On Sunday morning Leona started the day out at a table laden with her creative explorations based on her Art Nouveau and Art Deco artists/architects study about Victor Horta, Alfonse Mucha and Erté.  A well-known and established fiber artist, Leona has decided that she has made a breakthrough into journal making and mixed media. The work for the exhibition will delight everyone!

Pat began her study based on the limited color palette used by David Milne. Indepth research lead her to explore mark making, and when she found a collection of  metallic markers Pat was off into her own world of experimentation. In addition she created several dimensional pieces while experimenting with wheat paste. She is still planning on trying her hand on her friends’ printing press… there is nothing stopping this artist!

Wendy is a successful artist who has made her living as a potter and art educator for over 35 years. To have her in the class is always a delight and keeps me striving for excellence. Wendy “humored” me with one of the “basic” exercises… which made way for a whole new body of work.

These are just two small examples of where the basic design exercise took Wendy…

Jaynie returned this year to take the Advanced design class. She was one of the original students from the winter of 2012. Her study subject is Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal. This presentation folder is entirely made of fabric with a pieced brick pattern inside and the softer stone colors so reminiscent of Cardinal’s physical buildings on the outside. This is only her presentation “folder” – can’t wait to see the final project!

Debbie’s fascination and previous experiences as an award winning floral designer led her to explore Frank Gehry, another Canadian born architect. She embraced the curved designs and mixed materials in her design exercises and added textures that just call out to be quilted – which will lead to support her current career as a professional machine quilter. I am not alone when I state that we all look forward to seeing her final 3 dimensional project.

Lynn’s inspirational source came from Georgia O’Keefe and the way she depicted flowers. As a result Lynn did not embrace the black and white exercises but ventured into strong color work. She brought not only her samples and sketches but had several luscious woven scarves and quilted table runners for this sharing session. Her final presentation piece is well under way. All I will share here – it is a 3 D piece that will leave no doubt about what and who the inspiration was.

This image of Gillian is a little fuzzy – but her enthusiastic presentation about architect Zaha Hadid and contemporaries was full of movement and joy. Her research was far reaching and all encompassing to say the least. She has planted many ideas among her class mates and me. We anxiously look forward to her final presentation piece which will embrace the 3 D aspects of her favorite architect’s designs.

Susan is passionate about 1920s fashion and its foremost designer George Barbier. Susan ventured into line studies and did not hold back when it came to the black, white and silver sketches for homework. At this time Susan is contemplating the final project which will be a piece that bridges time between the early 20th and 21st centuries…

Brenda’s study subject is William Hogarth, a 18th century British artist and social critic. Brenda has embraced this artist by exploring metal etchings and countless sketches. Her final rug hooked exhibition piece is based on one of her thumbnail studies.