief time and a student from Argentina next week, so I will fit all in between! I do look forward to keeping you posted!!
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Out of my Shell...

2012-01-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

The kids are back at school and I have taken a couple of days to move s-l-o-w-l-y.

I am now, with trepidation, peeking out and making some plans for some teaching in my studio next month and lots of web students. I have some art to make, some play time and by the time tender blades of grass poke out from the slush, travel will be all planned.

I received many (many) leather handles from JUL Designs (they are sooo nice) so some bags are in the future. I have a show in the spring themed on water, so will soon begin on that also.

I was like a tornado the end of the break, cleaning out closets, painting a bathroom and organizing my studio store room. The studio is pristine, materials are stocked and I am feeling in need of some human interaction of the student-kind. Looking forward to the year ahead!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

The line-up...

2011-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Silk and wool wrap (for the rock star) $275

Detail of "the other" wrap

Rock star wrap detail!

Oh, a tangerine beret...$100

"The other" wrap $300 (quite long)

It's a hat...with silk detail $150

Purple and Pink silk beret $100

Simple wool bag. Pocket inside. leather handles and magnet closure $165.00

Roomy bag. Leather handles and magnetic closure. $180.00

Big roomy bag. Zipper closure. Fish skin detail (from Iceland- tanned and dyed just like leather). leather handles. $180.00

Fish skin detail!
Magenta and red (love this combo!) Silk detail. Leather magnet closure and handles. $200.00
Simple flat bag. Zipper closure. Silk detail and leather handles. $140.00
Turquoise and chocolate. Silk detail and wee spikes. Leather handles. Flap closure and can add snap or zipper, if desired. $225.00

Big flap bag. Double grommets on sides with adjustable leather strap and stainless hardware. Zipper closure. $250.00
detail (sorry...not a great shot!)

Not sure what to call this one! Double grommets on each side, magnet closure (polymer clay button is decoration). Adjustable leather straps. $225.00

Blue/black grid. Silk detail. Adjustable leather straps. This bag is fairly small with a small opening due to shape. $180.00

and this little cutie is mine!!

I received most of my special order leather handles (many, many handles!) so I have been able to finish some bags I have had waiting to be sent hither and yonder (where I pulled that expression from, I do not know). I even got the hang of the hand-applied grommet technique with excellent results. Once these are sold/sent/delivered, I do have some more bags in my head swimming around, but I must switch gears on a few other matters.

First, I have been a neglectful committee member and have some volunteer work for the Ontario Crafts Council to attend to. Second, I have Art to make: sculptures, a 2d piece for a show and giving myself some time/space to not be required to create anything specific.

I also have several web students getting ready to book dates with me, so the schedule will fill so quickly. I have quite a few requests to travel and am being very selective, so making some decisions there also so keep an eye on my website if you are interested in workshops. Until then, peruse the bags and let me know if anything strikes your fancy. I will update you soon on the rest!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Perfection

2011-12-25T16:51:00.001-08:00

Does this not make you say, "Yeah, right"? Me too.

Yes, okay... our turkey was pretty darn tasty, a bit over-cooked, par for the course, no? Some guests arrived early, some a bit late...but in all an amazing, wonderful, joyous day that leaves me thankful for the family I have with all the hairs and warts. Three brave cancer survivors sat at our table while others were absent, and dearly missed. In a nutshell, a day that put things in perspective and redefines the meaning of perfection to me. Taking the happy with the sad, the good with the bad, disappointment over gratification, all part of the big picture to end a roller coaster year in this crazy adventure that we call life.

Thanks to you all for your support and kindness, criticism and advice, for checking in to hear my rambling or (hopefully) pick up on a tid-bit or two that makes your own work better or is at least of interest. It's been a long road wearing many hats to continue to be a full time feltmaker and worth ever bump to have met the many friends and mentors that continue to drive and influence my work...Chris, Jorie, Chad, Karo and Rod, and Sharon to name a few.

I will begin the new year with gratitude and just see where the wool takes me. I will keep you posted, as always....My best to you all.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Thumbs up...not so much.

2011-12-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

Noooooo, the injustice! last night I got in the way of a growly dog (my own). The result:5 stitches (4 standard and a lovely mattress stitch), a week of antibiotics and a tetanus shot. The worst part is that I must keep it dry for 2 days and stitches will be in for a full week. I keep telling myself that the timing could be worse. I have no looming deadlines, no work that must get done.

I am however sad that with some free time, it will not be spent felting over the next week. I am experiencing the realization that my craft is so important to me. Yes, I did know this, but the true depth of my commitment/passion/obsession is evident to me today. I am grateful it is just a few stitches and thankful for the time to switch gears and think for a bit about what to create next. Watch out! I'll keep you posted, as always.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

new bags...

2011-12-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

A nice simple tote for the gallery. Leather handles and closure.

back view of the bag I made...for ME. It is black c-1/pelsull felted super tight with turquoise-green c-1 detail (on front)

Front of bag. Awesome stainless gate rings and high end leather straps. If I were going to sell this, just the hardware would add $100 retail to the bag.

Can't wait to get the zippers sewn in and use this! I l-o-v-e it. I so rarely felt with black other than an accent colour. Note to self: more black.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Quick and Easy?

2011-12-12T07:42:00.001-08:00

A new bag. I have sewn on the handles a few times trying to get them perfect! This, I have found cannot be done at 10 p.m.

semi-final in ipod case design! You would think this would be ridiculously simple (I sure thought so) but there have been several trials and errors! I think the "final" will have a short velcro strip, but until it is sewn up and ipod in place, you never really know how functional it will be.
A cute sewn pouch for a gifty.

New bag detail. LOVE the colours. C-1 in Turquoise-green and brown c-1/pelsull. *sigh*!
Works as both a glass case and ipod case. This I am going to use myself to see how the closure stands up over time.
The pathetic evolution for the case I thought would be no-brainer. Found that you need to bring the under fold all the way to the top of the ipod and the flap all the way to the bottom or it flares up funny (second image from top). This was not evident until the device was inside. I like this look of the third from the top, but the boys did not like the way it closes...so, we have the semi-finalist last with an easy snap. Finally decided velcro is going to be better to a.) avoid pressing on the device b.) making it even quicker to open/close and access. Also considering little pocket inside for debit card.
While my initial ipod case "recipe" was a fail, the pumpkin cheese cake was a delicious success. This being said...I now recall my mom agonizing over the creation of this recipe while she was a caterer making cakes for a few fine restaurants. Things worth while are never quick and easy. Time for coffee (and perhaps some cake) and off to the studio. I'll keep you posted!

:o)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

To Spend or not to Spend?

2011-12-06T17:27:00.001-08:00

Not really the question, once I think about it. I am, after all, going to be spending either way, I just have to make some decisions. I have invested a significant amount in some very nice leather bag handles that will go on my bags with grommets...and thus, the grommet situation begins.

I have all the hand tools and have found that they are not terribly efficient or consistent. I can buy higher quality cutters, mat and proper mallet...or (the crux of the matter) spend double the money and get a machine that will do this with less muscle (which I am lacking) and much cleaner. The quandry is I don't want to spend the lesser amount only to discover that the extra $200 was the route to go. Compared to what I have spent, the $400 total is a drop in the bucket...the bucket, however, seems to have a hole in it! Money in, money out....at some point it will all make sense. I'll keep you posted.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's New...

2011-12-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

back of a new little bag...

Front of new little bag...
My student, Nataliya's wonderful pod that se made while on webcam with me for a pods class!

Am image Nataliya sent to me of her space while she worked with me...see me on the screen (My image can be maximized..she had me on small screen!)

Oh, look...a nice magnet closure on my "new little bag"

Hi All,
I am sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I have had several students by web cam: the UK, San Francisco, Florida, West coast Canada, Russia. What an amazing time we live in! The biggest challenge seems to be coordinating time zones and teaching times. My most recent student, the lovely Nataliya, from Russia is a natural feltmaker and made a great pod and has another on the go. For those interested in your own workshop, it is as easy as a phone call.

After we finished for the day, shortly after noon, I was itching to felt. I made a cute bag that patiently waits for grommets (ordered and hopefully in transit) and very nice leather strap (ordered and hopefully in transit). It is now early afternoon and would love to dive into a batt of short fibre merino from New England Felting Supply. I picked up several of the "stata batts" last time I was there and the colour "subway" is sooo awesome felted up! I do, however, have a little one that needs a felted Wolverine for a visual aid...for tomorrow that he needs help with. Guess I better bust out the felting needles.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

The Big News

2011-11-19T14:46:00.001-08:00

1. Do you have email? (check)
2. Do you have a webcam? (check-most laptops already have one)
3. Do you want to take a one-on-one workshop with me? (hmmm, tell you more?)

Okay, so I am not sure how I can click a button and suddenly I have a smiling, eager student appear on my laptop screen, but after installing a software link (an equally easy click) I can do this! (angels singing) There are so many of you all over the planet that I would like to reach, and I will get to your corner of the world eventually, but in the meantime, this is really good. I am shocked at how easy this leap has been to make and if you are unsure, we can briefly connect just to say "Hi' and for you to see how it will work.

the cost (payable via paypal) is equivalent to taking a workshop with me and we can break up the time into 2 half days (especially good for those is different time zones).

Interested? Email me at graham_andrea@cogeco.ca with what you would like to learn, your experience level and where you are located. I will then get back to you with all the juicy details and get you booked.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Home. Now what?......

2011-11-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

Some awesome pods from the weekend...

Sara, earlier in the week. She has a ceramics background and took to the process naturally!

