Virginia A. Spiegel

Portage:  Set Forth

The Studio Art Quilt Associates benefit reverse auction, One Square Foot, opens tomorrow.  My Portage: Set Forth is in the first group of 12″ square art quilt that will be available with the price dropping each day. 

SAQA is “a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt through education, exhibitions, professional development and documentation.”  I am happy to donate this artwork to further the goals of this professional organization.

I actually took photos during the creation of this artwork; read my Technique Talk here.

Boundary Waters 32

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Marsh

Remember Jennifer Marsh and her collaborative project covering a gas station with fiber for which I sent this piece?

Jennifer has a new collaborative project in motion for 2009.  She is seeking 30,000 handmade leaves to cover a full-size tree sculpture called Interdependence.  

According to Jennifer, The International Fiber Collaborative announces its 2008–2009 project, Interdependence. Participants will create a full-sized tree for display in April 2009 at Big Springs International Park.

Much like a live tree is interdependent on its leaves and roots for survival, societies are interdependent on the greater whole, family units, communities, and countries.

Participants from around the world are welcome to create leaves to contribute to the creation of the tree. In total, up to 30,000 leaves may be used.

Leaves should be created using fiber or fiber techniques. Entrants are encouraged to be creative in deciding on materials and techniques, and may paint, stitch, crochet, patch, quilt, knit, or glue (water resistant glue).

Each leaf should measure  roughly 5 in. wide (at its thickest) x 7 in. long. Leaves may also have shape and dimension. Submissions may relate to interdependence in a social, economical, political, ecological, or geographical way. The tree’s trunk and branches will all be wrapped with handmade fiber sleeves. 

Leaves are due by March 15, 2009.  Mail to:  

Department of Art & Art History, RH 313, UAHuntsville, 301 Sparkman Dr. Huntsville, AL 35899

Jennifer let me know that no real tree will be harmed as the tree for this project will be constructed of steel. You don’t need to put any kind of “stem” on the leaf as Jennifer will take care of that.

A new website for this project will be up soon; if you have any questions you may contact Jennifer at blueangle1412(at)yahoo.com

Imperfect

It’s so easy this time of year to focus on all the heart-stopping beauty of the trees changing colors, but I like this imperfect look of these hickory leaves.  From a distance my big hickory trees are a waterfall of gold, but up close the effects of the wear-and-tear of the summer are clearly seen. 

Haiku count since July 14: 415

Of course, there’s a new post in The Garbage Day Project.

And, lastly, I’m a Twitter-er.  If you want news as it happens, visit my Twitter (just writing it makes me laugh) page  here.

Boundary Waters - Study (Detail)

Today (Friday, October 17) only, you may choose any one piece of art at a 25% discount.  

I’m celebrating my birthday month and today is my once-a-year thank-you to all of you for another great year.

Shipping is, as always, free for current patrons and I do accept PayPal.

Visit my website and browse through my galleries of artwork, make your choice and e-mail me at Virginia(at)VirginiaSpiegel.com

As promised, here are two special artwork, not on my website, that are available as part of the celebration:

Boundary Waters - Study
See detail above. 

This is part of the Boundary Waters series. 
White cotton fabric, upholstery fabric, duck cloth felt, paint, thread.  
Paint, screen print, stitch.
12.25×8.25″  Framing recommended.
$140 (Birthday Celebration:$105)
SOLD - Collection of Irene M. Peake

Portage: Journey With Joy

This is part of the Portage series.
White cotton fabric, paint, graphite.
Painted, hand written. Bound with 1/4″ hand-dyed green cotton binding. 
14×11.75″
$225 (Birthday Celebration: $169 )

Portage:  Journey With Joy (Detail)