Safe and Well
I have two new pieces to share with you today. They are each part of my Safe and Well series. What does it mean to be safe and well?
Engaged? Comfortable? Easy? Non-threatening? Outside? Snuggling? Talking quietly?
Below is the reference photo that served as inspiration, and the finished art quilt called My Family. I made many changes including colors and patterns. I am pleased with the fanciful border that added size to the quilt (36 square inches) and added to the light mood of the day.
My Family, 22X21.5, 2023
The second piece was inspired by a photo taken many years ago while visiting relatives in Germany. I don't think of my pieces as portraits, even when the persons might be recognizable. My goal is to capture the moment, the idea, and the qualities that make this scene universal and lovely. Books are so important, and especially when shared and snuggling.
Reading, 21.5 X 27, 2023
I hope to be spending more time in my studio now that my knee surgeries and therapy are largely over. Boy did that take a long long time! Left knee June 27th. Right knee Sept. 5th. New exercise habits and using the Rec center equipment are ongoing. I can walk without pain!
My next art project will be about good work. I will combine three reference photos of my cousin driving a tractor. The title that popped into my head today is "Women's Work". This notion has drastically changed the direction that I take with colors and textures and embellishments. I must take a little time to marinate the idea. What do I wish to say!? That women's work can be anything? The juxtaposition of tractors and quilting/embroidery might be wonderful. When is work satisfying? Can work be joyful?
In the mean time, I choose a size and create my pattern.
My recipe this month is for Chili. I soak 2 cups black beans for 8 or more hours in salted water. Drain and rinse well. Cover beans with 4 cups water. Add 1 t. salt, 1 t. basil or thyme, and two cloves chopped garlic. Simmer for 45 - 60 minutes. I use the beans in many dishes and store them in glass jars with the liquid they were cooked in. For Chili I saute buffalo burger in olive oil, add cooked black beans, tomato pasta sauce, ground cumin, salt, and chili powder. ( You will need to make up quanities that suit your palate) Chili can be served alone or over pasta or quinoa and topped with cheese and/or sour cream or yogurt. Many other ingredients can be added to Chili, such as bell peppers, carrots, celery, onions, cayenne powder, and pepper. Chili is best eaten when the outside temperature is less than 25 degrees!