The Butterfly Project

No challenge had been issued in October (the fabric dying party) to bring to the November Art Quilt Group meeting, so we had show-n-tell and discussion.  One member suggested exploring the critique process.  I think this is a great idea and potentially a useful way for each of us to get feedback on the journey to being better artists.  In fact, Marilyn, Elaine, and I had had this discussion some months back, and we’ve already done some of the research.  I’m looking forward to seeing this initiative move forward in future meetings.

As for my own work, I’ve been all over the place.  It’s really been a case of too much inspiration and not enough motivation.  New and enticing techniques keep popping up everywhere, either from the Quilting Arts TV program, or Quilting Arts Magazine, or through reading I’m doing – Jane Dunnewold’s book on surface design.  I guess it’s great that these many new techniques are quickly developing into idea for projects…but where to start?!

One project I’ve had in mind to do is a piece (or several pieces) for the Holocaust Museum Houston’s Butterfly Project.  They are collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies (any medium, no larger than 8” x 10”, preferably two-dimensional, no glitter or glitter-related products or food items [macaroni, etc.]) to represent the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust.  Even though the deadline is far off – December 2012 – I’ve been eager to get started…and hopefully get others involved as well.

I’ve now made my first butterfly.  I developed a design and silk screened it onto fabric – another new process I’ve never done before, using photo emulsion.  Basically, I made a mini-quilt and embellished with paint and beads.  I took the piece to share with group.  I also took two silk screens I have come up with so far, and we printed butterflies on fat quarters.  How convenient that we meet in a quilt shop!  I’m looking forward to seeing what others do with their butterflies, and hopefully at least a few of the creations will find themselves winging their way to Houston.

For more information, see the Holocaust Museum Houston’s website:  http://www.hmh.org/ed_butterfly1.shtml

What could be happier than butterflies…unless it’s creating butterflies…as usual, be happy, be creative!