The annual Pacific International Quilt Festival at the Santa Clara Convention Center was held October 17-20. One of their events this year was to provide a tour of local artist studios. I was honored to be asked to participate this year along with fellow artist Alice Beasley.
I thoroughly enjoyed having 45 visitors in my studio. It was a great opportunity to explain how I actually create my art. So my primary focus during the studio tour was education. The more visitors understand the techniques and materials I use to create my art, the more they will appreciate my work.
Small works using my favorite techniques — cyanotype and sunprints — opened the opportunity for discussion. Click on image for a larger view.
Several examples of both types of printing were available for close inspection.
The possibility of creating fabric and using it as gift wrap intrigued visitors (see Furoshiki Fabric Wraps).
And the possibility of mailing fabric art in the form of postcards always creates a stir. Here they are displayed mounted on archival mat, ready to frame.
Visitors had just 45 minutes to take in my studio. The conversation was lively and the time allotted sped by like a blink. Everyone seemed to learn something and share a laugh.
How wonderful!! How did I miss the Studio Tour opportunity? *sigh* I guess I was wrapped up in “see the quilt show quickly, then speed off to see granddaughter & family…” Looks wonderful, Franki!!
Hey, sometimes the band width simply can’t take it all in! I’d say that based on the number of participants they had this year, you’ll have a chance to do this in the future.
I did not know you lived in that area. How did they do the studio tour… I knew nothing about it. Sorry I missed it, looks like you had some beautiful pieces.. hope you had some sales also.
A bus brought the ladies up to the Bay Area from Santa Clara. The tour was listed in the brochure. Lots of fun! I did sell some books.
Your studio looks beautiful, as usual, Franki. I bet you had your dining and living room areas arranged thoughtfully, too. I’m happy to hear there was time for both learning and buying!
Thanks! I had quilts stacked on the piano in the living room and David shared those with half of the group, then we switched groups. It worked very well.
What a great opportunity for you and the visitors!
Absolutely! And what a joy to have all those happy faces in one place. It was a real shot of energy for me.
As usual, brilliant!!!!
It looks great. Must have been an inspiring visit for all the guests. And I can see that your energy got a kick.