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Monthly Archives: June 2010 As mentioned earlier, Nancy Crow’s barn is situated on a five-acre farm near Columbus Ohio. I always feel a sense of relief when I get here… usually it’s been a long trip and with this place being so breathtaking and all, one can’t help but feel a sudden sense of peacefulness. The barn and yard...  For those of you who are even the slightest bit curious about what goes on at a Nancy Crow workshop, this post is for you. Nancy and her family live on a picturesque five-acre farm near Columbus Ohio. Each time I’ve been there, the weather has been different; once it snowed, once it rained and... by robin 4 comments 
June 13, 2010 - 1:24 am
thanks for sharing your most recent experiences at Nancy’s. It is truly a gift to be able to work in a caring, sharing, refreshing environment because it is hard work. but rewarding. Love the new directions. Like Julie I love the variety of creams and the great dark organic lines. 
June 9, 2010 - 11:21 am
I got female anatomy from that piece even before reading your comments about it. Maybe those are just “feminine” lines. 
June 9, 2010 - 1:53 am
Robin, I met you at Nancy’s this Spring. I was in the dye studio with Carol Soderland’s class. We spoke briefly about children and parenting. I enjoy the way you share your experiences, almost as much as I enjoy your photography! My condolences to you and your family as you work through your recent loss of your dad. It is really tough. Your honesty and sharing of your feelings is amazing. Thanks for sharing your experiences at the Barn with Nancy. I am taking two weeks with her in the Fall after getting over my fears of listening to the myths surrounding her teaching style. Take care, Diana 
June 8, 2010 - 11:06 pm
i really love that cream and black line piece. it reminds me of some of the work by spanish artist pablo palazuelo who has a way of working with thin and thick lines and the forms they hold that is truly captivating. what an inspirational trip! There has been a flurry of discussion on SAQA’s Yahoo web forum lately… I’ve not had time to read all the posts to this issue, but I do understand the crux of the situation, “How does one define originality?” and “Where is the threshold for originality?” Turns out, they have this issue in all sorts... by robin 3 comments
June 7, 2010 - 1:48 pm
Great find! (TED Talks rock.) I have read a bit of the “what is original?” conversation and quickly decided that it sounded like a bunch of nitpicking and excuses rather than just moving on and making the art us artists are compelled to make. As the video says, the high end fashion has a different demographic than the knock-offs. So perhaps our art quilt version is that the buyers, collectors, and jurors can recognize the artists who are working hard and pushing boundaries (one demographic of artists) over the ones who are merely sweeping up the crumbs following the trends (another demographic) and will make their choices accordingly just as some fashionistas shop knockoffs and some shop at Fashion Week . The shoe designer hit the nail on the head when he recognized that with so many copies, he just had to up his game. So, to the quilt artists on the web forum, I think the question is not “what is original?” but “what will you do to up YOUR game?” 
June 7, 2010 - 12:49 pm
very interesting video…in the last week, two quilt designs in my notebook have appeared…one in a book and one in a pattern…i’ve been struggling a bit with the whole concept of originality lately…my son (in the music industry) and i had a long conversation about originality and innovation last night. thanks so much for sharing this. 
June 7, 2010 - 5:57 am
I totally agree with her point of view. In the art quilt world, we’re all working with the same common materials. Hand dyed fabrics are more the norm than something unique. Embellishments etc. are available to everyone. Nancy Crow has a very recognizable style that many emulate as do other artists and you see those influences in the work of many. So how do we make this work as an individual. What differentiates us from everyone else. I propose that it doesn’t matter. We have to answer truly to ourselves and what gives us joy. I have found in the past that when I try to conform to someone else’s idea of what is good art, quite frankly I produce crap. When I listen to my own “inner muse” then others respond to my work favorably and I feel good about what I’m doing. In the end, we can’t be anyone but ourselves. I am inspired by other artists – I take that inspiration in, chew it up, and spit it out as something that reflects my aesthetics, sense of design, and purpose. In my local art community, I’ve seen a bit of my own style in others’ work. I take it as a compliment. If we inspire others to create their own view of the world, bravo! Creation is the common bond.  I’d like to thank all those who purchased fabric from me yesterday… gosh it went quickly!! One side note: Debbie, if you are reading this, please send me another email… I’ve been trying to contact you but the email address I have for you is incorrect. Being back here in this space has been a... by robin 1 comment 
June 5, 2010 - 7:48 am
Robin: Glad you’re feeling better. Are you up to posting about your experience at the Barn? I saw a movie the other day called North Face…about an ascent on the Eiger. The german actress in the film reminded me of you. Around the eyes. Check it out. I don’t know if you’ll agree with me. But the plus side is she was definitely lovely. Best wishes.  Okay, as promised a long time ago, here is some of my hand-dyed fabric for sale! I’ve clustered them into rolls of six colors, each color being 6 x 42 inches. The price – $27.50 plus $2.50 for S&H. As with all my hand-dyed fabrics, they fall on the solid end of the solid –... by robin 3 comments 
July 2, 2010 - 3:46 pm
Oooh, I wish I would’ve known before they sold out. I would’ve ordered one in a heartbeat. 
June 4, 2010 - 8:09 pm
Almost makes me want to quilt. 
June 4, 2010 - 3:00 pm
These are devine! I bought the new book out with 900 recipes for color and can’t wait ubtil Relay for life is over so I can concentrate on dyeing some new colors. |
Nancy’s commitment to doing the work is very commendable and it’s great to hear that she inspires others to put in the effort as well. I look forward to seeing where you take your most recent Crow inspiration.
by robin
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