Deborah, trying to look pleased that this rope is taking so long ;o)

Cindy's super soapy c-1...that's the way to do it! It turned out fabulous.

I have had a great week. I traveled to Massachusetts to hang with the wonderful Chris White and some other feltmakers at New England Felting Supply, make lots of pods and come home with a pile of beautiful wool. My big haul was mainly short fibre merino in their exclusive "strata batt". The variation of colours creates depth and interest. The second group of pod makers had lots of felting experience, so we were brave and mixed all kinds of wools and elements with great success and I was inspired by their fibre choices!

I am now home and have been resting, thinking, returning lots of messages and planning the next few months, which fill so quickly! I need to produce a few pieces for the Canadian Guild of Craft in Montreal to deliver next week and I have a web student this weekend. While I was able to catch some z's the last couple of days, reconnect with the lives of my cohabitants, I think it is now time to dig back in.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

New little bag...

2011-11-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

Silk fabric under the "grid"

Completed with a high-end leather handle. :o)
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Finished today....

2011-10-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Back view of one option...
Tied...
A little bag ready for straps to be sewn. made with C-1 and some silk fabric and fibres.

A more funky view...
for the "handbag and glad rags" show coming up. Now that these are complete, I am trying to decide what to do with the rest of my day. The house needs to be tidied, but that sounds like no fun at all. I think maybe some more coffee first and then I can decide!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Makin' stuff...

2011-10-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Fun lil' sampler...

I had a wonderful student by webcam this week. We broke our "one day" instuction into 2 shorter days and I cannot believe all the stuff we covered. I answered lots of questions, made a 3d piece and also a sample with elements she wanted to explore. I really enjoyed it. Yesterday, I made a little bag. You can see the shrinkage as it is on it's resist. The tacky tie dye stretchy fabric is what is on the surface. The wool is corriedale. It's cute...nothing too exciting. I have a wild wrap laid out right now ready to wet and felt. Now, if I could wake up and warm up, I would feel motivated! I think a big mug of coffee or chai is in order, heater on in the studio...I Post images of the wild wrap when it is done (Pink, turquoise, black and white...we shall see!!)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's New....

2011-10-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

New bag...
Back view of a new wrap. I love purple/pink/red together. Call me crazy.
Back of new bag (c-1 pelsull) Channeling my inner cavewoman artist, perhaps.

surprise under flap. (Me cavewoman. Gather food in my felt bag.)
Flap.
A bag that my 13 year old son made entirely on his own yesterday on a whim! :o). I am so proud.

I have had a great couple of days. I, as usual, have donned many hats of the non-felted variety. I am now working on some pieces for a show at the John H. Parrott Gallery in Belleville. They are having a December show, "Handbags and Glad Rags". How fun does that sound?! I am having some playtime, for sure. I made a wrap yesterday and in between machine rolling managed to get a bag going (while middle son got busy on a bag of his own) I had a lovely student by webcam today and between working together, I was able to get it fulled and then finished it this evening! I am feeling so efficient and smug. I have another student this week and lots of my own work ahead. I have materials organized/sorted for 3 more wraps and look forward to getting them on the go with some bags in between. I'll keep you posted. Hugs all around.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Cranking it out...

2011-10-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure how it happened, but I have a lot going on in the next couple of months. I finished some work for The Guild Shop (wraps, hats, bags) and then finished and delivered the took-much-longer-and-more-work-than-anticipated installations for the Wayne State University show ("Oh, Canada"- to hang next month). I had some other invitations in between and, while I have not done a tally, I think I have 6 shows with work in. I am hoping this will generate some sales...novel idea, actually selling art.

I am very excited. Also, in the next couple of weeks, I have web cam students! A new chapter begins. Oh, I feel so savvy. This is a great option for those who want to spend some one-on-one time with me and travel is prohibitive. I have a $30 webcam and I am good to go! I just have students download the software and the day is spent demo-ing, watching by me, checking in and out, all for the price of a regular workshop, payable by paypal. Of course, I am still traveling to teach and welcome students in my studio, but for those that can't get to me, it's an option!

My week ahead will be about a bit of art, teaching, and a lot of dancing zombies. I'll keep you posted.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

New...

2011-10-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Wired

2011-10-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hanging devices done on all 7 "Ghost Trees" ready to go to Detroit and hang from the 10 ft ceiling. Issue: No time/space to hang pieces for photography prior to delivery next week. I will need to hire a photographer in Detroit to shoot the piece and keep my fingers crossed. I am very particular how things look and, not only will the images be up in the air, but the installation is also. I do, however, trust the curator and gallery! The other piece, I made some attempt to shoot on my table and, well...not happy. I may be too tired, or unfocused, but will need to attempt again in the a.m.. I am very pleased with these pieces and, thanks to Anna Gunnarsdottir and her instruction, I am exploring some new shapes and ideas. I will try to shoot these on the floor tomorrow and will post images here and on my website. Then...off to Toronto for a swanky art "do", and deliver to the curator that will take the work on to Wayne State University.

Tomorrow will be spent wrapping the trees in sheets and pinning them to protect them a little, maybe finding something to stuff inside for transport, and photographing and boxing up the other piece. Oh, and making a stunning wrap to go with my little black dress for the event in Toronto. Oy!!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

So unbelievably bummed.

2011-10-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Yes...there were many entries for not enough spots. It is, however, little consolation to me that this piece did not make it into a juried exhibition (one that is , or was, very important to me). It is felted in a single piece on a complex template (what looks like three is really one...titled URBANITY) I am totally bummed. I'm not seeking pats on back or expressions of incredulous shock and awe...just feeling sorry for myself...and then mad at myself for feeling sorry for myself. I tried Sherbert (rainbow) and it was not quite enough. Washed dishes to distract myself...hmmm, now I am p.o.ed. Like any rejection, I will get over it, but despite reaching really high, I have been on quite an amazing winning streak. I suppose I was due to get some wind knocked out of my sails. Really bummed, nonetheless. It will have to be short lived because tomorrow the focus must switch to the installation for Detroit. The work will go on.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's up...

2011-10-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

A bag I made on FELT UNITED day in the appropriate colours made with c-1 and c-1/ pelsull.
I needed a break from the neutrals of my tree installation...
bag in progress (above)

4 of the 7 trunks. Thankfully, they are all felted, glued (with half weld-bond and half water) and the last 3 all hanging to completely dry before I deliver them to the curator for the show at the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery at Wayne State University. They are going to be a bit unwieldy for transport at 9 feet long and stiff as 2 x 4's, but not much I can do about that. hanging devices for them are to be addressed next week and my genius hubby is one step ahead.

I am now working on the other installation "Canadian Mosaic" (for the same show) and must have all the pieces complete and drying by Saturday. I will post an image when I have them all done. I am teaching 3 workshops with 7th and 8th graders this week and need a day of prep, so time is tight. Working on statements comes first....yikes. So much show stuff seemed to pop up so quickly and I have others I have had to pass up. When it rains, it pours.

Well, sorry not much of an earth shaking post...all my creativity today went into a felted piece now drying on my table. I'll keep you posted. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving. Thanks to all you followers (who now number over 500!) you are so encouraging and keep me connected in such a wonderful way. Until next time very soon... Andrea

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

In Progress

2011-09-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

My original "Ghost Tree" from my solo show...
This is the beginning of a small grove of "Ghost Trees" that will hang at a gallery in a few short weeks. here they hang in my garage to dry (my husband will be thrilled) They are about 9 feet tall and there are several more, of varied sizes and details to come. I am just waiting some materials that I hope arrive quickly!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Come on in...

2011-09-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

From my sinks... behind the curtain is a storage area with resist materials, finished felt, more wool (of course), etc. Big heavy tables made by my dad (counter height). the two in this configuration gives me 8 ft. and a great little "arm" to keep dry fibre etc. while I work/layout.

from the other corner...difficult to see but the table along the wall is now turquoise :o). I am going to put fabric under to conceal the ugly, but needed bins. Line over my sink to hang wet plastic/bubble wrap. Spinner on floor.

enter!
another from the doorway
from the corner closer to the window...

I mentioned on my FB status that I had bought some new vinyl to cover the MDF counter area I have under my window beside my sinks (also my machine table area, which has plastic on top as the vinyl is not water "proof") and some wanted pictures of my space.

I am sometimes asked about how to create a studio space and it really has been a process. As you work, you figure out what you need and as what you do changes, what you need changes too. The biggest things for me are my double sinks. I, believe it or not, have not had them very long. I hauled a bucket of water (no big deal, really), and rinsed in the kids bathtub, and came back to the studio to spin. Being in the basement required a pump and it just seemed a hassle, but now I can stay in my studio to do everything!

This leads me to my must have: my laundry spinner/centrifuge (from Laundry Alternatives in California). To be able to spin it almost dry and iron the work means dry time is shortened greatly. My rolling machine (from Don Evans in Colorado) is a big presence in my studio. It is rolled out, on occasion, is table space is required, but it is used for scarves. It does not speed up the process and I still do most of the work by hand, but it saves a bit of wear and tear on my body. It has been well worth the investment. I just figured I had to sell 35 scarves or so and it had paid for itself. Not a bad way to think about it.

Today I begin work for an important show. I'll keep you posted!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's up

2011-09-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

Purple beret ready for The Guild Shop...on fabulous hat stands made by my dad (thanks, Dad!)

Setting up to "shoot"
Green beret...

Well, I had hoped to head to Toronto this week to deliver work to The Guild Shop and have a good face to face chat with the manager about inventory and what-not, but my week is dissolving before my eyes and I realize it is a difficult time to try to miss a day in the studio. I have been quite impressed with myself as I have been very disciplined of late and on quite a roll. I even cleaned my house the other day. I kid not. Serious stuff going on here.

