Virginia A. Spiegel

Remembering by Mary Pal
My work combines my interest in fabric, stitch, and texture with depictions of the human condition, focusing on the character and wisdom gained over a lifetime. Using only cheesecloth manipulated with glue, stitched to fabric, I share my endless fascination with the textural interaction of fibres and threads, while inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface of the work to the stories within.

This is one of 200 small artworks to be auctioned starting Monday, September 20 to benefit the Studio Art Quilt Associates. The auction will run in three groups on three consecutive Mondays.  This a great way to begin or add to your art collection. Preview the bidding form and all the artwork here.  Be sure to click on the What You Can’t See on the Computer link for more information about each artwork

Below are two more of my favorite artworks:

Goldenrod Galls 5 by BJ Parady
This piece is part of a series about the loss of prairie in the “prairie state,”Illinois. It is hand-dyed & discharged silk. Very rich, yet subdued color and light.

Winter by Els Vereycken
Gray ink/paint on white cotton with black stitching.

The Benefit Auction raises money to support SAQA’s exhibition, education, and outreach programs.

A little TLC for the big blue marble

Have you heard about the Dream Rocket?  This is a mind-boggling project from Jennifer Marsh and the International Fiber Collaborative:

The wrapping of the Saturn V Rocket will consist of over 8000 fabric and mixed media panels representing dreams for our future and visionaries of our past. Schools, groups, and individuals from  all over the world have been joining in this project for the past six months.”  So far, Jennifer believes they have participants from an estimated 37 states and a dozen countries such as Bangladesh, Kenya, Serbia, Finland, Australia, Norway, Haiti, and Germany. The Dream Rocket’s goal is to gain participants from 100 countries and all 50 states. Participants are encouraged to ask themselves, “What is my dream for a better tomorrow?”

Being subtle is really not needed for a rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty.  For the background of the piece, I cut up an older art quilt and sewed it back together to meet the project’s 2′square size requirements.  I thought recycling would be a good way to further my theme.  This is the back of my Dream Rocket donation:

You can still participate in this landmark collaborative fiber event.  All the details are here.