Positive quilting critique

I turned 40 last week.  I was so excited and wanted to have a huge celebration but my twin sister just wanted to hide in a corner and forget all about the day.  So I am still trying to come up with something we both will be happy doing for big day.  I love that we are so alike but so different in so many ways.



In the art world it is like this too,  so many differences and similarities.  When I listen to people making a negative judgement on a piece of art work I cringe.  Just because I don't particularly like something doesn't mean the art is wrong, bad, or not working.  I have attended many shows or competition where I have not liked the winners work.  I think we can find good though in most work.  We all have different opinions and different views and this is O.K.

So my rule of thumb when I feel like commenting at a show is to...

• Think carefully before I speak
• Find a couple of things I like about the art work IE the colours work well together,  I like how the design works
• If I can't find anything I like don't say anything at all.  You never know the person who made the artwork might be standing next to you
• Creatively analyse the work in your head and ask myself these questions what do I like,  what doesn't work for me and what could I use in my future work
• Look up at close at a work and look at the techniques the artist has used. 
• Celebrate the fine qualities in work

I also critique my own work while at a show.  Have my work hanging next to other work gives me a chance to see more clearly what works,  what doesn't work and what I can change next time.

I would love to expand my appreciation of far more styles that I actually create,  By critiquing work positively I now find I can appreciate a far wider range of art than I have done in the past.

Photography this week

These are photos form the Christmas lights at the LDS temple in Hamliton.  It was magic and was worth the trip just to see my 7 year olds face.



Skechbook challenge: 7 days of drawing

Quilting book review

A beautiful and stunning book juried by Karey Bresenhan.  This book presents 500 art quilts in a professional and easy to read manner.  The quilts are made in fabric and other media and shows a diverse range of designs, materials and techniques.  It is quilt eye candy for the soul.



This is well worth a squizzy and a peruse. 

Photography this week

Skechbook challenge: 7 days of drawing

The theme for the month is doodles.  I love patterning and doodling it is so much fun.  I am using white pen on black paper in a small book which is 8cm x 12cm big.

Quilting book review

One of my favourite authors and artists is Sandra Meech. 



http://www.sandrameech.com/

She came to NZ last year but I was unable to go and I was seriously disappointed.  I have read 2 of her books many times and still get so much out of them.  Her books are hands on and workshop based.  They have challenged me to think outside the square and to push myself further with my art.

She has written 4 books, 3 of which are available for purchase.  Her 4th book, design to stitch is due out in 5 months.

Be inspired today!