On a more positive note …

Composition XII, 18 x 18 inches, ©2010 Deidre Adams

One of the most important things we learn in studying design is that a balance between unity and variety can greatly enhance a composition. I find this applies to pretty much everything in my life – artwork process as well as daily routine. I’ve always been the kind of person who can’t stand doing the same thing the same way for extended periods of time, and a shakeup in routine is guaranteed to help me feel energized.

After concentrating exclusively on paintings for the last several months, it was good to have a reason to focus on textiles once again. A call for entry to Small Works, a juried exhibition for members of the Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming region of SAQA, was an opportunity for me to develop 3 small pieces, all 18 inches square. After focusing on much larger pieces for a couple of years, I found I really enjoyed working at this size. It involves a different set of challenges, the most pressing of which is trying to avoid associations with potholders and placemats.

I was pleased to receive notice that Composition XII (above) was accepted into the exhibition. Along with work by 12 other artists, it will be on view at the Aurora (Colo.) Municipal Court from July 16 – Dec. 17, 2010.

New gallery representation

Also along the lines of variety in life, I spent last week in Door County, Wisconsin, visiting family and exploring the local landmarks and art galleries. On Thursday, I gave an artist’s talk for the Trillium Quilt Guild. I had several of pieces of my textile artwork with me for the talk, and afterwards, while driving back to my aunt’s home, we stopped in a few galleries along the way. In one of them, my aunt discovered a long-lost friend of hers, now the owner of the gallery. To make a long story short, I now have a new gallery representing my work: The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, Wisconsin, where these 3 works are now available.