textile

Mexican embroidery

Monochromatic

By definition monochromatic means one hue (color) and all the tints, tones and shades formed by adding white, grey or black to that color. I think it’s a challenge to get a good image using monochromatic color schemes. I generally work with more colors because I hate to limit myself. I hope you like my interpretation of the theme. The embroidered flowers are details of embroidery work on Mexican garments shown at the Textile Museum of Canada‘s Frida Kahlo exhibition. (which just ended) The screen printed fabric is a sample I printed this summer, and the mushrooms were in a grocery store in Toronto.

Mexican embroidery my screen printed fabric Mexican embroidery chantrelle mushrooms Check out some terrific submissions to this week’s photo challenge here.

I’ve chosen these photos in response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Today Was a Good Day.” Today is the first day after the summer residency program which I participated in. I must admit, I’m feeling a little lost. But here’s what a great day would have been over the last 3 months.

You can see a print table set up for work, samples of quilt fabrics and various table linens all printed. On a good day I would leave school early enough to catch the sunset, and be greeted by my lovable Kush the cat.

In truth I have included far more than anyone could possibly accomplish in one day, but wouldn’t it be fantastic if it could be done?

double screened quilt fabric

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.

double screened quilt fabric double screened quilt fabric 2 double screened fabrics X design on upholstery fabric paisley design on upholstery fabric dash design on upholstery fabric circle design on upholstery fabric printed tea towels printed table runners leaf design on napkin

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.

"My Forest Edge" by Terri Illingworth

Edge of the Forest

“Edge of the Forest” is a juried textile exhibition featuring work by 53 Canadian members of the Surface Design Association. Several of my friends have work in the show, and my entry was accepted as well. The exhibition opened in Ontario, where it will show in three venues before it moves on to Newfoundland, Alberta and British Columbia. Very exciting stuff! The show opened in March at the Richmond Hill Center for the Peforming Arts. Here are a couple of photos from the show taken by my good friend, Pam, who was able to attend, and a shot of my work.

overall view of Richmond Hill Center for the Performing Arts exhibition space wall view of artwork view of exhibition pieces "My Forest Edge" by Terri IllingworthI would like to enter more shows and exhibitions in the future, which tells me I need to get to work!