I have a juried show to enter this week and it has been so long since I have entered a juried show, that I had forgotten what a pain in the arse getting all the paperwork together is and trying to twist my brain to create a statement about a new piece. I have photographed the new piece and need to convert files, put on a disk and get it where it needs to be by Friday. Once the piece gets in...I mean IF the piece gets in I will post images of it then! Off to the studio to play! I need to begin on my piece for Detroit (10 foot tree trunks x 7, yikes), but think I will make one more wrap for Toronto...or maybe I will keep it to wear to a gala coming up :o)!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

It's a wrap.

2011-09-17T09:36:00.001-07:00

I am making a few really luxurious wraps for Toronto and I am very pleased with both the surface and the shape. Very wearable, reversible and a few position options. hard to wear them the wrong way, really. I hope to deliver these in the next week or so.

Now, in the studio, I have a sculpture to make for a juried show. I am very excited and itching to begin. I also have confirmed the piece(s) I will be making for the Wayne State University gallery show I will be participating in "Oh, Canada". These will take me a couple of weeks full time and time is tight. More bags are also in the cards and a bit of time in between to play, attend events, and presentations. Time for my tea and cookies and them off to the studio I go! Deadline for a submission on Friday!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Shipped!

2011-09-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

2 pieces to B.C., Canada for my Connections group show, "Pentimento"
2 pieces to Taos, New Mexico for "Seeds 3"

Now...to continue with my work for The Guild Shop, work for a Detroit show, another show- deadline in 10 days, bags for a December show...Oi!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's up...

2011-09-13T04:01:00.001-07:00

Well...I have been felting everyday for a few weeks and I am sad to say, it has finally reached the point that I must give my hands a couple of days break. I will try plastic bag on hands, but I am such a "hands-on" felter, this will be difficult for me! I have too much to do to not be in the studio.

laying out a new bag (the one that finally did in my hands) in pure Pelsull.
Some fun buttons I bought at the Fibrefest near Ottawa last weekend. Polymer clay...for what, I am not sure!
even threads on my table inspire me.
my last piece for the "Seeds 3" show...okay, these shots will be in weird order (sorry) The above is me fulling. I like to full on a towel. I has "tooth" and I am also so ready, at this point, to get rid of wet plastic.
fulling.
detail midway though felting
the piece has just been wet out and pressed flat. I then cover it with very thin plastic and then wet that so my hands glide over the plastic and I can get a skin on my piece before I am "hands-on"!!
The completed piece. In "real life" the yellow centre is not as prominent, but blends in nicely. I did something interesting you may find cool too. Note how the bottom has a dark band. My entire back layer was dark brown, but around the bottom was natural brown karakul which migrates like crazy and can eat up a surface design. I used this attribute to my advantage knowing it would give shading and texture across the bottom. Amazing stuff. Knowing your materials means freedom!!
ready to wet out!!
dry layout...
"Phillip" at the fibre fest. What a cutie!
a beautiful day in the mill town of Almonte...perfect place to meander and look at fibre things!!
wetting out.
Goodness these loaded in a strange order. I will have to figure that out, or at least how to move them!!
Next on the agenda is doing some layout for more pieces for the Guild Shop in Toronto. Mailing things out to 2 shows. I am also getting set up to teach by webcam...so exciting. This will be set up in the next couple of weeks. Oh, and you know I will keep you posted!!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Following my own advice....

2011-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

I have been sketching, considering, mulling over, dreaming about, my second piece for the "Seeds 3" exhibition in Taos, New Mexico. The proposed sculptures are done and I am very happy with their colour and fun shapes, but the 2Dpiece has had me struggling to switch gears. I began layout today and had planned to do a variation of my sketches, but have decided to follow my own advice and "keep it simple". I am opting for colour, clean shapes and design on a larger scale and I am feeling really good about it and enjoying taking my time with the design. Oh, of course there will be some 3D elements. It would not be an "Andrea Graham" without that, now would it? You know I will keep you posted.
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Shrinkage.

2011-09-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

This bag is made with one of my favorite wools for making bags...C-1/Pelsull. The locks on the front are from an enormous Icelandic fleece that I am going to make a big fleece rug from (yes, yes, I really am). I have ordered some leather handles from a vendor on Etsy. I think I cleared her out. It is difficult to find high quality leather handles at an affordable price. This one will have some textured chocolate brown handles and a fabulous leather magnetic flap closure. I'll so want to keep it. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Layout...the locks actually look a lot like my hair.

When I think of "shrinkage" I cannot help thinking of a Seinfeld episode. This, however is of a different variety. Check it. This bag was made with straight C-1 (and some odds and end for embellishment on the surface- wovens, corriedale, flax, yarn. Oh, and fish skin from Iceland stitched on the surface). The straight C-1 gets a bad rap sometimes, as it is slower to wet out and takes a little longer to felt. However, the end result is way worth it: tight, lustrous felt. I just used glycerin soap rather than olive oil, and warmish water. I fulled it tight by rolling and gently dropping (no slamming- maintaining control over my shape!). It's a good thing.
I must give my abraded hands a bit of a rest today. I stitched labels last night and will layout of a couple of cushion covers today as a bit of an experiment, perhaps. I also need to complete another piece for my "Seeds 3" exhibit. Several options. Kids to school, Facebook to peruse, you know I will keep you posted.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's up...

2011-09-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ahh. A clean slate. After the flurry of berets and scarves I am getting ready for Toronto (and bags to come) the studio is all ready to begin again. I am not one to display images of inspiration, or incomplete work. I like to focus on the work at hand without things staring at me.

4 of the 6 berets I have completed...I thought I did not make hats. I have to admit, these were fun. Felted super fast with some fabulous short fibre merino batt from New England Felting Supply.

all 6. I had a plan to make them relatively conservative. so much for that ;o)

Spikes clipped up to dry. Love the colours in this "strata batt" short fibre merino with some silk fabrics and fun stuff. I am looking forward to making some bags next...6, I think and then a couple more scarves or a wrap. I'll keep you posted (FYI, I answered a question from Fiona about my tables that some of you might be interested in the comments of my last post)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What I did on Summer Vacation...

2011-09-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

I feel a bit like a grade school child about to revisit, in essay form, the events that seem long past now that I am back in the drudgery of day to day (although, little drudgery exists here)
I have been back from the fabulous Felter's Fling for several days now and it seems like long ago already. The above piece will be sent out to BC for a show themed "Pentimento", hence the pieces of recycled bag cuttings on a new base...had fun with the stitching...now, the saga of the past events in reverse/random/confusing order.

An absolute vision in Amish country as I escaped the thousands of cars moving slowly through the detour off route 90 in NY state. I ventured with trepidation as there were no cars and it seemed a bit surreal. I was certain with every turn in the valley I would reach a washed out road.
This is the stretch of road where I sat for 6, SIX, VI, hours! My entire drive was to be that long and it took me 14 hours. I topped up with gas and water at every opportunity. I made quite a dent in my book and also did some sketching and lots of thinking, which is a good thing after Fling.
I left Fling on Sat. night to stay with a dear, dear friend (she said she opened the "felter shelter") and we kept an eye on the sky. Sunday rained all day. Oh, then we lost power. So, what else were 2 feltmakers to do?

Felt by candlelight, of course. We opened wine early :o). we sipped and rubbed in between bailing out the sump pump.

Not sure why the random placement of this image, but another "Pentimento" piece in detail (? weird)
Ah, yes. Back to the saga. This is the end of my friends driveway. Lots of action followed the loud electrical buzz, zapp, poof.

The organizers and assistants that make Fling possible. I was assistant last year and was happy just to play this year!
some of the work from Anna Gunnarsdottir's class on display in the dining hall. many left early to beat the storm.
My awesome instructor, Anna. What a delight she was/is. Hoping to see her again.

Ah, more random placement. Self explanatory, no?

Now that I am safe home, I am in production for my shop in Toronto. Knocking out some scarves, hats and bags so I can move on to some show work for New Mexico and Detroit!

50% shrinkage, folks.
layout.
hand-dyed silk from NEFS.
The mornings at Fling begin with the a.m. stretch. I, however, begin the day by drinking coffee and watching the a.m. stretch.
Well, back to the studio. A blue beret awaits fulling. School begins soon, so my work day will be chopped in smaller increments which will involve some discipline with all the work I have ahead. You know I will keep you posted.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

It's that time again...

2011-08-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

My lists are growing, rather than shrinking. My stack of "things to pack" growing taller and taller. Warm weather? Cold weather? Rain? One thing I am packing little of is wool as I will be stopping at New England Felting Supply first to stock up on some goodies and have a wee visit. I am very fortunate to have received a generous grant from the Ontario Arts Council to attend a conference for 9 days. What a treat...I get to hang out with some new friends and former students, as well as many talented feltmakers from around the world who I am so lucky to have as friends. Whoopee! I will take all my electronic devices, camera and the sort, so hope to update you during my travels.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

I need al list for my lists...

2011-08-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a list maker. I always have a grocery list on the go, but this week the list making is completely outta hand. Packing list (Felters Fling countdown!), studio to-do list, drugstore list, school supply list, school clothes list. I need everything from hair colour to boys underwear and just don't know where to begin. My instinct tells me to make a list of my lists, which is ludicrous, but just might be the best plan of attack.

