Reconnoiter

The above image is soy was applied to tissue paper (a problematic if gorgeous paper to say the least). It has since been painted and I will share an image soon.

For years I used words like fiber, quilt, textile artist to describe myself.

At the same time I have studiously kept an artist's journal. Have kept a set of paints specifically to be used on paper, I have practiced my skills in using watercolor, gouache, ruling pens, pencils, pens, calligraphy, Rapidographs. I know the differences between flats, filberts, rounds, hot press, cold press and mixtures between the two.

For years journaling has been a support. Something I do in order to maintain an artist's practice. Until Inspired to Quilt was published, my journals were a private thing. I recently entered a journal into a gallery show and was accepted. This was surprising to me, not because I don't see the value of my work in journal format, I do. It surprised me because I had never really thought to enter a journal into a show before.

So I think perhaps I will stop specifying the type of artist I am and just say, I am an artist. I like to paint and now my wall art is as exciting and vibrant as my journals are, something I have been working toward for a very long time.

In the next few months I will be focusing on my journals and approach to working with paper. Perhaps a change of banner is on order? It is so timely that The Sketchbook Challenge is such a hit and I am happy to be a part of it. I do hope you won't be disappointed.

And if you are in the Asheville area? Please go check out the show and sneak a photo of yourself near my journal, k?