Monday, July 13, 2009
Watercolors and Fabric Art (by Cris Lewis)
Photo from a "Meet the Artist of the Month" show Cris did at the Oriskany Library. Her exhibit included 50 pieces in watercolor, photography, pen and ink, and fiber art.
Interview with Cris Lewis
It is easy to get caught up in the pressures and deadlines of life. It seems, at times, there is just too much to do and, in focusing on what needs yet to be done, so easy to lose sight of what is really important: the here and now. I know, for myself, the first things to go when I am "busy" are the things my body and mind and spirit need the most to flourish. I put off my walk until tomorrow. I balk at taking the time to cook a healthy, balanced meal. I interrupt my sleep with late nights and early morning projects. I melt down while burning the candle at both ends.
Life, though, has a way of throwing in reality checks now and again. Sometimes, these checks--the opportunities to slow down or stop and reflect--are subtle: a headache or head cold, a call or email from a friend to come out and play, a song on the radio that, nostalgically, reminds us of more peaceful days gone by. On the not-so-subtle side, life, at times, knocks us over the head with the major stuff: a death of a relative, friend or pet, a lay-off from work, a diagnosis of a major illness. Whether big or small, these moments, these resonant "signals from the universe" are all opportunities to reflect on what is important and, if necessary, renew our commitment to stay in touch with those people and things in our lives that nourish us, make us healthy and grow.
Recently, I met Cris, a watercolor and fiber artist, through Etsy.com. She generously shared some thoughts on life, art and living with cancer. I am honored to bring you this interview.
"Six year ago," Cris tells me, "I retired from 27 years of teaching and pursued an interest I had saved for retirement: watercolor." Cris took classes at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in Vermont and at Munson William Proctor Institute and Kirkland Art Center (both in New York). "I then picked up pen and ink, which I love with color washes."
As Cris left teaching, she looked forward to doing many other things as well. "With retirement," she continues, "came travel. I have three children that live across the country and I visit." And, she adds, "Should I mention cruises?" She brings along her digital camera and has hundreds of pictures from many trips. Cris also looked forward to renewing her interest in sewing. "Time spent at the sewing machine ballooned as did my stash and love for oriental fabrics and design. I am lucky to have a family summer home on Oneida Lake in central New York, which is a very peaceful, restful place to work on my art: a place to escape with paint, paper and fabric." When not traveling, painting or sewing, Cris spent time gardening flowers and vegetables. "I love to experiment with new healthy recipes."
Life, however, threw Cris an unexpected challenge. "Six months after I retired," Cris says, "I received my first cancer diagnosis--found in a routine mammogram. It is frightening, paralyzing beyond belief. During this time, I always kept in mind to take things one day at a time. Even one hour at a time."
Art, for Cris, became a saving grace. "I went to an art class a week after my surgery. My painting when on pain medicines?" she observes, "Interesting!"
Art kept Cris going and took her places far away from her illness. "I now have an inner need to engage daily in some type of creative work. To me it's spiritual. It fills a need in me to express and has--and does--help me with confidence which for many years was not that great."
Murphy also came to the rescue. Murphy is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cris brought home at a time when she felt she was not going to make it. "A puppy took me out of my depression and added a new aspect to my art: painting pet portraits. It started with Murph each year as part of my Christmas card. I began getting commissions and started Paws & Claws by Cris." Cris opened her online shop in December 2008, where she sells custom pet portraits. You will also find quilted pillows and wall-hangings, notecards, bags, felted embellished birds, ACEOs, watercolor and pencil botanicals, and the like.
"Three years ago this October 31st," Cris continues, "I received my second diagnosis. Again shock and disappointment, but I have to say that I knew I could do this. Once again I continued with my art, endeavored to learn new techniques and to--always--work on improving my skills. God has brought me through my illnesses and given me the strength I needed during those times. I am grateful for my talents that he has given to me and thankful that I have begun to use these in his glory."
For inspiration, Cris watches Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life every day and finds her teachings helpful to get through the day. She also reads art and quilting books, and an occasional novel (no particular authors). For music, Cris listens to a variety of CDs in her rack: ABBA, classical, middle Eastern, Natalie Cole and, "Of course," she says, "the music from The Phantom of the Opera."