I managed to pack some things in the studio yesterday and felt a small piece to send to a show in B.C. for a group show with my fibre group "Connections". It is really a departure from my work as it has stitching on it for surface design. The theme of the show is "Pentimento", so I needed to add more depth and visual "layers". I now have to task of mounting it, the case for my completed pods also. Crap...I need to start another list. I'll keep you posted!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Roller Coaster

2011-08-08T18:12:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, yes. The ups and downs. Anticipation followed by fear and, in the end, exhilaration. The perfect metaphor, no?

In fact, I am not talking metaphors, but reality. I spent the day with the family in Toronto at Canada's Wonderland. Lots of coasters and spinning/tilting/high flying rides that made me question why I drank 32 ounces of $8 cherry slushie. We stayed at a real hotel with a heavily chlorinated pool and minibar. We ate good food with napkins in our laps and junk food too. We braved Toronto traffic and played silly on-the-road games while I endured lots of boy behavior that, at this stage in my parenting, makes me smile more than it makes me scowl (mostly). What a sweet 2 days.

Okay...so the metaphor applies.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's Up

2011-08-05T08:23:00.001-07:00

"Svetlana"...still needs some accessories (by me)

I had a lovely small group of women here for 2 days making needle felted figures. As the studio tables are high and we wanted to be comfy, we all fit nicely around my dining room table. It was so nice to just feel like a group of friends gathering to sip coffee and have some fun. One of the advantages to having a small group was I dis not have to run around and actually got my demo sample ("Svetlana") mostly done, which does not usually happen. All the women have taken workshops with me in the past and we have crossed paths over the last few years, so it was really a joy.

yesterday we did some family make up time and zipped around on some go-carts and drank slushies that dyed our tongues blue...ya' know, the things we just need to do in the summer. Today will be a bit of work, of the paper variety (argh), a bit of play and then, who knows.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

New Pods

2011-07-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

These are almost ready to send off to New Mexico for a show in October. Still need to figure out how they will hang and attach appropriate things to do so.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Love this picture

2011-07-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

My lovely student, Carmella, sent this to me. Thanks! This is Eva and I working on one of her pods. Nice to look back and recall our time together. I really do enjoy having students here and and fortunate to be able to do so. In fact, I will have 4 students here next week. I thought that the summer would be long, lazy days, but not so much with my busy family added in.

Things on the go:
-3 pods for New Mexico
-agenda to do for Ontario Crafts Council meeting (tomorrow!)
-short article to write (for tomorrow or before)
-create a couple of pieces for a show in B.C.
-tax forms (argh)

You gotta take the good with the "bad"...and even that is not so bad at all.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's Gnu...

2011-07-22T16:22:00.001-07:00

A Gnu.
No connection to felting whatsoever, just a lame pun. Although, now that I consider it, that chin fibre has me intrigued.

Pod sketches for piece in the works...although, they have evolved somewhat in translation

A (sideways, if you had not noticed) image of the feature article on "Moi", In "A Needle Pulling Thread" mag. The article is attributed to someone who mostly took things off my website...Oh, well. 10 more images to contribute to my share of the copyright collective, at least.

The last 2 days I have had a lovely woman, Barb, visit from Sioux Lookout, Ontario. She made 2 vessels and they turned out great. She is a natural, for sure. I did have an image here, but the click of the wrong button and it has disappeared. The first was the learning curve piece (albeit, very nice) and the second a shapely, green vessel with a 3d leaf.

The studio sits in silence with wet towels and bags of delicious wool strewn about and it shall remain so until later tomorrow. Saturday brings tournament-soccer-mom duties, grocery shopping and the like. I will hopefully steal away at some point to work on those pods. You know I will keep you posted....

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Love for Sale...Liberatio Captivus

2011-07-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well, one of my "loves". This piece has just arrived home after being in the prestigious show "FiberArt International". 1600 entries, 84 successful. Needless to say, I was pretty stoked. I attended the openings in Pittsburgh and Rochester and the show was, indeed, extraordinary.
This piece was also in the Ontario Crafts Council exhibit, Masterworks East.

all this being said, it can be yours for $750 (Canadian) + shipping. Yes, unusual for me to offer work "for sale" here, but I am living on the edge and in the mood to break from convention ;o).

Email me if you are interested or have an offer.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Oh, Canada. On the horizon for me...

2011-07-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Over the next couple of months I have a few challenges. First and foremost, trying to keep 3 teen/tween boys amused all summer. Additionally, I am finishing work for the show "SEEDS 3" to be sent to Taos, New Mexico and... (sooo exciting-drum roll, trumpets, victory dance, fist pump)

... mulling over ideas for a show of Canadian work to be exhibited in the invitational show "Oh, Canada", curated by Sandra Dupret, to be held at the glorious, above pictured, gallery at Wayne State University in Detroit. This is going to be fun/nerve racking/art craziness that makes me love/wonder why I do what I do!

it feels like I have lots of time, but with some August travel to spend (oh, ya) grant money (merci, OAC!), and amusing afore mentioned young folks, I am passively aware of the days passing.

So much of my "art" occurs within my head. Hours of fleeting ideas, either dismissed outright, or perhaps quickly sketched on a scrap of paper. Some come back time and time again in either waking hours or as I drift in and out of sleep. Logistics of hanging, shipping, colour for the space...time... all being considered and sometimes those difficulties ignored until they must be addressed. Let the games begin.

visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Wisdom

2011-07-12T03:42:00.001-07:00

When is wisdom a bad thing? When they come in the form of teeth within a jaw with no room for them. The next few days will be spent making jello, smoothies and pudding for (I anticipate) an unhappy, rightfully grumpy teen. I hope he will heal quickly and not be in pain for too long, the big sweetie.

I will likely position him in the room outside the studio and get some work done, which I have come to the point that I am ready to do. There is the ebb and flow of creative energy. I have these jags where I need to percolate and rest and ponder and procrastinate and then I can feel it bubbling up and simmering. I am ready!

p.s. my email is not working. If you need me, send me a message on FB :o)
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Wonderful Two Days...

2011-07-09T05:37:00.001-07:00

I really enjoy having students in my home studio and having a semi-private class is my favorite. They get to learn from each other and explore different things, have another person to get to know and build connections. Eva came from what has become my home-away-from-home, Massachusetts, and Carmella from Quebec. They were well matched skill-wise and we had a wonderful time...
for Carmella's second piece, she made a vessel with pure pelsull...a wonderful wool in lovely heathered greys. This, along with the red c-1/pelsull, was the perfect compliment. Combined with Carmella's skill and you have a winning combo, as you can see! This wool is available at New England Felting Supply by special request (ask Vanessa!)

Eva above working away on her second pod with lots of resists inside :o)
Carmella gently fulling her vessel and some completed pods from the day before in the background.
They learned that ropes take at least an hour of rolling!
Eva's pod after some cutting...

We had such a nice time and I really enjoyed having them and making the connections. I will see Eva again in August while in Massachusetts and hope to see Carmella again too. It was also nice to actually BE in my studio after a change of focus the last couple of weeks.

Today I will have a bit of family time, tidy the studio and get ready to start some piece for a show. You know I will keep you posted!
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Awaiting...

2011-07-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have lunch ready, studio tidy and the coffee is ready. I am just waiting for 2 students. Eva arrived last night from Massachusetts and is just up the road at the wee motel. Carmella either did the same or will arrive from Montreal this morning. We will spend 2 days working on pods and 3D forms. Teaching/learning in my studio is always interesting...boys occasionally peeking in, sequestered dog barking, felted things and other art scattered about. I look forward to welcoming them and will post later!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Neglected

2011-07-01T06:21:00.001-07:00

Things I have neglected the last 2 weeks:
My housework
My studio
My art
My Blog (sorry!)

Things I have not neglected:
The boys
Myself
The cooking
Being a soccer mom

I am often asked how I "do it all", well...I don't :o). Ahh, yes, it all gets done and I meet deadlines and don't disappoint (I am careful not to over-commit), but there are things that temporarily fall by the wayside just simply out of necessity.
It is Canada Day today. Happy Birthday Canada! We will watch a movie and do family fireworks and hang out. Later this weekend I will take my youngest to see the musical Billy Elliot in Toronto. I cannot wait. Nothing compares to live theatre in a real big city theatre!
Next week I will seriously tidy the studio and get ready to have 2 students traveling here from a bit of a distance to have a semi-private 2 day "PODS" workshop. Looking at the summer schedule, I know it will go by quickly. I will update you!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Quandry...Conundrum...

2011-06-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

quan·da·ry/ˈkwänd(ə)rē/Noun

1. Perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation: "Andrea is in a quandary".

2. A difficult situation; a practical dilemma

I have completed one of the pieces for the October show I will be in in New Mexico after days and days of back and forth. I have it hanging and it is just missing something. I am in a unique position as it is exactly as I had proposed. It is just like the drawing and sample, but on a larger scale, and (drat!) it is missing something. I will ponder, mull it over and consider what can be done.In the meantime, I will proceed with the set of 3 sculptures for the same show and move forward.

I am still in the throes of end-of-year school matters and figuring out summer schedules. In the last few years, summer has been full of travel for me, teaching here and there, but found this was not a practical plan as I was leaving sad faces behind. You would think as they got older, it would be easier. It is, in fact, more difficult for all of us. I will get there eventually, but won't wish a single day away.I am lucky enough to have people willing to travel to come to me, so I will have some visitors this summer. Looking forward to that!

I also have a plan for the fall that I will officially announce later this summer, once I am all set up.

