It's always such a good feeling to return to my tiny studio in my house after being away from home. I've mostly been away for teaching trips and leading textile tours in the past. Last month, I combined three trips in one long trip so I could take care of these in one round-trip flight.
First, I flew down to LAX to meet and visit artists whom I want to invite to the future exhibit I plan to curate with Miran Lee in 2026. Visiting Adam Pogue's studio in downtown LA was a wonderful treat since I've been wanting to meet him for a long time. Dong Kyu Kim and I did a presentation for SDA a few years ago, and I finally got to meet him in person. Caitlin Parker was another artist I met in my online class, and so lovely to meet and chat with her.
Before I headed to San Diego for the next part of this trip, I got to see and have dinner with my daughter and my son-in-law.
The next day, I started my day early to film two projects for the Crafter's Box. Filming projects require lots of prep, and I made multiple sets of projects with many steps. Talking in front of the camera always makes me feel nervous, but the experienced Crafter staff and the camera crews made me feel comfortable so I didn't make that many "stop and start again" moments.
I will share more information when we launch the projects.
After a busy two days of filming, I was picked up by Christine from Canyon Quilters of San Diego. She took me to the Visions Art Museum, where I was lucky to see Eszter Bornemisza's exhibit and other special exhibits.
Another place we visited was a historic mansion museum, the Villa Montezuma, where my friend, Marty O's one of two exhibits was going on there.
These exhibitions are showing until April 27, so if you are in the San Diego area, please go see Marty's artwork!
Marty was my host during the third part of the trip and I had a great time with Marty, Steve, Mango, and Hedgehog. My hosts made me feel so comfortable while I was staying as their house guest. Every morning, I started my day with Steve's fancy cappuccino. Many thanks to the Ornish family not only good food but also for the conversations we had!
I taught a workshop and gave talks to Canyon Quilters and Kaleidoscope quilt guilds and met wonderful quilters.
I have been a member of the Surface Design Association (SDA) for several years. SDA offers many wonderful programs that constantly inspire me.
I felt very honored and surprised when the SDA invited me as a guest curator for this year'sExhibition in Print, Embrace: Expect the Unexpected.
This year's EIP celebrates artists who accept the challenge of embracing the unexpected. Navigating both the positive and negative elements of change is challenging, yet adaptation can spark exponential growth and knowledge.
Accepting mistakes and imperfections, embracing identities and true selves, and confronting difficulties head-on can yield remarkable transformations. At the same time, the embrace from a creative community—whether physical or metaphorical—can provide a positive and supportive system that propels artists and their creations.
This call seeks works addressing an unexpected outcome or change, whether in the creative process or one’s own life. “Expect the Unexpected” can encompass embracing one’s true and multifaceted identity, the simple yet meaningful act of embrace, and the boldness required to take risks.
The exhibition is open to all artists, with a discounted entry fee offered to SDA members and students. Artists may enter up to 3 artworks. 2D and 3D works are eligible, as is documentation of time-based media, performance, or conceptual work. Only photographic documentation of work will be considered.
My book is coming out! One of my big projects from last year is finally on its way to you all. The book will be available on September 17th, 2024 and if you want a signed copy, you can pre-order from my website. Many thanks to those of you already made an order! Your support and love means a lot to me! PRE-ORDER HERE