Cris volunteers for the American Cancer Society, participates in the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and shares her cancer journey with others. "Actually, anyone who will listen," Cris says. "I encourage and urge women to have their annual mammograms and do regular breast self exams. This comes from a lady who has had two breast cancers with two mastectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. I am very grateful for my diligence in screening on a yearly basis. The screenings saved my life. I get angry when I hear women who refuse to have these procedures."
Besides annual mammograms, Cris urges people to get a colonoscopy. This procedure is instrumental in early detection of colorectal cancer. "Such an easy procedure," she says. "I lost my brother 20 years ago to that cancer."
As for what shoes Cris wears? "Comfy. Walking shoes (I walk or do gym 2-3 times a week), clogs to get me through our New York winters, and garden shoes."
You may find more information about Cris and her work in her shop and on her blog.
Cris is a member of the following groups:
ACEO Street Team "ACETSY"
CNY Etsy Team
Kirkland Art Center
Mowhawk Valley Quilt Club
Rome Art Association
Visual Artist Street Team
Life, though, has a way of throwing in reality checks now and again. Sometimes, these checks--the opportunities to slow down or stop and reflect--are subtle: a headache or head cold, a call or email from a friend to come out and play, a song on the radio that, nostalgically, reminds us of more peaceful days gone by. On the not-so-subtle side, life, at times, knocks us over the head with the major stuff: a death of a relative, friend or pet, a lay-off from work, a diagnosis of a major illness. Whether big or small, these moments, these resonant "signals from the universe" are all opportunities to reflect on what is important and, if necessary, renew our commitment to stay in touch with those people and things in our lives that nourish us, make us healthy and grow.
Recently, I met Cris, a watercolor and fiber artist, through Etsy.com. She generously shared some thoughts on life, art and living with cancer. I am honored to bring you this interview.
"Six year ago," Cris tells me, "I retired from 27 years of teaching and pursued an interest I had saved for retirement: watercolor." Cris took classes at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in Vermont and at Munson William Proctor Institute and Kirkland Art Center (both in New York). "I then picked up pen and ink, which I love with color washes."
As Cris left teaching, she looked forward to doing many other things as well. "With retirement," she continues, "came travel. I have three children that live across the country and I visit." And, she adds, "Should I mention cruises?" She brings along her digital camera and has hundreds of pictures from many trips. Cris also looked forward to renewing her interest in sewing. "Time spent at the sewing machine ballooned as did my stash and love for oriental fabrics and design. I am lucky to have a family summer home on Oneida Lake in central New York, which is a very peaceful, restful place to work on my art: a place to escape with paint, paper and fabric." When not traveling, painting or sewing, Cris spent time gardening flowers and vegetables. "I love to experiment with new healthy recipes."
Life, however, threw Cris an unexpected challenge. "Six months after I retired," Cris says, "I received my first cancer diagnosis--found in a routine mammogram. It is frightening, paralyzing beyond belief. During this time, I always kept in mind to take things one day at a time. Even one hour at a time."
Art, for Cris, became a saving grace. "I went to an art class a week after my surgery. My painting when on pain medicines?" she observes, "Interesting!"
Art kept Cris going and took her places far away from her illness. "I now have an inner need to engage daily in some type of creative work. To me it's spiritual. It fills a need in me to express and has--and does--help me with confidence which for many years was not that great."
Murphy also came to the rescue. Murphy is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cris brought home at a time when she felt she was not going to make it. "A puppy took me out of my depression and added a new aspect to my art: painting pet portraits. It started with Murph each year as part of my Christmas card. I began getting commissions and started Paws & Claws by Cris." Cris opened her online shop in December 2008, where she sells custom pet portraits. You will also find quilted pillows and wall-hangings, notecards, bags, felted embellished birds, ACEOs, watercolor and pencil botanicals, and the like.
"Three years ago this October 31st," Cris continues, "I received my second diagnosis. Again shock and disappointment, but I have to say that I knew I could do this. Once again I continued with my art, endeavored to learn new techniques and to--always--work on improving my skills. God has brought me through my illnesses and given me the strength I needed during those times. I am grateful for my talents that he has given to me and thankful that I have begun to use these in his glory."
