Dyed fabrics for sale

Every time I start out with a fresh slate and nothing really pressing planned it seems I go from zero to 60 pretty fast. I started out the new year with an empty plate, no shows scheduled, nothing planned except some group shows with work that’s already made. Now, it’s not that the phone has been ringing off the hook with new solo shows (I wish!) but I have managed to fill my time, and more so, through the end of February.

The fact is I finally sat down and spent some time on my computer doing research on calls for entry. I’m now looking toward the future and writing proposals, making plans and drawings, having meetings, and yes, even getting my head around making some small pieces. I submitted an entry for Fantastic Fibers in Kentucky yesterday and am planning on entering a few more local shows in February.

The biggest thing I’m working on is a proposal to create an installation at this year’s Burning Man. A lot of planning is required to build in the harsh environment of the Playa where strong winds, blazing sun, and dust storms can test any structure to its limits. Luckily for me, I have a terrific team including my main collaborator, Peter, who is a general contractor and all around good guy, Ed, an architect who is helping with the plan drawings, and Charlie, an electrician, who is doing research on solar power to light the installation up at night.

The other thing occupying my time is my new venture dyeing fabric for sale. When I started doing dye tests for my dye book I didn’t realize that it would turn into a small business idea. The tests were something I’ve always wanted to do, but really it was a project for the interns while I figured out what to do next. Now, I’ve had this really great opportunity arise to be a vendor at Lorraine Torrance’s Wearable Art Intensive. My start up costs are really low and she’s been very welcoming. It’s a perfect situation to try out something I’ve thought about doing for years. If it goes well, it could be a low-key way to bring in a little cash. I just want to make sure it’s not something that will take away from art making.

And then, a few things are coming to an end. I found out that I’ll need to deinstall my Bellevue Storefronts piece earlier than planned because the building management leased the space. Oh well, it was always a possibility and good for them, still it’s disappointing. I’ll also be deinstalling my piece at the Bellevue Arts Museum in early February. I’m a little sad about it but it’s been an amazing opportunity. I’m very appreciative that Stefano Catalani, head curator there, invited me to create the piece. Now I’ve got to figure out what to do with it next!

So, the cycle continues: concept, planning, making, showing, sales (?), and taking it all down again, and on to the next project.

Annie and Arissa hard at work

Arissa has joined me as an intern from the University of Washington’s School of Art this quarter along with my other intern, Annie. I’m taking this wealth of help to add to my dye sample book. On Friday we did gradation tests with nine steps each for ten sets of two colors. That adds up to 90 tiny dye baths. It’s so valuable to see all those steps in between colors but it’s not something  I can often take the time to do. I’ve been working on my dye book for over ten years and I don’t think it will ever be done.

While I had all that dye mixed up I dyed some yardage to donate to the Contemporary Quilt Art Association’s fundraiser at Stash Fest. The fabric turned out really beautifully and it made me think again about selling hand-dyed fabrics. It’s something I’ve thought about over the years but haven’t ever pursued. Now, with the new studio, my monthly expenses have tripled so much it’s got me thinking a little more about ways to increase cash flow. I casually mentioned the idea of selling my fabrics to friend at CQA and she knows of a great opportunity for me to try it out. More to come on that I hope!

Here are some images of the color tests. More of those to come, too.