In August 2009 I had the great good fortune to take a two-day workshop with Patty Hawkins. Patty is a textile artist from Colorado. I think the most important part of taking a workshop is that it pushes you in a direction you may not try if left to your own devices. You can choose to work further in that direction, or ignore it afterward, but it changes you.
Patty is a wonderful teacher--very giving, patient, and encouraging. Patty believes in wabi sabi--beauty in imperfection. I'm a perfectionist, but did try to embrace her teaching. It was freeing.
The most important thing I got out of the class was that one should avoid just plopping down a design on top of a plain piece of fabric; that the background should be interesting in and of itself.
We spent the two days creating a 24" square piece (although I did not finish it in class). Many thanks to my friend Gale for naming it "Tequila Sunrise." The motif is an agave plant from a photo I took at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.
Created: October 2009
Size: 24 x 24 inches
$145; available in my Etsy shop:
http://www.jirafstudio.etsy.com |
