When I was walking through Central Park, in New York City last year, I came upon a beautiful plant laden with brilliantly colored berries. I took a dozen or so photos. When I returned, I found out it was the PokeBerry, a less than popular invasive weed. Oh well, I thought it was gorgeous! I have since been obsessed with working on this quilt, called Poke Salad Annie, after the song. (Just because I can name it anything I want.)
Playing with a layout of the pieces I've created so far ~ by Jane LaFazio
I've been creating one piece at a time, using a color scheme and theme. Here's what I've got so far. I've been going through my stash, finding linen napkins, or bits of cloth that seem to work with my theme. This a 'fly by the seat of your pants' way to work, but it's the way I love to create. My next step is to do some gelli printing, in this color scheme. to add some different elements to this quilt. I'll keep you posted!
I'm so excited about a workshop I've got planned for 2015. Yup, a river cruise, with all the gorgeous sites and sounds along the Danube river, plus all your meals and room AND daily sketching and watercolor classes with me. The plan is to draw on the ship, sometimes and other times, we'll meet on land and draw what we see. Either way, you'll be able to truly enjoy every moment of the trip and have a sketchbook of memories when you return home. I know it seems early, but to get the best selections in each category at the best price, book soon! You can find all the details here and if you have questions, email Carlo, and she can answer all the logistical stuff.
Plus, everyone who signs up will receive their choice of one of my ONLINE 6 week sketching and watercolor classes for FREE! (I'm creating some new ones,too!) Yup, that's your incentive and if you are in any way nervous about the drawing and painting part of the trip.
photo by Jane LaFazio from Havana, Cuba. The trip was inspiration for the quilt "Havana"
Remember my trip to Havana, in January 2012? What a great adventure that was. I even self-published a book of my photos, cleverly called "Cuba" that you can buy. But I digress. I created a quilt from some of my photos, using spoonflower, and lace and other cloth and it was just juried into the San Diego Art Institute's Southern California Regional Award Exhibition. The Institute is located in Balboa Park, and the exhibition will run April 5-May 18 and the reception is Saturday, April 5 from 6-8pm. See you there?
"Havana" 60x24 inches by Jane LaFazio
detail of "Havana" by Jane LaFazio
photo by Jane LaFazio from Havana, Cuba. The trip was inspiration for the quilt "Havana"