SAQA Regional Exhibit, “JOURNEYS”, in Tucson
As a member of Studio Art Quilt Associates, I knew I could ask the Yahoo group if there would be any textile art exhibits during the time of my visit to Tucson. Lucky me-SAQA-Arizona was hosting its first ever juried exhibition during the time of my visit, so I was able to view it while Hubby was golfing.
“JOURNEYS” included 30 pieces from 28 members. It was a high quality show with a great variety of styles. The Tucson Jewish Community Center hosted the show and the display area was open, pleasant and well lighted.
One take-away for me, once again, was that how a piece hangs really does impact the viewer’s perception. As I viewed this exhibit, I was struck by how the pieces that were wrapped on canvas or framed, really did stand out as “art”. I am torn, because I want the viewer to enjoy the back of my work also-I think the backs are as beautiful as the fronts. Framing or wrapping will cover my backs. But I may have to get over that one-stay tuned.
In no particular order:
The beauty and complexity of this piece was striking. Betty painted the image on canvas with acrylic paints, then digitally printed the image on cotton. The saguaro in the foreground is over 200 years old.
I love this tiny piece! It’s so charming and rustic and beautifully rendered. Kay describes her process very succinctly: “drawing with thread”.
Love the title! Trish wrote that they went on an 11,000 mile journey this year and the least favorite parts were when they were squeezed between rigs. She seems to have a great sense of humor about her. The framing of her work gave it presence-note to self!
This piece had strong visual impact and lots of intriguing detail. Sandra wrote that as the piece evolved it became a statement about the impact of man on the desert environment.
Look closely for her message.
This piece impacted me. The story is so tragic. I had never heard of “The British Home Children”. From the 1860’s-1939, it was not uncommon for families that had fallen on hard times to place their children temporarily in orphanages. Some of the orphanages discouraged any further contact with the parents and sent the children to Canada to serve as indentured servants. The parents falsely thought their children were being placed with a family that would educate and care for their children.
These words break my heart to read. Such a tender age to endure such a thing.
Nancy’s Mother was one of these children.
This piece won “Best of Show”. Janet wrote that in Thailand, many activities that we do inside are done outside there due to the heat. As the train speeds by there is a blur of activity and light. This piece was wrapped gallery style and presented beautifully. I can see why a buyer would think how easy it would be to purchase this piece and hang it in their home.
All three of the next pieces are by Peggie Thomas. For Los Ranchos, she used a combination of hand dyed and commercial fabrics, digital imagery, artist’s transfer paper and free form piecing. I enjoyed studying it in kind of a “Where in the World” way. She envisioned looking through the windows of time to view the hopes and dreams of ranchers of the past.
Ensuenos Perdidos (“lost dream” in Spanish) depicts George H. Thomas who realized his dream of owning a ranch, only to lose it during a period of drought.
This was Peggie’s view of the Canadian Yukon on a crisp autumn day.
Delightful hand stitching!
Denise wrote that beauty itself reflects her philosophy to find charisma in everything. The details of this piece were wonderful.
Both the hand stitching and machine quilting were lovely.
MaryAnn wrote that she felt transported through time and space by a bird and this was her vision. The photo really does not do the piece justice. It is a beautiful, well composed piece.
This is a collage of Georgia’s memories of traveling the American West and Canada. There’s so much to ponder here, I see more even as I look at my photo.
I hope you enjoyed this recap of the exhibit. SAQA-AZ put on a great show! Happy New Year everyone!
Jenny,
What a wonderful show. I feel that one of the strongest and most accessible benefits of SAQA lie in what happens at the regional level. Not only was this show lovely to view but it showcased work from members who are not necessarily JAMS. Getting to exhibit as an artist member is important and brings work into view for so many who would otherwise not know or see their work. Congrats to Arizona, they did a fantastic job!
As to the matting on canvas, I’m on the fence about it. Not having seen how the show presented in person I can only use my imagination and a few of your shots to get an idea of how it looked as a whole. Do you have a wide angle shot of the gallery showing more than one piece? Love to see it. Were the pieces permanently mounted or were they just displayed that way for showing? I’m with you, I love the backs! We have two shows coming up in MA/RI, love to know the details.
Nancy Turbitt
Thanks for all your comments Nancy. Yes, I too think that the regions make it happen for most SAQA members. And this show really was spectacular. The pieces were permanently mounted. I don’t have a wide-angle shot of the show but if you wrote them I’m sure they have some. They pretty much did everything right on this show. The quality, the hanging, the venue, the size, the variety. They also had a book with the write ups on each piece. I would not have known the whole story with the “British Home Children” piece without the write up in the book. TWO shows? You guys are ambitious!
Jenny, thank you for sharing your visit to this exhibit, and for such thoughtful commentary. I wish I could have seen it “up close and personal”.
Happy New Year! :-)
You would have enjoyed it immensely!
Thanks for bring this show to me, though I’d have loved to see it in person. I know what you mean about presentation affecting a quilt hung on a wall. Personally, I like to use facings, slipcover backs, or even canvas stretchers to give a bit of polish; but then I’m interested in hiding the back of my hand stitching or quilting. You, on the other hand, have reason to show it off.
Giggle! I do think if I want to sell my work, and that is an open question for me, I need to think like a collector. I think most collectors want stretched or framed pieces. If only I had enough inventory for lectures, sales and shows……
Jenny–a big thank you for sending pics of your visits to (2)quilt shows! I am
Thrilled to see them!
I am one of your students from Shared Stitches. I would love to be on your
Distribution , or let me know of you web site so I can check in. I am relative of Tecla and student of Susan Berbec.
I am independent sewer. This year my focus is on long arm. have a sit down Tin Lizzie. large harp,no bells and whistles. I love to do piecing and do enjoy art quilts.
Gill (Jill)
Thanks Jenny for sharing these photos. I really appreciate getting to see what others are creating. It looks like it was a wonderful show.
It was a fabulous show Judy-thanks for reading!
Thanks Jenny for sharing your impressions of our Journeys exhibition in Tucson.
I was gratified to learn that you were touched by my quilt, “Olive’s Journey”.
Even though my mother has been gone over 40 years, creating this piece in her memory was very emotional. Many people do not know about the British Home Children but there are now over 4 million descendants of these children in Canada. A lot of us grew up watching our parents struggling to find their identity and to build normal lives from their fractured beginnings.
I too was impressed with the variety of techniques employed and the skill the artists used to tell their journey stories.
Nancy Proctor
Nancy I am touched by your note. I had never heard of the British Home Children before-what a tragic story. Your quilt spoke volumes with soft words, both beautiful and touching.