Exhibit - Textile Monuments - behind the scenes with Valarie Jean Bailey

Last year sometime, my dear friend began talking about her next project for her upcoming exhibit at the Green Hill Center. She told me about her idea for a bottle tree. I think in pictures. So when she mentioned a bottle tree, I thought of the traditional bottle tree that people once used to scare away ghosts. Empty bottles are turned onto tree branches. Then, when the wind blows, the bottles dance and clink against each other. Magical. But not even close to what Valarie Jean had in mind apparently.

But I should remind you that Valarie Jean is an art quilter, and painter. What, I thought, does a bottle tree have to do with quilting? But instead of giving her that blank stare I sometimes get when I'm trying to explain my own art project ideas - I waited. I listened. I watched. And I anticipated.

In our conversations throughout the year, she explained her ideas for the base of the tree. I even donated a few wine bottles, not truly understanding what she was going to come up with. We talked about the best photo paper, and about gates and fences.

During one visit, I sat down with her and looked at images of women on bottles. These were women who had made a difference in the world in a variety of ways. These women were singers, artists, activists, leaders. Still I was not sure what to expect...

Then one Sunday morning I was asked to come by and and help pack bottles as the time for the exhibit grew near. I don't know how many bottles I helped to pack that day, but suffice it to say that it was probably close to 150 or so. I saw the base, and Valarie Jean showed me the quilts, some were still in progress.

This day, there was a feeling in the air. It is as if the spirits of these women had entered this home, and had supported Valarie Jean while she crafted this installation piece - these beautiful quilted pieces, images on and within bottles. All this beauty and strength. It is no understatement when I say that they "spoke" to me that day. Their combined legacy. It is an experience I have never had before. I felt this overwhelming sense of responsiblity, even to pack the bottles with such care so none would break in transit.

This is an immense project that Valarie Jean had undertaken and completed with unbelievable grace under pressure.

If you are in the Greensboro area, please plan to see the Textile Monuments exhibit. If you are not in this area, I have included a link to her interview below.

Green Hill Center: Valarie Jean Bailey

Listen (mp3)


Kudos and much love to you Valarie Jean Bailey!

Lise

Style Points: My Trends

Forget what someone tells you is trendy. You know what’s trendy? Your thoughts are trendy. Follow them.

Today my thoughts tell me that my home should be a work of art. A work forever in progress.
I am one of those people who is meant to wander from space to space, dragging beloved objects, photos, art, and collectibles. Placing these objects in different spots; to use, to view, to admire, to let these things inspire all of us.

I'm wishing for a cold snap, because I want to sit in my home, and turn on my fireplace. Grab a good book, write down my dreams, and new projects. Today I want to do some research, bake some homemade cookies, & drink a good glass of wine. I want to appreciate the meal I make tonight with my own two hands. I want to understand where my children are coming from.

My next projects involve new workshops, and creative ideas on displaying the things from people I love. I want to use heirlooms not just live with them in my cupboards. I am thinking about painting my walls in bright colors, and expanding the painted chalkboard in my studio to take over a big wall. That way I can give myself permission to write on walls and make pretty pictures every day. So, forget trends. Live your legacy. And by all means...

Be Creative!

Lise

---Sometimes I Sits and Thinks image of a quilt by Valarie Jean Bailey.

Home Arts Inspiration

I thought I would share a recent email I received from my friend Valarie Jean Bailey. She writes:


Dear Lise Richards

Your Artistic Lifestyling Blog Site is ever so inspiring. The green color scheme of your
graphics is cooling to the eyes and adds tranquility to one's vision.
I especially want to comment on your Family Collage Workshop, it did indeed inspire
me.

I was designing wall pockets for a commission from a NC children's museum, when I came upon your workshop. Using family & friends photos & pix from my backyard bird sanctury, I made the attached wall pocket.

Thank you so much for your wonderful creative & inspiring ideas.

Valarie Jean Art Quiltz

Valarie Jean, you've taken the collage project to a new level. This is amazing!

Thank you for sharing!!

Lise