February 2013

Cynthia opened the meeting with a program on her method of binding quilts which incorporates the binding as part of the art.  She also showed several examples of how to mount quilts onto artist's canvas.  This was a very informative program which will help us all with our upcoming challenge.  We will be doing two pieces: one 24" x 36"; and a related piece on an 8" x 10" canvas, both in vertical orientation.

Our design principle for this month was Balance.  It was noted that if our piece is in balance we will feel at ease with it.  If it is unbalanced we will be uncomfortable with it.  We instinctively know it when something is out of balance.  Kathy H had an interesting piece with individual parts that could be change around until you personally felt comfortable with the balance (lowest portion of the photo). Everyone explained the concept behind the piece they created, and a helpful critique followed.

Linda M brought a copy of the book Art + Quilt: Design Principles and Creativity Exercises, by Lyric Kinard.  It is coincidentally set up like our meetings this year, as it includes learning exercises to make 8 x 10 examples of the elements of art and design principles.  Very helpful for those of us without an art background.