Monday, January 01, 2007

Happy New Year!

Dan Olfe, Stir It Up

Patty Hawkins, The Light of Day (Diptych)2005,
36" x 39", 48" x 39"Pieced and fused



It's been a busy few days since I last blogged, more family gatherings, a visit to my neice's new house, a surprise anniversary party (for someone else). House cleaning and projects still in progress. Party shopping at Costco, taking down Christmas decorations, a little time (not enough) spent sewing.

The very best day, though, was Saturday when I went up to the Oceanside Museum of Art with Diane and saw Quilt Visions 2006.
We were both just blown away by the wonderful art we saw. To name just a few: Katie Pasquini Masopust , Susan Shie, Joan Shulze, Pam RuBert, Patty Hawkins, Laura Fogg. Each piece was intense in its own way and totally amazing. The gallery space has wonderful light and they did a great job with the installation. I bought the catalog, which is beautifully done and worth owning. I had seen the work of some of the artists online, but the "in person" experience is just so much more. When you see such marvellous work, you are simultaneously inspired and humbled.

The day was sunny and cool with a brilliantly blue sky. We walked down to the pier and enjoyed the expansive view of the ocean while we waited to be seated for lunch at Ruby's. We sat where we still had a wonderful view, and happily chatted about art and life in general. Then we headed off for a little fabric shopping and finally ended our day back at her house to do a little sewing and enjoy some homemade chilli. It was a nearly perfect day.
Today is New Year's day and it's inevitable that we look back and take stock, and look forward and make plans. The goals I set for last year have seen some progress, although not as much as I would have liked.
They are the same ones I will set for next year: improve my fitness and health, develop my art, spend time with family and friends, and live in awareness and gratitude. That last part is most important, I think. This year, even more than most, made me very aware of how precious life is and how much I have to be grateful for.


3 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

We are waiting for you in the Quilter's Lounge! Come on down!

Kay said...

That beautiful Patty Hawkins piece is right out of my head! What I would do if I were a REAL quilt artist. Thanks for posting it.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Lordly, do I ever love Patty Hawkin's work. I think we are coming to the desert in February and I am going to the Visions show. Ohh, thanks for this post. I can't wait.