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.

Daffodils in full bloom in May and these chickens lay the most delicious small eggs. You need two for breakfast!

A quiet drive back to mom's house at midnight, with a huge full moon. Perfect ending to a perfect day.

Exhibit ends June 29th.

Applique Class at John C. Campbell Folk School

 A small twig habitat from outside.

 

A week long class with Free Form Machine applique at the Folkschool in April.  April and May has been very busy so far, so a little late in posting pics from this class. Only 3, but never the less, very talented ladies in the class, which gave us all plenty of space to work. All brought special photos to translate into personal fabrics art, while learning to make patterns and use a fusible to make unique textile art.

Laurel brought several waterlily photos and chose this one to work with. She is a worker bee and had such a good time discovering what her machine could do. Her lilies are made up of many, many small pieces in yellow, white and pink, all stitched and outlined , adding dimension . They took on a life of their own. Almost done by the end of the week.

Patricia  also had several beautiful architectural pictures from travels, and chose this one to work with. Along she brought the most interesting and vibrant batiks. She was able to pick out the perfect ones for this scene. it is truly very lifelike, and the added stitching is making this very realistic. She is still adding some more fabric to frame it and more top stitching to define the various elements. It will be quite stunning when finished. Patricia has quite a bit of experience with the machine, so this will be a beautiful piece when finished.                                                                                                                   

Ren also had several pictures to choose from and landed on this old red door surrounded by a rock wall. I quite love old doors myself, so I knew this would be a great choice. She for sure captures the essence of the old architecture and the weathered door. The stitching added the needed definition and texture. Ren has lots of experience with textiles and the sewing machine, as well as a very good glass bead artist. Just love her brilliant use of colors, and her sharing of ideas and. experiences.  (Look for her as an up coming instructor at the Folklschool in glass bead work).                                                               

We really enjoyed this week together, and when there is a small class you get to know each other well. Lots of fun and laughter, while sharing thought and inspirations. Hope to meet again!

2023 Class Descriptions

• Freeform  Machine Appliqué



Chained Up

• Freeform machine appliqué combined with machine embroidery can create very personal and detailed quits, such as pictorial quilts. Master working with fusible web and practice free-form straight stitch for applique. I will provide some patterns to get started. For classes 2 days or longer, bring personal inspirations in the forms of photos and drawings. 
• Length: 2 Days (can be extended)
• Intermediate Level: familiarity with sewing machine required 

   

Afloat 

           

• Easy Arch



Mirrors of Eri(n)sed

• Focus on rotary cutting and mastering curves in this fast-paced and fun class. Following very simple directions, cut multiple layers of fabrics and sew many blocks simultaneously to create several finished blocks in a short time. The blocks can be arranged in various settings with many attractive options
• Length: 1 day (can be extended for more exciting options)
• Intermediate Level: comfortable with a rotary cutter is a must.

• Transfer Paints with botanical elements
• Discover a different kind of paint for fabric. Transfer paints rely on heat to bond with synthetic fibers. They can be layered to look like watercolor wash or applied in more defined shapes. Used on synthetic fabrics like polyester or poly/cotton blends, brilliant colors result. Textured fabric like lace will produce textured pattern. Try some small projects with botanical elements, creating a collection of unique samples, as a starting point for more resolved design opportunities. In this workshop we will work on small projects with fun and surprising results. 
• Length: two days (can be extended for more resolved designs)
• Intermediate Level

Transfer Leaves 

• Miniature Fabric Landscapes


• In this class you will learn to turn your favorite post cards or photos into wonderful miniature quilts. You will use a fusible web for minimal of sewing. With the help of a simple design you can turn your scrap bag into something fun. Some machine embroidery and embellishments give your little quilts character. These miniature can be finished in a day with the use of your scrap bag and the sharing of others' fabrics
• Length: 1 day
• Intermediate Level

Examples of student work 

• Fees for Workshops and Lectures/Trunk Shows
• 1 Day Workshop: $600
• Lecture/Trunk w/ Workshop: $300
• Lecture/Trunk Show Only $350
• Class Limit 20

• Travel expenses will be mileage or any other means of transportation needed. 
• Lodging and food to be covered by the contracting group/person.