For inspiration, Cris watches Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life every day and finds her teachings helpful to get through the day. She also reads art and quilting books, and an occasional novel (no particular authors). For music, Cris listens to a variety of CDs in her rack: ABBA, classical, middle Eastern, Natalie Cole and, "Of course," she says, "the music from The Phantom of the Opera."
Cris volunteers for the American Cancer Society, participates in the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and shares her cancer journey with others. "Actually, anyone who will listen," Cris says. "I encourage and urge women to have their annual mammograms and do regular breast self exams. This comes from a lady who has had two breast cancers with two mastectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. I am very grateful for my diligence in screening on a yearly basis. The screenings saved my life. I get angry when I hear women who refuse to have these procedures."
Besides annual mammograms, Cris urges people to get a colonoscopy. This procedure is instrumental in early detection of colorectal cancer. "Such an easy procedure," she says. "I lost my brother 20 years ago to that cancer."
As for what shoes Cris wears? "Comfy. Walking shoes (I walk or do gym 2-3 times a week), clogs to get me through our New York winters, and garden shoes."
You may find more information about Cris and her work in her shop and on her blog.
Cris is a member of the following groups:
ACEO Street Team "ACETSY"
CNY Etsy Team
Kirkland Art Center
Mowhawk Valley Quilt Club
Rome Art Association
Visual Artist Street Team
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Interview with Bonnie (NeedleLove2)
If you work with fabric long enough, you begin to understand what an amazing array of textures there are. All fabrics are not equal. Some, mostly inexpensive and synthetic materials, are waxy and clogged. Some, utilitarian fabrics, are coarse, though strong. Others are fabulously soft, vibrant, almost alive. For some people, working with fabric goes beyond the pragmatic, thinking level and becomes an experience of sensation. The way the warp and weave feels in your hands, the way the needle and thread move through the fabric (the sound, even), how the finished piece drapes or holds a ruffle--these are all qualities fabric reveals about itself. Fabric holds within it, endless opportunities and delights that only other, like-minded people understand.
Recently I met Bonnie, the creative inspiration behind NeedleLove2. She graciously agreed to share some thoughts on fabric, quilting and how creativity brings a sense of calm to her life.
"I have been a Fiber-Holic long before anyone coined the term," Bonnie tells me, "Since I was a small child, I began with doll clothes, my clothes, my kids' clothes, other people's clothes, and then I discovered yarn and fiber and quilting, and the rest is history. It has always been my passion and I attribute this to my Scottish ancestors, who were textile workers by trade. I love the feel of yarn or wool, or fabric in my hands, and I guess you could say I'm a touchy-feely person!"
Bonnie has sewn for many years and began quilting about ten years ago. "I tend to be a scrappy quilter and rarely make the same thing twice," Bonnie continues. I love fiber, thread, fabric and yarn. I have made quilts and knitted items for friends and family." She opened her shop in October, 2008 where she offers quilts, table runners, purses and bags, potholders, aprons and receiving blankets. "I have a new venue for my creative tendencies and plan to continue working at my Dream Job."
When life becomes challenging, Bonnie turns to her hobbies or, as she describes them, "obsessions" to gain relief. "I find that when I'm working in my element," she says, it calms my troubled soul by enabling me to do that which I feel comfortable with. There is peace in repetition, whether it be spinning yarn, hand sewing a binding on a quilt, or the quiet clicking of my knitting needles. It gives me time to reflect on the problem at hand as I work through it in my mind. I'm sure this is why I gain so much enjoyment from my needlework, because I am doing something I know. I am familiar with it and it calms me."
This creative, often meditative work, also gives Bonnie time to reflect not just on family and her creative work, but on larger issues such as the state of the earth's environment. "It boggles my mind how much pollution we have poured into this Mother Earth, and now I learn it is also orbiting the earth's atmosphere!" she says. "Another aspect of pollution involves our rivers, streams and oceans. Too many water supplies have been compromised. That's too much. We've got to find ways to stop abusing the planet.”
For her own part, Bonnie tries her best to reuse, reduce and recycle—a practice taught to her by her mother. Recycling is a part of her own family's life as well. “I'm proud to say that each of my children are great recyclers, too. It seems like a small step, but if you consider the amount of trash one family can generate in just a week, it almost seems obscene!” She also recommends reading labels and becoming more aware of what impact we, as consumers, have on the environment. “We all need to be aware of what we consume each day and what we are pouring down the drains.” As concerned citizens, we need to do our part to reverse the damage that has already been done to the earth, air and water and to help restore the health of the planet.
