2020 is here!
Happy New Year! 2020 is here!
I'm going to jump straight in and let you know about some upcoming workshops..
Next week I'll be in Melbourne at Sewn and Quilted as part of their Summer School.
On Monday 20th Jan, there are still a couple of places if you like to come and learn one of my Ric-Rac quilts, Ric Rac Razzamazz or Charming Smiles.
The Illawarra Quilters are Ric Rac Razzamatazz super quilters!! They made all sorts of wonderful versions.
So beautiful in its simplicity.
Amazing quilting!!
and my new version to show people that it doesn't always need to be made with a black background and that you can use different size ric-rac.
and the ever charming Charming Smiles so pretty in 30's fabrics and vintage buttons.
Then on Thursday 23rd Jan, I'm teaching Organic Quilting, the sort of quilting that adds the maker's hand to a quilt. These stitches can really add another interest to your quilts. This workshop is a lovely day of playing with stitches and chatting about life and lovely things.
It's going to be a wonderful week of sewing fun with that happy Summer School vibe in the air.
Call Carol at Sewn and Quilted if you'd like to come along on (03) 9877 1664
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Another upcoming workshop ..
The Blue Mountains Quilters are having a sewing retreat on the 18th & 19th of April.
I'll be teaching Whizz Bang! in the Mountains!! Would you believe I've taught these blocks in all sorts of fabulous places around the world but this is the first time I'll be teaching them in the Blue Mountains. You don't have to be a member of the Blue Mountains Quilters to do the workshop (there is a joining fee) so everyone is welcome. I haven't actually checked to see if there are spaces left so if you are interested definitely jump in quickly. It's a 2 day workshop. For more information email Robyn at bluemountainsquilters@gmail.com .
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There's still a week to see the Behind the Scene exhibition at Braemar Gallery in Springwood, Blue Mountains.
I proposed a couple of different works but in the end it was Lolly Bliss Bombs that was picked.
I've been humbled by the wonderful feedback I've had about it from fellow artists and visitors to the gallery when I've been there on my volunteer shifts.
There are quite a few textile works in the show, a whole room in fact, from knitting to quilts, and felting, along with all sorts of paintings, drawings photographs and sculptures. It's the sort of exhibition that has something for everyone. The exhibition closes this Sunday, but then I'll be back in May with a solo show of my quilts. Very Exciting!! More about that closer to the time.
Some photo fun with the temporary sculpture at the front of the gallery.
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And another fun story of art to tell you.. Last year an artist called Amy Grigg contacted me out of the blue, she'd come across a photo of me in my patchwork princess dress online and wanted to use it as inspiration for a portrait. Well! I couldn't say no to that!
I sent Amy a few photos of me and she worked her magic to create this beautiful painting called A Warm Quilt on A Winters Day.
Its almost a Mona Lisa smile don't you think? It's quite surreal to look at such a realistic painting of oneself.
Such beautiful painted patchwork.
Here is the painting hanging as part of the Fisher's Ghost Art Award.
A Warm Quilt On A Winters Day will be on show again as part of the Blue Mountains Portraits Exhibition, showcasing portraits of people who are part of the diverse Blue Mountains community.
I know I didn't paint the painting but it's a huge honour to be a person in the painting in the exhibition. The show is on at the Cultural Centre in Katoomba from the 25th January until the 22nd March.
Amy is a professional face painter, you can visit her website here. or visit her instagram feed @amy_grigg .
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To finish up, a selection of photos of the Blue Mountains some old some recent.
Thankfully Mr Daisy and I have been safe from the fires but it's been overwhelmingly sad to hear of the destruction and devastating loss of lives, homes and wildlife. I don't have the words to share my thoughts at this stage, except for mountains and mountains of gratitude to all those who have been fighting the fires.
Smokey days make you realise how special fresh air is.
A burst of colour to finish.
I'll be back soon,
or perhaps I'll see you in one of my workshops :)
11 Comments
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post; your book is very firmly on my wish list :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, I wish you lots of creativity and inspirations!
xx
Happy new year dear Rachael ! I wish you the best for this new year !
ReplyDeleteI wish I could attend one of your classes! But alas, I am all the way at the other end of the earth, and I don't have the funds to fly to you! I really enjoy reading about and seeing all you have done. You are a fantastic artist. Love the portrait that was done of you, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLast but not least...I LOVE those socks!!!
Your photos are all lovely, and I especially love the painting of yourself. Amy has caught your look perfectly. Also great to hear you are still safe!! Happy New Year Rachel!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant as usual...my friend...all lovely xo
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Rachael! Looks like you're off to a very colourful, fun start.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2020 dear Rachaeldaisy !
ReplyDeleteBut don't forget to be kind to yourself and take some days-off !
The Best to you, you deserve it!
What a gorgeous portrait of you! It's certainly captured your brightness and colourful personality xx
ReplyDeleteI love that painting of you!! I love how it captures your sweet smile. :-) And I feel for Australia in the midst of the fires: we we evacuated last fall and if it weren't for the amazing, brave (I don't have enough good descriptive words for them!) fire fighters, our town would have been wiped off of the map (well, that and the inercession of God, in changing the direction the wind blew on the night our town was surrounded.) You all have been in my prayers. And keep your doors and windows shut: the effects of the smoke have created more asthma and breathing problems in this area than there ever was before. Hope the rain comes soon for you all!!!!! Hugs, H
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a lot to keep you busy and that is only the start of the year.
I hope the smoke clears before you arrive next week. It would be lovely to have clear skies.
After all that is going on here it is lovely to see some photos with colour and green. Keep them coming.
I think the portrait is stunning. What an honour to have this done.
Have a great year!
Thank you so much for leaving me a comment. I love to hear your thoughts. I don't always have time to reply but your wonderful words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.