Visit my site www.andrea- graham.com

Creativity of another sort

2011-06-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday amongst the tumble weeds of dog/cat hair, it became apparent the house work could be ignored no longer. Floors were vacuumed (The spelling of "vacuum" confounds me), scrubbed...even a base board or two, if you can believe. The hall closet is now free of all the winter boot grit. Shoes, long ago too small for rapidly growing teen aged feet, given to good will. Today some cleaning continues and I am making crumpets with one of my sons. He loves to bake! The studio will then be tidied and READY to go for a full day of felting tomorrow! Is it so?? "See" you tomorrow!
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Getting my Groove Back

2011-06-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Where the heck have I been? Once again, not sure what vortex sucked me in and when it spit me out, but I feel like I am resurfacing! Dance rehearsals and performances this week for one of my talented off-spring, with a side dish of soccer and then I just may get to that piece on my table. I, along with Jane Thelwell of Anglin Bay Pottery, will be speaking about the Ontario Crafts Council at the Bowmanville High School next week. They have a wonderful credit program for Craft. Fabulous. School almost done and some private students in my studio on the horizon. More interesting update later! TTFN.
Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

News...

2011-06-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

I had a great, albeit very brief, visit to Toronto last night for our annual general meeting for the Ontario Crafts Council. With every meeting and event, my affection for this organization, and the people involved, grows. They are so professional, organized and supportive and such an amazing group with a great mix of serious crafts people, patrons and professionals.

I met for a brief moment with Sandra Dupret, Dean/Principal of Fleming College in Haliburton. She will be curating a show of Canadian art at Wayne State University and she has invited me to be included. I am both honoured and excited to take this on. The show will hang in November, so not much time, but I know I can do it.

With summer in sight, and I know it will go fast, I may have a full plate if the 2 projects that were submitted for local grants go through (submitted by others, but that include work for me)

New Mexico show in October, Wayne State U in November. THIS is why I leave lots of gaps in my schedule. You have to be ready for those opportunities that seem to come out of no where which are, in fact, leads from groundwork laid over years of arts practice. Love how those things happen.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

In Progress

2011-05-31T18:17:00.001-07:00

Images are out of order, but...above shows various layers of merino and karakul
first layer (merino)

All the layers will be topped with the pre-felted addition (which I made- not commercial prefelt- that is shown on my blog before the cape) This piece prior to folding, using a resist technique I call my 'channel' technique, was 16 feet long, if you can believe. It is now 4.5 feet. The rest will remain secret. I will photograph it when it is done and will post final images when it hangs in New Mexico in October. Then I will share...the same goes for the set of 3 sculptures I will be making. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Wetting this out will have to wait until I can work for a long stretch. Once wet out, I will hand rub this until it is all stable and don't want to stop before then. I am in Toronto tomorrow for the Ontario Crafts Council AGM, Thursday I am taking my mother's pooch to the groomers (which, with a short work day already, felting will not fit in) and Friday I have planning for an out of town soccer tournament and putting another child on the train for an academic competition. So much to cram in at the end of a school year. Well, the layout is all ready and waiting!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

SEEDS 3

2011-05-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

You may, or may not, recall a few posts back (pre-cape) that I was working on components for a large piece I was invited to submit in the form of a proposal. Welllll.....it was accepted and will be completed for the show along with a second piece (actually a series of 3 sculptures), which was accepted as well. These will travel all the way to New Mexico.

The show, titles SEEDS 3, is a theme near and dear to me. No shock if you know my work. We must respect and protect our food sources and the exhibit has an educational aspect that makes me very happy to be invited as a participant. This is one of those exhibits that will cost me more than I could hope to make, but was top of the list of choices. You can view the blog about the show here SEEDS

There is a bit of history and information on the inspiration for the show and images of past work. I have the first piece planned out and in progress, the second collection is in sketch form and will be my reward for all the work. I will show a few images of the "in progress", but the final pieces will be posted once the show hangs!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Be-Ribboned

2011-05-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ready to pass on to Tracy. Ribbon and label attached.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Forest Fashion

2011-05-23T10:49:00.001-07:00

back view...

front view (ignore bulldog clip) fat satin ribbon tie at neck will be added.

Fulling...heavy, cumbersome. Must be careful.

stitching the 2 large semi circles together (and the hood) while at the soft felt stage before adding a little more fibre, hand felting a bit before fulling.

This will be part of a collaboration with photographer, Tracy Olan. For those who may recall, Tracy is the one that took the "harvest" images of me with the chickens and the strange bright "potatoes". Tracy has an idea cooking and whenever she envisioned this particular component, all she could see was red felt, so then I came in, and here it is. Just a part of the puzzle from which she can play. In exchange, Tracy will allow me to have some shots to use.

The design of a cape seems very simple, but there were some interesting challenges. I hate to sew and make patterns, so deciding which way to turn the pieces and making the hood was one.

I did a small sample to test colour layering, but other than that, I just went for it. I could have felted both sides together with a resist, but was concerned about rolling it and the resist shifting ( I like a thick resist). I do a lot of hand rubbing, but knew right away that was crazy talk for this.

I opted to make 2 large semi circles (about 7 x 4 feet each) and stitch, then felt, them together once at the soft felt stage...also adding the hood in the same manner.One issue evident after layout of the second side was I was certain I had laid out a little heavier for the second side. This is a risk if you are not doing both sides together. Ideally, and I often do this, you weigh out the wool for each side so you can be consistent. Of course, having no clue how much wool the cape would take (and having little interest in measuring and weighing a proper sample) I just went for it. The difference in amount of fibre, of course effects the shrinkage rates, so one side fulled down smaller than the other. Certainly not an "error" and actually beneficial in the overall asymmetric look of the piece. Subtleties, that had I not mentioned it, would likely go unnoticed!

It is now drying on the dress form (that I just bought for $40- thanks, Hilary!) and I will post images once Tracy does her magic. I hope they pick a cool day too shoot!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's up

2011-05-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, what is it going to be? You will have to wait. This layout (one third of the final layout) took 4 hours. I will felt this until stable only and then layout the second part, felt until stable, layout the third part until (you guessed it) stable....and then, if all goes as soon-to-be-planned, I will put it all together!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Time Flies

2011-05-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Gosh. Has it been a week since I have blogged? Not sure what black hole I temporarily disappeared into, but I better get back in the game. My parents have had a sick pooch (who is doing much better, thankfully) so nothing really seemed to take precedence. Toss in too many soccer pratices/games, an out of town field trip, dentist, my last show (ever!) for the retail business I own with my mom, a lunch/art meeting and, voila, another week into the abyss.

I enter this week in the hopes that I will spend less time spinning wheels and more time getting some things done:
- I will begin on a collaboration project I have going on with a photographer, Tracy Olan. This is a large-ish project with some things to figure and plan. That starts tomorrow. Deadline exists.
-The other large-ish piece I showed you before has been temporarily laid aside, but will be next in the cue
-Those raw fleece still beckon, but the weather has been fridgid...much to cold for a delicate flower like myself to felt in the out of doors.
There is then the other work that must be done
-planning the teaching year ahead
-thinking how I need/want to change my arts/teaching practice.

Never short of things to do! While the collaboration will largely be under wraps until the project is fully complete, I will keep you posted....

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Holding Pattern

2011-05-10T06:18:00.001-07:00

So much going on in our busy lives, but I am currently in a bit of a "holding pattern" and am required to make some decisions on whether to leave town or not tomorrow. I have an event to attend and will be doing some pick up/drop off there. If I do not go, I need to make other arrangements for these things and impose on others (which I really, really hate to do). On the other hand, waiting until last minute makes the imposition greater.

With a sick canine at my parents place and so much going on, I know the right decision. I am just waiting for clearance to land from my conscience.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Finally Warm Enough

2011-05-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

Detail: Icelandic (luster!)

The beast!

Like a big Chunk out of the bag!

Tunis (sheered all nice in one piece! :o))

Dirty!

All winter I have had a stash of raw fleece in the gargage, a.) because it may have beasties in it b.) it has dirt in it, and c.) It stinks. I must felt these outdoors but I am still being a whimp and will felt them in the garage. Last time I tried to do this in my studio, I had poopy water all over my floor. Not so nice. However, the fleece are lovely. The "white", which is far from white at this point, is a local Tunis fleece. I have another whole Tunis that I had processed into a batt to make a base to lay the raw Tunis on top for a rug.

The other black "blob" came out of the bag like it was molded to it. It is an old fleece from a prized flock of Icelandic sheep decendant from the first Icelandics to come to North America, bought right from the original source. It is BIG, and lusterous, and matted, so will need some TLC and carefull separation of locks to create a lovely rug. I just need to decide what base to make for this baby. I could do Karakul, but it is so "grabby", I would loose my hanging locks. Romney is too stubborn for such a large piece (even though, I must admit, this would make a sturdy perfect base, If I was willing) I have a big grey batt of "mixed breed" that is fairly course and, now that I think of it, will use it and layer in some merino to assist in the wet-out and getting the layers friendly :o).

Decisions made and all the hard work (and fun!) to follow!

Visit my site http://www.andrea-graham.com/

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

My best girl friend....

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

FiberArt International- Memorial Art Gallery

2011-05-02T07:22:00.001-07:00

My piece "Liberatio Captivus" is in the prestigious international show (over 1600 entries for 85 spots!) Now in Rochester until July 3rd and will go on to the San Francisco Museum of Art and Design.

The opening of the show in Rochester at the Memorial Art Gallery...the line up of hundreds remained most of the night! Photographs were strictly prohibited, but Mom managed to get a shot of part of the line!

Me!

The gallery...also home to Renoir, Rembrandt, Monet, Matisse, Picasso (which I viewed to the sounds of a live choir!) Tops my list of one of my best openings yet.