Bonnie loves reading more and more, gravitating toward biographies or human interest stories "where one can overcome adversity and triumph in the end." Some of her favorites are: The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Crashing Through by Robert Kurson, and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen. More of Bonnie's favorite books may be found on her blog.
Bonnie also loves many kinds of music. "I am not musically talented in any way," she admits. "Strictly a listener unless I'm in the shower or on the road by myself, then I sing my little heart out!"
When it comes to shoes, Bonnie is all about comfort. "I like to try and coordinate my shoes with whatever I'm wearing, but if they're not comfortable, they're not mine."
You may find more information about Bonnie and her work in her shop and on her blog.
Along with the Quiltsy Team, Bonnie is a member of a local group of quilters who provide much inspiration and support.
Recently I met Bonnie, the creative inspiration behind NeedleLove2. She graciously agreed to share some thoughts on fabric, quilting and how creativity brings a sense of calm to her life.
"I have been a Fiber-Holic long before anyone coined the term," Bonnie tells me, "Since I was a small child, I began with doll clothes, my clothes, my kids' clothes, other people's clothes, and then I discovered yarn and fiber and quilting, and the rest is history. It has always been my passion and I attribute this to my Scottish ancestors, who were textile workers by trade. I love the feel of yarn or wool, or fabric in my hands, and I guess you could say I'm a touchy-feely person!"
Bonnie has sewn for many years and began quilting about ten years ago. "I tend to be a scrappy quilter and rarely make the same thing twice," Bonnie continues. I love fiber, thread, fabric and yarn. I have made quilts and knitted items for friends and family." She opened her shop in October, 2008 where she offers quilts, table runners, purses and bags, potholders, aprons and receiving blankets. "I have a new venue for my creative tendencies and plan to continue working at my Dream Job."
When life becomes challenging, Bonnie turns to her hobbies or, as she describes them, "obsessions" to gain relief. "I find that when I'm working in my element," she says, it calms my troubled soul by enabling me to do that which I feel comfortable with. There is peace in repetition, whether it be spinning yarn, hand sewing a binding on a quilt, or the quiet clicking of my knitting needles. It gives me time to reflect on the problem at hand as I work through it in my mind. I'm sure this is why I gain so much enjoyment from my needlework, because I am doing something I know. I am familiar with it and it calms me."
This creative, often meditative work, also gives Bonnie time to reflect not just on family and her creative work, but on larger issues such as the state of the earth's environment. "It boggles my mind how much pollution we have poured into this Mother Earth, and now I learn it is also orbiting the earth's atmosphere!" she says. "Another aspect of pollution involves our rivers, streams and oceans. Too many water supplies have been compromised. That's too much. We've got to find ways to stop abusing the planet.”
For her own part, Bonnie tries her best to reuse, reduce and recycle—a practice taught to her by her mother. Recycling is a part of her own family's life as well. “I'm proud to say that each of my children are great recyclers, too. It seems like a small step, but if you consider the amount of trash one family can generate in just a week, it almost seems obscene!” She also recommends reading labels and becoming more aware of what impact we, as consumers, have on the environment. “We all need to be aware of what we consume each day and what we are pouring down the drains.” As concerned citizens, we need to do our part to reverse the damage that has already been done to the earth, air and water and to help restore the health of the planet.
Bonnie loves reading more and more, gravitating toward biographies or human interest stories "where one can overcome adversity and triumph in the end." Some of her favorites are: The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Crashing Through by Robert Kurson, and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen. More of Bonnie's favorite books may be found on her blog.
Bonnie also loves many kinds of music. "I am not musically talented in any way," she admits. "Strictly a listener unless I'm in the shower or on the road by myself, then I sing my little heart out!"
When it comes to shoes, Bonnie is all about comfort. "I like to try and coordinate my shoes with whatever I'm wearing, but if they're not comfortable, they're not mine."
You may find more information about Bonnie and her work in her shop and on her blog.
Along with the Quiltsy Team, Bonnie is a member of a local group of quilters who provide much inspiration and support.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
