* COURAGE *
That's what it took to create this original quilt which was shown at the
Tokyo Quilt Festival.
She may not know it, but it took a lot of guts to dream up, and then execute such a bold and original piece.
It's an eye-catcher, with its sassy use of color and value. Boston Terriers are a "trendy" dog right now, and I am guessing that the artist might have been working from photos of her own dog. I only know this is a Boston Terrier because Sam's sax teacher has one! I've seen these dogs in licensed artwork lately, which is why I say it is a trendy dog. They are awful cute!
There is no way you can miss this quilt when you walk by. Everything about it screams "Look at me!" and everyone who stops to look…. smiles and giggles.
So I think this brave and witty quilt artist succeeded in her goal with this piece.
Whether we are expressing subtle elegance, or witty zingers – the colors, the value (light to dark) and the design tell a story in our work.
What are you inspired to create today?
*****
I am actually writing to you from my hotel room in Las Vegas tonight, after spending the day at trend seminars, and walking the big fashion trade show. No, I am not going to post all that I learned today, because I was previewing Spring/Summer 2012 trends, and this is how I stay ahead of my competition! *smile* I get a kick out of the fact that most of the larger over-arching trends are things we've already discussed at the Color Marketing Group conferences. It is good to see how they play out over time.
It is very interesting to go to these vast trade shows, and see how various trends are evolving. Some of them just continue to mutate from year to year, season to season. I am looking out for color and print trends, but they are folded into the larger fashion trends such as Boho, Military/Safari, Retro/Shabby Chic, Country (Little House on the Prairie), etc.
One trend I love, and watch closely, is the Mad Men trend. They are predicting it will expand into a Vintage Hollywood / Glamourous Cinema trend in 2012 which I love. My original interest in sewing and fabric came from watching the old movies as a girl. Edith Head was my hero! (…or would that be … heroine?)
I must admit, I have never seen so many tall skinny girls in super high heels, as I see here. They have them modeling everything from evening gowns to swimsuits. It is funny to watch people's expressions as they walk by and see these girls. My reaction is – my feet hurt when I look at their shoes! I am happy to have my comfy black Keens to walk the show.
Speaking of shoes, you wouldn't believe how many variations of Ugg knock-offs I've seen. The one that made me laugh today came in either snowball white or cotton candy pink, with silver metallic zebra stripes, long hairy-fluffy trim on top, and sparkly stuff dangling from unusable laces. Hard to explain – sorry they don't allow photos here. Just use your fertile imagination!
Thank you so much for your creative nudges ! I’ve been work and schdeule oriented lately, and taking time for your comements feels like an inspiring little tugboat is nudging and scooting me back into the creative currents.
Luana, On Monday I slipped on the ice on my driveway, fell, and broke my left wrist. Thank you for your creative nudge today for two reasons. First, if you look carefully at the quilt above, among the Bostons you will find a black pug. I have two of them at home. Pugs are also trendy dogs (Doritos Superbowl commercials). Second, your last two creative nudges have given me much food for thought–which is good since I have been forbidden to sew/quilt in order to prevent my bones from slipping out of place. Looking positively at this restriction, I can give my full attention to the creative process. I have wanted to explore art quilts/ing and now I have been granted the time to do so. What joy. Keep sending your “nudges.” They are so very valuable to me and many others I am sure.