Large banner :o)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

The regularly scheduled felting project will not be shown this evening so we can bring you this special feature...

2011-04-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from the "big" project to make myself something to wear to N.Y. this weekend on a wee trip with my momma! Forgive the crappy image. I will do a proper one later. It is still wet, so not so nice on the neck.
Today I will pick up some prints of the "big" project in progress to send off with a proposal for a show. I am fairly certain they will accept it, but I can always find another home for it if not. I will keep you posted because this show is exciting. This necklace was fun and I have a bracelet in the works on my table too. They are not "matching" per say, but can be worn together without being too matchy-matchy. I hate that. Black dress, black boots, and I am good to go. I will take pictures in N.Y. and fill you in.

visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What I am up to...

2011-04-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Laying out a large piece for "prefelt" for a project. Went to open a new roll of the "same" wool to finish this layer to discover it was, in fact, not the same. Was short just a corner...substituted a suitable wool. No biggie, in this case

Layer 4 of layout for a sheet of prefelt (early a.m.!) Added the 4th layer because I decided I wanted less colour migration from the red/brown/orange layers. Still thin enough.

Did not intend to add this boring image, but now can't delete. So, here is me taking a shingle for layout (yawn)

after layer 3

2 layers!

Well, this is stage one of many stages. I have laid out the wool for a piece of prefelt that will become part of a larger piece. Today the plan is to felt it into a loose fabric. I will then, over days, truss it up to incorporate into a base of more wool.

I have other deadlines before this one, I am sure, but have yet to look because I am feeling motivated by this piece right now. Also, once I get the prefelt done, the next stage can be done in the evening upstairs with the family. When in the studio, I am totally detached from reality and family happenings which can be good and bad!

So now, the wool waits all laid out. It won't felt itself. Waiting for wet-out which, once occurs, I will not want to stop. So, tea break, a bit of purloined easter chocolate and I am off. I'll keep you posted.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Beauty. Inspiration.

2011-04-24T05:44:00.001-07:00

OMG! Beauty and Inspiration are everywhere! There never is a shortage when we look beyond, escape and break out of our self-absorbed-facebook addicted selves! (no judgement, as I include myself here!)

I just read an amazing article in National Geographic about "free climbers". Mountain climbers that climb without the use of any ropes up sheer faces of rock...because they love it and because they can. Amazing and completely unrelated to my post...or maybe not. Random, I know.

I am about to head into some studio time and promise to take some pictures. I am kind of protective over new work prior to exhibition, so forgive if they seem a bit mysterious until they are officially hung at wherever they are going off to. One for New Mexico, one for Philidelphia and possibly another to Toronto. I have not decided about that one yet. I musy pay shipping and exhibition fees for all these, so need to carefully pick and choose. Off to brunch...Happy Easter!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Committment to do better...

2011-04-22T16:01:00.001-07:00

Oh, I like to think I do a pretty good job considering the environment, that I set a good example for the boys. We recycle, no bottled water, I buy local meat, we conserve electricity. However, today in my "in box" was a message from David Suzuki with a list of 10 things that we can do to slow climate change and I am not doing many of the things on the list out of laziness and habit. I promptly retrieved my compost bucket from the deck and have vowed to get back to composting, unplugging things when not in use and, the biggie, hanging my laundry to dry. Baby steps. With garden time around the corner, eating more local is next.

Happy Earth Day. Be kind, be aware, and let's all try to do better for all our children.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Sifting Through

2011-04-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Sift/sift:

Noun: An act of sifting something, esp. so as to isolate that which is most important or useful

After weeks of preparing to teach, teaching and teaching again, I needed to attack the pile of papers on the corner of my desk reserved for important stuff. I was pleased (and displeased) to discover that some things that were important last week were no longer so important due to deadlines passed. There is also the realization that most papers on my desk are, in fact, impulsive acts of printing out exciting things in some fleeting and frenzied moment of inspiration.

I sorted the pile last night and vowed this a.m. to start at the top and get each task taken care of without distraction and did very well (pats back). My bags students will be happy to know that the notes for the class are on their way. My travel insurance is all up to date. Kids programs all cancelled or confirmed. I made some important business decisions, followed up and have some other things put in motion that I needed to do. Happy face.

With the Holiday weekend ahead, I can, with all good conscience, spend some serious time in the studio, hang with the fam and maybe even bake some cookies- the ones that require no sifting, of course.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Salve

2011-04-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

I returned from teaching for 4 days to have one day to unpack and re-pack for another 2 days of teaching. Next day on a field trip (wonderful salve for working mother guilt) and today in the pouring, cold rain watching soccer practice (more salve). Tomorrow involves a little more chauffeur-ing and preparing for teaching a one day workshop at my friend Maureen's place next week. We will be learning a couple of resist techniques I teach in my bags class..."channels and spores". I know our day will go by quickly so making some good samples tomorrow will help them maximize their creative time! I am looking forward to the small group at Maureen's home base.

I then will head into busy end of school year time, more field trips, away games, dance classes/recital, projects with visual aids forgotten until the last moment, final exams. I will fit in, at every moment possible, time to make art...salve for the busy mom!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Whew! Great Student work!!!

2011-04-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Anita's sea creature...

Ana's deep blue pod in progress (above)...The "Deb" collection below!

Deb and Ana

Michelle, who came all the way from Arizona, workin' it!!

Anne...thinking it through at every step!

Oh, yes!...Michelle's pieces above and below (aren't they awesome?)

Above...pretty meets peculiar (in the most special way) Work by Linda Van Alstyne (green "heart"), Veronica Fritz (Flower), Laura Burke (lotus pod)

...the Janice collection (Above)....Laura Burkes red monstrosity below (wow)

above...Connie carefully considers her pod as her other looks out!

Below...Nan attends a pod opening...and she's happy about it!

Above...go big or go home!!

Lee's quirky curiosity!

BAGS! 9 of them...no images of the "in progress" (sad face)! I was way too busy!!! We had so much fun. Alice, Michelle, Sally, Annette, Alice, Jenn, Anita, Cathy and Ellen!

Well...first things first. My students R-O-C-K! It is such a pleasure to teach those with a little (and a lot) of know-how. These fabulous ladies came ready to create. I was so excited to stretch in all kinds of directions to help them acheive an amazing array of variety in their felt work.

There were alot of open ears and open minds as I spoke of "Fiber Dynamics", as taught to me by Chris White. There were a few good little nuggets and I hope they will continue to think, experiment and learn whenever and where ever they can. The possibilites are endless. A special thanks to all those who traveled to come see me. I could not have asked for a better group. Hugs all around....

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

New Work....

2011-04-01T18:26:00.001-07:00

FILL/VOID

GLITCH

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Roller Coaster

2011-03-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

What a week...first it's up and then it's down. Oh! Wait for it....then a sideways corkscrew. Some hills were approached with closed eyes, some peeking ahead, others with hands in the air and wind in my hair. Now I am ready for some serious Zen...and perhaps some cotton candy.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

S-L-O-W

2011-03-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I was just reading over my list and, admittedly, progress is slow. I am being indecisive what to enter in the juried show and actually did a sketch yesterday of a new piece that may be it (added it to list)

My latest piece, finished last night, will be for my Kingston Fibre Artists show that will hang locally in about a week. I will miss the opening as I will be at away. I only had one piece in last year because I was hanging my solo show in another city. This year I have been a good girl and have several pieces (once I complete the hanging devices that are on that gosh darn list)

I had a hiccup in my picking up of materials as a couple of items are elusive. How can a dollar store NOT have spare checkers? What kind of made-in-china item is not in the dollar store... and no checkers? The dreaded Walmart, home of the off-gassing neurotoxin, will be my next stop. I know I can't be the only one that has an immediate asthmatic reaction upon the parting of the doors and receiving of the cart from the (saddly, elderly) "greeter". The whole experience is disturbing, frankly. But for checkers, I'll do it.

Scarves to be completed for Tuesday are but a fantasy, at this point, and my studio is an explosion of locks, silk, wet/cold towels and odds and bits all over like some wild felting party gone awry. I am going to head down there now, crank my heater, and get it all clean and pretty to begin tomorrow...or if I get on a roll until the wee hours. Ta-ta for now...

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

A laundry List again...

2011-03-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

How I can go from leisurely days at home to getting ready for the month to come....how does this happen? It's not like I don't know it is coming, but it is always here before I expect it. I know you all can relate.

1.) Getting art ready for a call for entry deadline Tuesday (and photographing it, filling out forms, etc.)

2.) Hanging devices sewn on my pieces for a show that hangs next Friday

3.) Making spring scarves for the Gallery in Toronto to take up when I go on Wednesday

4.) Hair appointment (a girl must look good, you know)

5.) making 4 stops to pick up some teaching materials

5.) Miscellaneous meetings, go to pet food store, soccer practices, dance class, meals to cook,

...you know the drill. Calgon, take me away!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Sold

2011-03-23T09:29:00.001-07:00

At the conclusion of it's tour around Europe, this piece will have a new home in the U.K.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's New

2011-03-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I have been having a wonderful "March Break" with my boys and have had a bit of time to play in the studio and am now also planning for "Pods" and "Bags with 3D elelments" the week after next. I made a bag from some "Lollipop Corriedale" from NEFS, named as such as it is displayed wound 'round a long stick like an enormous delish candy treat. It was so great to work with and the colours. Yum. Crazy shrinkage as I kept fulling it nice and tight. Close to 50% width. You can see the midway fulling...was thinking this is where many would stop fulling.

