Vision Quest First Layer

My time at Legend Rock and my research into the Dinwoody tradition of petroglyphs has inspired me to continue my series of art pieces including screen printed petroglyphs.

The Dinwoody petroglyphs represent three different peoples - Sky People, Ground People, and Water People. I painted my background to show all three regions. Then I fused on a sun made of hand dyed silk organza and a couple of hand dyed strips. I added my first layer of block printing with a handcut printing block.

In more recent times, Shoshone warriors have traveled to petroglyph areas on a vision quest. Dinwoody Petroglyphs are almost always located near water - facing water. The vision seeker would bathe in the water as part of their quest.

I have felt somewhat stagnant in my creativity and I am hoping this piece will lead me to a more creative exploration. So far, so good.

Citrus Cooler

Little White Lines SeriesThis piece was painted with thickened MX dyes after the Elmers Glue gel lines dried. I made an effort to mix the colors by painting "outside the lines".

Unintentionally, the colors are very citrus like and thus the name "Citrus Cooler". I really enjoy the hand stitching and embellishing with buttons. This is somehow very satisfying to me.

• This little piece is only 19 x 18".

Little White Lines Series

Thanks so much to all who left nice comments about my studio. I admit it is a fabulous workspace and it allows me to do serious work.

I am working on a new series, which I am currently calling "Little White Lines" for lack of a better name. The series involves drawing lines with Elmers Glue gel prior to painting with MX dye or Setacolor paints. After washing out the glue, and lightly quilting along the white lines, I am doing a great deal of handwork. I am really liking the process as well as the effect of stitching rows and rows of little parallel lines in strategic locations and embellishing with buttons.

I've realized how very much this series reflects my enjoyment of my life right now. After several years of being thrown off course with family issues - it is such a joy to be able to find time to focus on my own self expression.

I've done some larger - more interesting pieces in this series but am not showing them on the blog right now because I hope to enter them in a couple of shows and there are now such restrictions on previously shown works. I just want to play it safe in case I can get something accepted into a show somewhere.