Category: Art shows

I love the stories I hear while at the Art Shows.  

A woman tells me how she became the recipient of one of my quilts.

And, attached with the quilt, was a letter.

I told her I would love to see the quilt and letter, so she sent me both via a text yesterday.

I am not sure who he is to her, for I loved the story, I forgot how he was related to her.

Here is the part of the letter…

"Left for Marquette 11AM. Stopped at the Hillside (4 rolls). Stopped at Huron Bakery (1 loaf of pumpernickel) Stopped at Menards (Light fixture for over our sink.) Then on to Sweet Water Cafe. Placed my order and waited 30 minutes before it came. Meanwhile I kept looking at this tapestry right in front of me. They have local artists creations on the walls for sale.  As I kept looking at it, it looked very much like the art you do, Heide. After 30 minutes of pondering I bought it."

"The reason I went to Marquette was to have my heart monitor checked out. It will not send my info to the hospital via the phone. Recently the Bluffs had a new fiber optic lines installed for their phone system.

"Well, with all the shopping and pondering, etc. I forgot to go to the cardiac dept. — and it's all your fault Heide! Never gave the clinic a thought all day. Drove back to Houghton directly to Quincey's Restaurant – petite filet (med-rare) and a Beefinator Martini."

"Don't get to high and mighty. It comes with a price. It is to cover all birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays and much more for a whole year. I picture it being placed on a wall in your house studio."  

"Love Robert"

OX

First of all, I LOVE that his excitement erased the reason for his trip to Marquette.

And, even knowing it was a years worth of gifts all rolled in to one, he bought it.

Out of the blue, inspired while waiting on his food, in a cafe surrounded by art.

I loved how she saved the letter, and keeps it with the quilt.

It was so fun hearing the story, and then getting to see the quilt she was talking about!

Thanks so much for sharing this, Heide

I will have to try and collect stories as I move forward.

What a cool book it would make!

What inspires folks to buy my art.

It is the day before the Keweenaw Art Affair, my ladies are priced, packed and ready to be on display.  The different stages of selling art, is unlike any other activity I have experienced.

First is the shopping for the fabric, buying things that excite my soul and delight my eyes.

Then, I get to play with the fabric, creating images that often seemingly come from nowhere.

Often, I know what I 'should' be doing for the art show, but instead I meander off onto something totally random.

It isn't until it is time to price and organize, I wonder "Will anyone but me find delight in these?" "Are these really art worthy?"  "Will they look like the sewing dervish of a crazy lady in their expressions."  

New this year are naked ladies.

How will they be received, intrigues me.

I love their freedom and boldness.

The playing with my soul, will now be viewed by many.

What will they see and feel?

You have to be secure enough in yourself to stand strong as your soul seems to be seen and judged.

If I didn't have so much fun, I am not sure I would be able to be so present with my ladies.

The pricing is usually my last step.

It can be hard to seemingly price your soul.

The delight seems to vanish and all that is left are critical eyes.

And faint murmurings of the quilt police.

I usually can find the place where I don't want to insult my lady.

So, I can price them in a way that is honorable, yet affordable – being that it is unique one of a kind piece of art.

I am ready to set up the display and see many of my delightful hours on display.

As I look upon the heap of quilts that I created on my couch, I wondered about the actual benefits of doing Art.  Where in the process does is the actual therapy involved? I used to believe, it gave me agency, when I felt I had none.  Now, I am wondering just how it enhances my life.

Is it when your Art is in a Gallery, or in an Art Show?

Both of these events are kinda nerve wracking, for you are displaying what feels like your inner being.

At times when I see the whole pile, it feels like over indulgence or perhaps a manic behavior.

Is my mental being on display in my art and what is it saying?

I think about how I feel doing Art and it feels like an escape or perhaps a break from mind chatter. It is a present moment activity.

Would then the pile on the couch indicate the many hours of peace and present moments I have had?

Am I seeing piles of therapy hours in art form?

Therapy hours that now will be making their way to the Art Stroll in Marquette.

Therapy hours that mostly are women being, moving and enjoying life.

Am I still subconsciously creating where I am in my world?

I think I thought, that art was giving to me, but maybe it is a place for me.

A place where I can disappear, to appear.

Appear in a fantasy of colors, shapes and designs; to be a creator or one in control.

Life unfolds in ways we have no control over and I must feel a relief of some sort to be in in control while doing art.

Putting colors and contrasting fabrics together, making them be in harmony with each other.  Making strong and empowered women doing what they love, gives me the permission to do the same.

And, I see my art as imperfect.

It wouldn't pass muster with the Quilt Police.

My art in its casual form allows me to be me and not follow what others believe I should or shouldn't be doing.

Living life imperfectly, my art and I!

Last summer I heard about the downtown Marquette Art Stroll and I loved this idea!

This summer it will take place on Thursday June 27th  4:00 – 7:00 pm and my Art will be part of the Stroll!  Alley Kat's Quilt Shop on Washington Street will be my host!

What a perfect combination – a Quilt shop and Fiber Art.  And, this shop is one of my favorite places for finding fabulous fabrics!

They are asking, if possible, that our art be on display at the venue for the entirety of Art Week – Monday June 24 through Saturday June 29.  It is my intention to get my art on display for this week.

So, if you love to stroll and love art this may be something to add to your summer calendar!

I am excited to be part of this and to have my art shown in a new area!

My lady is on the stroll!