I also felted the art piece with 3D elements. It is difficult to see the dimensionality of the piece. It is much nicer in person. I usually consider how a piece will photograph before I lay it out, if you can believe (did not with this one- just jumped right in!). I L-o-v-e working in reds and oranges, but they are very difficult to photograph, thus I avoid such saturated colour. A piece that is difficult to shoot is of way less value to me. If I cannot convey the piece in the image, it is very difficult to enter it in shows and for publication.

The other thing I have done is make a hat for my son. He took on of my felted rings and inspired by wearing it on the tip of his finger upside down, like a finger hat, asked me to make him a hat. We sketched it and then he wanted eye holes...thus, we created the "durp" hat. Certainly not perfect as I raced through a bit and getting him to wear the soggy thing while I shaped it was short lived. But, he loves it and has not taken it off...it's a bit curious, but I am asking no questions. He is 13, after all :o)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

In the Works...

2011-03-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Lots of wool. Lots of logistics. I am using my sketch as inspiration, but remind myself that, at some point, the sketch must be put aside so that I can focus on the materials... what they are becoming in three dimension. I am going to take my time with the layout and add more once I wet out. FYI, don't ask questions about this layout 'cause I am not telling ;o). Our water softener just broke, so I am reluctant to begin any wet out until it is replaced. I can add some softener, but really don't feel like adding additional variables if I don't have to. I will say I am using a few different wools including beautiful shades of natural grey Pelsull from NEFS (New England felting supply)

I have a couple of show committments coming up and a local juried show that I, in spite of seroiusly hating the venue, always enter. I am about to have a week off with the kids, so have grandeous ambitions of checking off a long list of things to do. While I fear I am kidding myself, I am going to give it a go and give myself permission to just do my best, enjoy being home with my boys and letting the rest go.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Big Salad

2011-03-10T03:42:00.001-08:00

Oh, I was being so good. Big cup of water with organic lemon slices, a big salad with an egg and toasted sesame dressing. 'Twas delish but moments later did not feel so great. Not sure what component it was but spent the rest of the day on the sofa rather than in the studio. The good news-managed to tidy the studio pre-salad, so it as all ready for me to get to work today, and I shall! I will keep you posted!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What-I-bought-at-NEFS

2011-03-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Kind of like, What-I-did-on-summer-vacation

Ginny commented on my last post wondering what I brought home from New England Felting supply while I was there. This is what I bought!

- full roll of uncarbonized prefelt (white)

-2 yards black prefelt

-some loose weave fabric bundles

-irish linen fibres (great little pack only $1.95)

-short fibre merino (strata collection) awesome for jewelry making- 15 colours for $24 :o)

-hand dyed corriedale (I bought to make a bag)

-Assorted merino tops in some brights for some spring nuno scarves

-some other sparkly stuff

-small bamboo cutting board to roll multiple ropes

-a big button for a hat my son wants me to make him

Oh, Fun!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Home from Massachusetts

2011-03-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

The wonderful mess!

Water + Wool Gallery

Ahhh, I am home. Just had a wonderful, fun weekend visit at New England Felting supply and with dear friend, Chris White. (do you have her book Uniquely Felt? If not, I highly recommend it)

The drive home (after a late night with 3 hours of sleep) was a bit dicey through New York with nasty weather. Then the GPS thought I would like to see the country side. While I appreciated the sentiment, I just wanted the road to magically be at my door. I had overdosed on Starbucks and my hands felt permanently molded to the steering wheel after the white knuckle journey. All worth it!

The gallery space, Water +Wool has installed a couple of my pieces and they looks so great (thanks, Linda!). Today I have some things to ship out, including my teapot to the Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery. I brought home some fabulous stuff and really look forward to beginning some new pieces! Stay tuned!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

180 Degrees

2011-03-03T18:19:00.001-08:00

It never fails. Trust in the process. Giving myself permission to take some time to just make "stuff" while I wait for devine inspiration from somewhere inside me. Eventually all the things I have been observing, thinking, hearing, bubble up to the surface and spill out onto my sketch pad into something that will hopefully evolve into some good art...whatever that may be. My next body of work. It has to be good to me, I suppose...that is all that is really important. If I am feeling it and believe in it..if I can maintain a clear but simple vision, it will be translated (another leap of faith we artists take). I have gone from slothly and questioning to seeing my next couple of years take shape. These cycles, if I were to be bother to track them, are likely very predictable. So would the impending doubt sure to follow, the frustrations in the studio, the pull of my "real"life when I am in it and the pull of my "art" life when I am not.

I look forward to visiting a feltmaking friend as I am headed into this transition. I'm not a "sign from above" kind of person. I think we create our own magic and so much occurs on a subconscious level and I think this 180 into a creative phase is happening at just the time it needs to. It has been a good week. I received a letter from Lark books and will have a piece in an upcoming book and also received a generous grant from the Ontario Arts Council...my third. I am teaching "pods" in the spring with the awareness (and anxiety) that I need to evolve and so, imagine that, I now am...

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What's New

2011-03-01T06:21:00.001-08:00

Still needs strap (corriedale, fYI)

back

layout

back of bag I laid out while making scarves

Front (big flap)

felting (note the knit on the surface? It is from Jeannette Sendler of Scotland amde on her knitting machine)

Well, since Saturday, I have made 4 scarves and (almost) 2 bags. I have a meeting downtown today that I am trying to decide if I can attend. I am headed to Mass. to visit my dear friends soon. I have orders to fill, correspondence to catch up with...one of those days with a full plate. I could complain, but would not dare. How lucky I am that I get to decide what my day looks like :o)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Process and Escape...

2011-02-27T04:24:00.000-08:00

Scarves laid out dry

Wet out and covered with thin plastic

On the machine by Feltcraft

Laying out bag while scarves on machine (corriedale roving)

After first 30 minutes under plastic...this is where I think "crap, things are not sticking!". I wet out where needed, add a few fibres if needed, replace plastic and back in the machine.

When I move my scarves to my table, I have to put my bag layout under the table (lots of back and forth)

Okay...the scarves were in the machine for 2 thirty minute cycles with the plastic (checking and switching rolling ends in between) and 4 cycles of thirty with out the plastic (alternating ends) Now they are holding togther enough to begin fulling.
That is 3 hours in the machine total and my rolling and checking etc, in between. It would take less time by hand, but much more wear and tear on my shoulders.

I gather then up and will now work on each one individually. I gently drop a few times and knead, checking that edges are not sticking to themselves, which they still will , at this point.

...now some fulling on the washboard

Time to cut holes and then I full more on the washboard to heal the holes (very important) I do this with each scarf, setting them aside as I finish and rinse them all together. Fulling of the scarves took me 2 hours.

Rinse and spin in my handy spinner

Scarves are rinsed and spun and ironed flat and left to dry to the side and now I can work on my bag! (I accidentally deleted the finished scarf image close up!)

Well, I received an email asking if I had some scarves "laying around" if I could bring them to the new Water + Wool gallery when I go down on the weekend. No...I do not have any laying around, but it was a motivator to get in the studio, which you may have noticed, have been itching to do. I have documented my day above. I usually do so in reverse order so the finished pieces are the first image, but will do so in the order I did them this time. So, I spent the whole day making scarves and laying out a bag (as seen below) while watching "Toddlers and Tiaras" on my studio TV. I swear I lost brain cells watching. I usually listen to public radio while working, occasionally a good design show, but I have vowed no more shows about horders, babies wearing false eyelashes and people that eat from ashtrays...what the heck am I doing!? It truly must be a form of escape. From now on, I think my escape will be back to the left of centre discussions on the CBC and a big batt of wool....much healthier! I must do that today to recover! In any case, see above for my (not so) exciting day!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Itching....

2011-02-24T11:55:00.001-08:00

Itching to get into the studio after a couple of days doing other things!!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Surprise workshop!

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am missing my friends in Massachusetts, so have decided to pop down for a visit and a quick workshop on March 5th. If you are in the area, contact New England Felting supply and come create a funky new accessory!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Latest Piece

2011-02-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Complete...

During the felting process....hard to believe this is that same piece, no? The white is atop that bed of hairy Karakul wool that migrates like crazy and eats up most of the design, but the subtleties are still there upon close inspection. There are textures like dragon skin and areas with a bit of lustre.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Dirty. Hairy.

2011-02-12T06:05:00.001-08:00

Oh, I must enter a new post so I am not faced with that creepy interview image. This batt of Karakul is way nicer. Today is Saturday. Always full of promise, Saturday is. A day of no driving which entends my work day considerably. The coffee pot is bottomless. I remain in my yoga pants (more like my "I-really-should-go-to-yoga" pants) and my wool socks. I hope to spend the day in the studio making an art piece for a spring show. I awoke remembering I have a couple of gallery committments, but I can tackle those later in the week. And to the Karakul I say...

Go ahead, make my day.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Interview

2011-02-10T03:46:00.000-08:00

(OMG, this image makes me cringe...so glad that kind of interview is not part of my life!)

I recently completed and interview for an on-line blog that you can see here: Blethering Crafts
Of course, there was lots more I now wish I had said and a couple of errors, but that is always the way. At least she asked some interesting questions. I have another magazine interview coming and so far they have asked about my farm...which I do not have, nor have interest in having. Hope she will be asking more questions. Anyway....studio day today as I have realized this morning that I have a deadline very close! have a great day!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Teapot

2011-02-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

Why would I make a teapot, you wonder? Yes, a departure from what I usually do (although, I am beginning to wonder what it is that I "usually" do). While in Pittsburgh last year for the opening of FiberArt International, I met Amy, the owner of Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery

Not long after my visit I received an invitation to participate in their annual "Teapots!" show. Collectors come from all over and the gallery has some truly extraordinary work, so of course I said, "Yes".

