Tone's Textile Art : GALLERI RUSTICA exhibit , May and June 2023

I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to exhibit at this gallery. It is located in the bottom of a fjord north of Bergen. The gallery which is a transformed old barn is run by Leif and Anne Johnson, and the setting is just stunning. Part stone building, part wood and surrounded by trees and wildflowers, as well as chickens. I was invited to show my transfer paint quilts here last year , and in May this year all I had worked on the last 12 months were with me in the suitcase over the Atlantic. The theme is "inspirations from nature" and that is easy to find here. Hard to believe that my adventure with transfer

paints had brought me here. Loving every minute of it!

The most fascinating building, and an amazing stone wall at the front. This wall is just as nice inside. The day we hang the quilts I enjoyed some time on the bench. It was warm and sunny.

This local spring wildflower "kvitveis" was everywhere this year. Used to pick them when I was little. It was used to decorate the tables in the gallery, a perfect choice for the season.

Friday night: started with a spring gathering. about 30 people came, bringing delicious food and drink.

Introductions and talks about the gallery and the quilts. A very interested group, very enjoyable. My only issue was talking about this in Norwegian, as there were a few words I had to translate. It went well, and got lots of very good questions. I hope I had the answers.

The beams and ceiling are just beautiful! Giving a few explanations about the process. Well received. Party lasted till midnight.

Saturday was the official opening, with a new group of people. In addition a short performance of a local singer, Linda Fosse, who recited nature inspired poems by another local poet, Aslaug Larstad Lygre, and sang a few songs by the same poet. She had a beautiful voice, and are scheduled to have a concert in Grieghallen in June. This was a treat for everyone who came. The nature inspirations was vey much present that day.

Here are a few pics from the exhibit. A total of 19 pieces, are hanging, they are all made from leaves collected in Samnanger (Haga) and Sogn. The framing is done with metallic fabric paint ,and this makes everything hang straight. Titles are "Kastanjer fra Astruptunet 1" ("Chestnuts from Astruptunet" 1") and "Kastanjer fra Astruptunet 2" ("Chestnut from Astruptunet 2").

The different walls inside the gallery was very fun to use. Tried to pick the right pieces for the different wall. Title for this one is "Kyrkjevegen"("The Church trail").

One of my favorites is the rusted metal sheet. I think the pink chestnut leaf is perfect for this. Title is "Kastanje" ("Chestnut").

Backdrop here is a wool wall. Titles here are "Heimkomst" ("Homecoming, oak") and "Pa stien" ("On the trail").

"Inn i Skogen" (Into the Woods") was specially made with the stone wall in mind. I wanted to have a challenge to see what I could do with something large. The fabrics and lay-out was a true challenge, and I learnt not just to tackle technical issues but also design. Loved working on it, and it is finished with tons of free motion quilting and textures. My largest and most complicated piece yet. I am already eyeing another challenge.

One of the things I enjoy very much during spring at Haga, are the new lambs everywhere. These are a breed called "wild sheep" and they are very hardy. The lambs are born outside without help and are up and running a few minutes later. They are like a patchwork blanket and just so cute.