Hills & Valleys

I live in the hills & valleys of West Virginia. Today they are an apt metaphor for the ups & downs of my quilting and art making. Went to the local quilt fest yesterday where I had six pieces displayed. Two were ribbon winners from a previous show and four were from my new blue fused series that were done this summer.

The valley: Well, first of all, I couldn't find the fused pieces, they were tucked in behind the giant queen-sized traditional quilts and no one else will see them either. There is nothing in the show remotely like them, which makes me a little cocky and proud. Second, the judging was done by an 80 yr. old male basketmaker. Uncle Phil, as we all know him, is a sweetheart, but he doesn't know much about contemporary art quilts. There were some beautiful quilts there (you know about WV and her quiltmakers) and exquisite craftsmanship. But on a personal level, thank goodness for this web ring and the knowledge that there is a larger world out there.

The hill: I'm taking off in a couple of hours for deepest, darkest Cleveland and two days with Caryl Bryer Fallert. I'll be climbing that metaphoric hill, stretching, striding, panting, gasping, but at last coming out on top at a new place. I'm really looking forward to learning something new and to being opened artistically by Caryl. Look for photos next week. And as always, thanks for your gentle help along my hills & valleys. (And yarn, yum! I'll be visitng a great little yarn shop in Oberlin.)