Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Giveaway Winner, and... The Art of Play

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway! I greatly enjoyed reading what made a year a favorite, and by far I would say that a connection to family and home, marriage and birth, all seemed to be among the top of peoples lists! Congratulations to Rachel of Fog and Thistle you're the winner! I will be contacting you and sending you your calendar ASAP!
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The Art of Play:



My focus on my new line of functional art quilts, (see here, here, here and here) has been derailed by a lack of clear focus and a massive wave of media induced, political ADD. So much is going on outside of me, that I am having a difficult time tuning in the old brain waves into producing clean and simple design. I am the first to admit that I tend to absorb the emotions around me, and am not the best with keeping myself centered. I have come to learn that for me, art is always a response to what ever I am feeling emotionally, and during these last few weeks my emotions have been pretty much disgust with the grown-ups running this world.


Creatively, I have only wanted to rebel from all the seriousness, and play like a 5 year old with her box of wonderfully smelling, newly sharpened crayolas. Scribbling to her hearts content.


However, instead of opening up my magic box of crayons, I turned to fabric and the pages of an old children's dictionary.


The illustrations were done by Joseph Low. I love his style! They take me back and make me feel all happy inside.




I used mostly vintage fabrics,




and kept the edges raw.


Simple embellishment was done with a tiny bit of hand embroidery, text from the dictionary, machine stitching and a few vintage buttons.

I am anxious to get back to my functional art quilts, but I still feel like I need to do a little bit more artful playing. To see each of the little sewn collages in their entirety, go here, here and here. Now go play!

24 comments:

Mrs.French said...

wow these are lovely...they made me smile...keep playing my dear.

gunnelsvensson said...

Yes, keep playing! These fabric collage are so wonderful! Love them!!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, thank you so much Victoria! What a pleasant surprise to be your winner!

And I absolutely *adore* this collage quilt. I'm having a tough time working these dark days as well. I may have to take a page out of your book and just try to summon an inner play spirit to work through it.

High Desert Diva said...

Lucky Rachel!!!

I know what you mean about the politcal ADD. I like your artful playing... bright and cheerful.

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

You amaze me. I am instantly brought back to my own childhood when I see these pieces, and your intentions are quite vivid. I love the analogy of playing with crayons, it was a sweet and lovely impression in my mind. How wonderful to be able to channel this so purely in light of all the outward distractions you are faced with these days.
Bravo!

And, congrats to Rachel! Lucky gal.

jacquie said...

i'm feeling so much like this, but i can't seem to transfer my feelings or channel them into beautiful work like you do. this is so creative and fun...cheered me up first thing in the morning. it's going to be a good day!

Hey Harriet said...

Ooooh that lucky Rachel!

Your new playful creations are so sweet! Considering how you have been feeling lately, you've still managed to create beautiful artworks with such a sense of joy about them :)

kelly said...

I just love these! As always, you continue to wow me!

Victoria Bennett Beyer said...

Victoria, I LOVE your new mini-quilts. I certainly know what it is like to get off track, but sometimes that leads to really great things, like your newest works. Do what ever your brain tells you - it always seems to lead to creative, unique work!

Kim said...

I love love love it!!! So cute.

Hey just wanted to let you know I had a little class in my store and had my chloe pincushion out and got soooo many compliments on it!

SandraRee said...

Congratulations Rachel, I'm so glad you won!

Victoria, great talent comes from discord within. You are a true artist!

I love this latest work as I love all your work! :)

Victoria said...

Thanks everyone! So happy to know that these pieces cheer up others as well!

Kim, great to know that Chloe got to get out and socialize a bit! I am tickled that she was well received! Thanks!

picciolo said...

love the colours and illustrations in this, its gorgeous! And congrats to Rachel for winning your prize too
: )

please sir said...

Very lovely - what a great way to deal with your emotions - and amazing results too!

Rosebud Collection said...

What a lovely job you did..I think your work is so beautiful..

Karen said...

lovely, lovely work Victoria.
p.s. I am addicted to your presidential election!

Victoria said...

Thanks, Please Sir, Rosebud, and Karen!

Also, Karen... I am addicted to this election as well. I have never seen anything like it. I have voted in every election since I turned 18, but I am chomping at the bit to vote this time, practically foaming at the mouth! Never before in my lifetime has there been such an important political time. I pray we can turn this mess around, and get America back on track! I would be very interested in knowing more about how others around the world are perceiving this election, and what their views and thoughts are!

Bascom Hogue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachel said...

Absolutely gorgeous! I love your quilts!

Victoria said...

Bascom... You speak the truth and I concur 100%. It feels like we are on a sinking ship, and the captain and crew are doing everything in their power to insure the ship goes as far down to the ocean floor as possible. We worry of our children's survival, (as the greedy CEO's and power hungry politicians grab all of the life vests for themselves). It's pure madness and the feeling of helplessness is palpable. Instead of grasping at straws, we grasp at the old, and the familiar in an attempt to find comfort and keep our sanity, as we ride this 21st century Titanic.

On a lighter note... Thank you Rachel!

Jo (ruby-jo) said...

Your fabric collages are fantastic! I love the "aprons strings" quilt

Wanda Maria said...

Oh, my gosh - I just stumbled on your blog and I'm so glad I did. I know I've mentioned to you before that I LOVE your work. You are definitely one talented individual.

Warmest regards,

Wanda Eash

http://craftymule.blogspot.com

P.S. If you are interested in trading blog and/or store links, please let me know. I'd love to promote you on my blog. :)

Victoria said...

Thanks Ruby-Jo! I was wondering if anyone would pick up on the apron strings bit!

Wanda, you are so sweet! Thanks so much, I think you are mighty talented yourself!

Angela said...

I love these! The colors are fantastic. Nicely done.