Monday, April 7, 2014

JEAN WELLS CLASS

Two days in an intensive quilting class makes one tired brain. Jean Wells, queen of the Sisters, Oregon quilt show, brought her unique style and techniques to a large group of us in Ashland, and I'm assuming the other participants share my comments: fantastic content, tons of encouragement, and wonderful sharing and collaboration. It was a great two days. It was full of LINE AND COLOR work.

This was part 2 of her design class and I was fortunate to sneak in when another participant needed to bag out. I prepped what I could with a rendition of an inspirational piece that was a photo of Calle Angel Flores in Mazatlan taken by Joe Price. The essence of this piece that I wanted to express were the lively colors of Mexico.

BUT I am challenged by abstract work, so I went from anal  expression, to a little looser, and looser and on and on. Well, at least that's how it felt. Now I just need to find some time to finish the five pieces I started for an Angel Flores series.

Other participants created some amazing pieces out of complex subject matter: lupine, cacti, a gas station, a forest fire, a shuttered window. They inspired me as I struggled along in finding my way to abstraction.