I am toweled off, parrots are back in cages waiting for brekkie, and I will begin again. It’s a life skill. If you ever think “Gee, I might like a parrot,” read this blog. I am doing a community service, here. My feet stick to the floor as a schlep over to the counter for a refill. Ok. Where was that train of thought I had fifteen minutes ago? Has it left the station?
Oh yeah, art! Went to the Mancuso World Quilt New England show in Manchester NH yesterday after Judy posted about it. A perfect jaunt for summer’s end. Was nice to bump into Andrea up there, at the first vendor’s booth I hit, too! Have to say, I like traditional quilting and appreciate the expressive work that goes into just about anything handmade. A lot of this work in this show, though, was just not exhibition quality in my humble opinion. A lot, and I mean a lot, of derivative work that showed skill but little creative energy or spark. I buzzed by about 90% of the exhibit and actually heard myself emit a few groans at some of the pieces. The terribly shallow thought of “Why would someone even make that?” popped into my head. Maybe it should have been “Why would anyone put that in an exhibit like this?” Mean, I know, but to be honest, it was an almost involuntary response.
About ten percent of the work was beautiful, boundary pushing, delightful, and original. It mostly came from England (no surprise there!), South Africa, and Australia. I took a bunch of photos that are on my uncharged phone right now, and will pull a few out for tomorrow’s post. I loved seeing the ways different quilts achieved physical dimensionality and layering of parts, as that is what I am currently seeing in my head. Beautiful craftsmanship and innovative embellishments in some pieces, too. What troubled me about the exhibit is the overall average and banal quality of the work brought down the appearance of the better pieces. It felt a little disjointed and half-cheeked, if you get my drift. I think it might have been a question of curation, as opposed to the work itself. Instead of grouping pieces by country of origin, maybe a little more care in the type of work would have been better. You never know what you are going to get at a quilt show!
The vendors were great...unfortunately. I found a bit of wool, and silk, and thread from Germany that looks like parrot feathers. Although right now that isn’t appealing. I also was able to restock my supply of Angelina fibers. All of these things will miraculously become part of the digital series that is on deck in my art room. As soon as the Juki machine comes back from the hospital. Poor baby. I called yesterday and heard her parts were spread out all over the bench and the repair guy wouldn’t be done until at least Monday. So undignified. And I can’t even visit her.
Well, off to feed the farm and then Begin Cleaning the Floors and more in this house that needs it really, really, badly. Cheers!