routines are a good thing...

So, we made through the first week of school and everyone is doing well, but tired. The need to get up early is a little challenging right now, but we're making it to the bus on time. The routine of school has made me realize that I have been neglecting a routine for myself. I was in the habit of waking at 5am to get my work started while everyone else was sleeping, and this summer I skipped that more and more as the days came and went. I did get work done, but I know I can get so much more accomplished with even one extra hour each day. I also know I can get a lot done when I have a plan, so here goes - this week / month I will:

• Wake up (and actually get out of bed) at 5am and work on fabric pieces
• Prepare my fabrics for projects by washing the fabric, dyeing or printing on it, putting it into an embroidery hoop, picking some thread colors...
• Plan to finish at least one piece per day
• Write better description for my art that is posted on Etsy 
• Prepare all art work images and text for new website
• Prepare new online fiber workshop for FAMM, similar to this one
• Re-establish by health routine: running, weights, and meal planning
• Continue posting images on Facebook with descriptions, not just sharing without comment
• Clear the clutter - this proves to be so difficult for me... sad to say I haven't made progress with that this week
• Go to more gallery openings - in fact, tonight I am going to two: Live Coal Gallery and the Grosse Pointe Art Center member show in which I will show this piece:

Vintage Burst, 20" x 20", cotton and acrylic

Maybe I need an accountability partner or group... How does everyone else stay motivated and consistent?

String Theory opening reception

Artists showing:

Laura Beyer - http://www.laurabeyer.com

Nicki Butler - http://www.nickibutler.com

Carolyn Catlos - http://www.carolyncatlos.tumblr.com

Kelly Darke - http://www.kellydarke.com

Levon Kafafian - http://www.urbanfolktales.tumblr.com

Liz Lewis - http://www.lizlewisfiberarts.bugcartel.com

Sheila Palmer - http://www.quetarahe.com

Amanda Thatch - http://www.amandathatch.com

Inspired Detroit show review

Thanks to Michael Hodges for reviewing the Inspired Detroit exhibit at the DC3 Accelerator gallery, curated by Katherine Maurer. I'm so thankful that he took the time to go see the show - the article, Visual Grab Bag at the DC3 Accelerator gallery, makes mention of all the artists in the show and the diversity of the work. The article also features a picture of one of my pieces!

The show is up until Oct. 31 - location:
DC3 Accelerator Gallery, Taubman Center for Design Education, 460 W. Baltimore Ave., Detroit


Artists in the show: Gilda Snowden, Topher Crowder, Colin Darke, Yvette Rock, JenClare Gawaran, and Kelly Darke

Beauty Debate exhibition opening

Virtual art show: Layers

I chose to show these pieces together because they all have so much texture, I would love to touch them - to closely examine the stitches, the layers, the processes. Each work is strong on its own and grouped together would make for a visually powerful experience.

Elisa D'Arrigo
Recollection... Pink (1)
2006
paper, cloth, acrylic paint, thread
28"x83"x6"

Frances Dorsey - Rice Paddies - image Rice Paddies 2005 installation view courtesy the artist
image found in article here: Fibred Optics: Cut from the Same Cloth
Richmond Art Gallery Jun 24 to Aug 28 2011
by Leah Sandals

Rice Paddies by Dorsey is created from pieces of dyed fabric and represent ideas of her experience growing up in Saigon in the 1950's while her father worked at the US Embassy. More information can be found here.

Elana Herzog

Untitled 2000 and 2003
Mixed fibers, metal staples, drywall, paint, plywood
Dimensions variable

Detail - Untitled 2000 and 2003

Cynthia Minden
first found on Daily Art Muse

Maurizio Anzeri
Nicola
2011
Embroidery on photograph
23 x 17 cm

Hang Nguyen - New Work
Where Do We Come From? Where Are We? Where Are We Going?
Tryptich, each panel measures 48" x 36" x 12"
Mixed media (yarn, thread, fabric, plastic, wire, acorns)

Detail - Hang Nguyen - New Work

Remi Veldhoven
photo curtain fabric 55 x 160 cm (hand woven)

Remi Veldhoven
sketchbook page _ collage (pencil on photo)

Remi Veldhoven
sketchbook page _ collage (pencil, threats and pen on photo)

ArtPrize at LaFontsee Gallery

That DAM Show Preview

I visited the Detroit Artists Market today to see the set up for THAT DAM BOX SHOW. It looks awesome! I am really impressed by what some artists created. Here is a look at my piece (last four picture) and some of my favorites.