Face Forward with the Friendship Knots

In mid November, I went to Sarasota, FL. to present a lecture and a one day workshop for the Friendship Knot Quilt Guild.  Here is a quick photo I took as the hundred or so members were gathering for their meeting.

They were a very friendly group, and several said they had enjoyed my solo exhibit of portraits at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.  My lecture included a power point presentation about my artistic journey and the art quilts that I currently am making.  The audience was attentive, even in the warm, dark room, and they mostly laughed when I hoped they would.
The guild treated me to an outstanding buffet dinner at a Mennonite restaurant nearby!  It felt like Thanksgiving, even though it was only the 19th of November.
The next day, twenty some ladies and I explored the process of making portraits in cloth.  We took it one step at a time, and built confidence along the way.  Each student had purchased a few thrift store clothing items to share.  We accomplished quite a lot, even before breaking for lunch!  Here are a few photos of our morning progress:

After lunch, we tackled noses, mouths, and held an uplifting critique session. These ladies are a talented group of artists, and a pleasure to work with.  I wish I would have gotten some photos of the portraits before everyone left for the day.  Here are a few more shots from the early afternoon:

 We had a great time working, playing, and learning together.  I think these will turn out to be some dynamic portraits when they are complete.  The artists were both courageous and thoughtful as they built their characters in fabrics.  Thank you, Friendship Knot Quilt Guild - I loved my visit with you.

Kyoto, continued

               

                                     Wed. Jan 24, 2018    Notes from my journal - 

Another large shrine this morning. (Heianjingu) You pay, you bow, you clap, you pray, you bow.  Cold day today!!!

              Prayers, thanks, and wishes are tied to the branches of these bushes.

Next we went to the Museum of Traditional Crafts, where we were given special permission to take photos. 

                         2 hours for lunch and shopping (and in my case, photography!)

                                               What a truly magical place this is!!!

Next we went to a workshop to try the Kyo-Yuzen technique of stencil painting onto a canvas bag. 

 We were then fortunate to walk to a studio in the neighborhood where some gentlemen were painting long lengths of fabric for obi.  Obi are like a wide belt to wrap around a kimono.

Hustled to a shopping mall near our hotel.  Found a few trinkets to bring home, and some interesting sights along the way.  

                                                               Interesting translations!

Walked back to the hotel in HEAVY wind. Then back to mall area again for a 'pancake' dinner and a small beer.  

 I’m getting some wonderful portraits – a lady in her exercise class posed specially for me, and our waitress at dinner was gorgeous!!!