Well, This is my second attempt as the first one, while interesting and fine for some other show perhaps, was not to the standard that I felt good about sending. So, it was scrapped. This is the second attempt and completely different from the first. It is a connection to both the past and present and I think is quite lovely. I am happy with it. I did write a statement, more of a story, that I may not include. Some pieces I think need less explanation and more mystery. This may be one of those. A special thanks to Emily of the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery for allowing me to possess the little doily from her special stash of treasures.

While slumber party action occurred this past weekend, I had a late night (early a.m) stretch in the studio and now have less on my "to do" list. I am feeling very close to starting on my next "art" piece for 2 local shows. I am still planning and dreaming and trying to let the practical thoughts of the how's and why's flow in and out of the creative thoughts. You know I will keep you posted!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

2011-02-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Seriously. I have been such a sloth. I can only blame recovering from teaching for so long and that time has passed. The last 2 days I have been in my PJ's reading a novel from start to finish, drinking coffee with Dutch cocoa and eating dry mini wheats.

Yes, I did felt a scarf, but it is about as "blah" as I am (until I dye it). The kids have been home due to snow and PA days, but as the sun beats down and the icicles are dripping, that can no longer be my excuse either. I do have deadlines looming and work to do. I think that before Christams I was focused on the holiday and then preparing for my Artist in Residence. With that behind me, I am having a hard time switching gears to creative mode. I will get there!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Tight Squeeze

2011-01-29T06:30:00.001-08:00

Well, I am done! Time was tight, but with 12 workshops in 2 weeks and only having one finish late by a few minutes (late students!), I think it all went very well. 2 or 2.5 hour workshops to make felt is really a tight squeeze. Unfair to the medium really, as there is just too much to share and understand that one cannot begin to express in that time frame. That being said, I had many students who I know will take the experience and move forward in some way. At the very least, they will know what felt is and have a little appreciation for what kind of work is involved. Some may use it in their own classrooms or make reference to it in some way. It's a good thing (sorry, Martha)
My only regret is that there was not one more week. It took a week for them to notice I was there and then they were clamouring for spaces available in the second week. One more week to get them all hooked (maniacal laugh) would have been good. So now what, you ask? (or maybe not, but I am going to tell you anyway):

1.) Teapot for an invitational show in Pittsburgh
2.) Retirement gift for my mommy
3.) Scarves for a gallery
4.) Bags for new Water + Wool Gallery (located at New England Felting Supply)
5.) Work for the Agnes Etherington Sales and Rental Gallery

There are things I must do that I will sort of enjoy, must do but will enjoy, and don't have to do and will really enjoy. Fitting it all in is always a tight squeeze.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Working it out...

2011-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

As I head into my second week of my Artist in Residence, I am sooo grateful that I spent so much time planning for both weeks. I do have some things to prepare and pack, but I am feeling like I have a handle on things. As tired as I was on Friday and as busy as I have been this weekend, counting on working would have been unthinkable.

A bit of an explanation of how this whole thing works. I have been hired by the University who have subsidized workshops for the teacher candidates at the teachers college. The program offers a position every 4 years to a visual artist and alternates performing arts, music, literary arts. So, my students are graduate students from many different areas. When the classes do not fill, limited spots may be offered to the public for a fee. I also have a few special workshops...a couple open to the public, and a larger art group. So, I have some repeat students if they can fit it in their class schedule and some who may not decide to come at all. Between workshops, the studio is open for students to come by and ask questions or work on projects and I am free to work on my own thing (which has mostly been cleaning up and setting up).

The classes are very short for feltmaking so, I have made kits to save fiber selection/amount questions time. I have all equipment pre-cut and ready on each spot along with everything they need. So far, the timing has worked out well and they only tight thing I anticipate for next week is the vessels which is for 20 people in 2 hours. We are working small so I think it will all work out!
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...next?

2011-01-20T13:37:00.001-08:00

Keeping myself busy between workshops...these are going to the new WATER + WOOL gallery. (purple one not done!)

students!

my kitchen...

moving in...

another view.

Well, must run 20 students to arrive to all make scarves in 2 hours. Thank goodness for prefelt!

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Day One: A Piece of Cake

2011-01-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a great day. I woke on time, van loaded, lunches packed, kids dropped off in the bitter cold (bye. boys!) and I toodled up the road to my Artist-Educator in residence position. I entered my studio...all was quiet... too quiet (crap. #1: bring radio), I looked for the clock (#2: bring clock) and paced around a bit wondering if someone would be checking on me to see if I was punctual (which I was and, incidentally, always am).

Okay. Project. Yes, I need a project to get me to 12:00 before my students arrive. Short fibre merino beckons and, voila, jewelry it is. Pal, Ingrid, drops by with a cold Starbucks (she had a detour. I was grateful, nevertheless) and we chewed the fat (must look up where that expression originates) while I see-sawed away on my bamboo mat making ropes. Ingrid did not mind for she is a true friend. Alas, her meter is about to expire, so I am again in my silence looking for a clock.

Angela, the co-ordinator, appears and (sky opens, sea parts, angels sing) brings me...a radio...and a technician to connect me to the internet (more angels singing). Oh, life is good.

Oh, students, yes, students...here they come! Some are late, some are sleepy, some not authorized to attend, but "hey!", all pretty enthusiastic. I am game. Away we go. Anyone here felt? (crickets) anyone here ever see handmade felt (more crickets)...okay, square one and off to the races. 11 scarves in 2.5 hours. Done. Next?

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All packed up.

2011-01-14T11:16:00.001-08:00

Ready to move into "The Studio" at Queen's Faculty of Education. I start Monday :o)

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Laundry List:

2011-01-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

- Buy more drop cloth material and cut into scarf lengths
- cut screen material into 20+ pieces
-photocopy information/resource sheets for 230+ students
-Hair cut (and colour, shhh)
-read (and drool over) new German Felt magazine with enclosed English translation (bonus)
-Pet new cashmere/silk roving
-fill wool orders (argh)
-plan some small projects to work on between my Artist in Res workshops (and thinking I might be crazy to think I am going to get to do anything!)

tick tock

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Play time done, for now!

2011-01-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

finished and drying on a hanger.

detail

back view

full front view. I ended up making slits in the side so that when it is on, the front panels fall nicely. It is still damp here and hanging a little stiff.

Mid way through fulling.

I got impatient and took the piece off the resist quite early and immediately regretted it knowing it could all come apart. It was all in a heap and I could not let what part was what. I very carefully lifted shifted the piece to begin fulling careful to support the weight.

Wet out last flap

layout of last flap
I will post a picture of me in it when my photographer is done his homework!

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next step...

2011-01-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

Pretty, Huh? I know it is difficult to tell what is going on, but it will all make sense!

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me wearing vest...as requested!

2011-01-08T13:26:00.001-08:00

The resist ready for the nest one. This one will be all wool (no silk fabrics incorporated) a little longer and fuller in the bottom. I'm looking forward to getting started.

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Just for Me

2011-01-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

Totally an "Andrea" vest

A little closer...

...and the back

It rarely happens that I create something with the intention of it being for me, for keeps. Yes, I sometimes make a piece for "me" that ends up being shipped out along with all the other things I fall in love with as I make them, but not this one. I do always love the last one I made the best. That being said, this is my new "love". I know I will enjoy wearing this when I teach. It took me forever to calculate the resist, as I am mathematically challenged. I also had to think what my silk ratio would be as this affects shrinkage. The next one I make will have more wool and with more overlap on the front and, perhaps I will play with some asymmetry. This took me a few days to complete in and out of the studio and I am hoping to get another done this weekend. Wouldn't that be a treat? (I am excited now!).

I am sooo sorry, you all, that I did not document the process. My camera batteries were dead and I knew I could not delay! I will for the next one!

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...and the pile grows

2011-01-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

OMG. I have made thousands (seriously) of little balls of wool the last couple of days and am so glad to have all the fibre organized for my Queen's University Artist-Educator in Residence position (which begins in a couple of weeks). Still lots of equipment and materials to organize, but this was a major part.

I bought a cute little table top ironing board so I don't have to schlep my big one because, you know, I iron sooo much at home. Truth be told, I boycotted ironing non-felt items several years ago which mysteriously coincided with the receipt of an ironing board cover in my Christmas stocking. We have since worn only knit wear and yoga pants. The children are now outcasts, but it's a small price to pay really.

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Ready, students?!

2011-01-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

This is how I will be looking at your felt! (I am totally kidding)

Some of the over 230+ kits I will be putting together for my Artist in Residence position

"kits" in progress...

Like little loaves of freshly baked bread, no?

I am not a fan of making "kits". I like variation and surprise, but teaching very short workshops for my Artists-Educator in Residence position at Queen's University means I must prepare as much as I can before hand. No pussy-footing around for my students if they are going to get any felting done! I will be teaching some wet felting, as well as needle felting and I am not sure what to expect from my students! I will teach 1-2 workshops a day and will likely be spending the remainder of the day cleaning up and setting up for the next day. The studio is a nice open space and I really look forward to moving in. I may just not want to leave! I have a couple of weeks left to prepare and I know that time will go very quickly, so I am not leaving things to the last minute.

I am soooo itching to felt right now. I have a couple of new ideas to play with as well as a couple of shows to prepare for. I feel like there is something out there about to come my way, hope my instincts are on track. I am back to my regular routine tomorrow (which is more often irregular) and have too many options. You know I will keep you posted....

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com