Drat! What happened to July?

Now it seems I can’t even manage to post on my blog once a month. How sad! But the good news is that I’ve been busy printing fabrics and creating screens in readiness to print more wonderful things. For the third consecutive summer I am taking part in a self-directed residency program organized by Contextural, utilizing the textile facilities at ACAD. This amazing opportunity is too good to pass on, and I’m afraid most other things in my life are put on hold for 3 months. We all know how fast 3 months can whip by, so it really isn’t that long, right?

Last summer I spent almost my whole residency printing on commercially printed quilt fabrics to alter or enhance the fabric, and to basically make it my own. I started this summer off by bringing in many of those fabrics and printing another layer on them. I’m delighted with the results, but I wanted to do other things as well. My next adventure in silkscreening involved printing imagery over the surface of a large variety of upholstery samples. I have used similar samples (unprinted) to make pin cushions, and the next round I make should be more interesting. We shall see.

My most recent work involves printing on purchased napkins, tea towels, table runners, place mats and table cloths. A large number of these will be available for sale at the Contextural sale in November. It seems early to start, but then again – we all know how fast 3 months can slip by! (Everyone knows that summer is printing season.) Here are photos of some of my work so far this season.

We’re having lovely hot weather here in Calgary, and I stayed home to write this post and do a few things around the house before I head to the art college. The long week-end is a perfect time to work – quiet studio and free parking. (Don’t get me started on the $10 parking fee charged by SAIT!) (Did I mention no in and out privileges?)

There will be an exhibition at the end of the month, showcasing work done by residency participants. I’ll post details – I promise! Until then, I’d better get to work.