#5 Sparks! Dec. 2006
Diane Ericson’s Creativity Newsletter & Studio Notes
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STUDIO UPDATE
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As things quiet down in the garden, I am celebrating the move into my new studio space. It is a compact and efficient 2-bedroom house in the backyard- a very pleasant walk to work! It has been an adventure spending time in the new space and imagining how it can best support who I am, how I play and the work I want to create. Having the luxury of moving in slowly, I am only bringing in things I really want to use in there. Definitely a less chaotic and creatively stimulating approach. I made a new design board (covered with canvas fabric), giving myself a fresh slate to post ideas and things that will spark my new design direction.
'NEW' PATTERN
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I have just spent some time revising and updating one of my favorite patterns, the Skyelines #105. I think you’ll enjoy the changes! I shaped the silhouette a bit, added a great sleeve options and more design ideas for creating your unique garment with textured and pieced fabrics (pink shirts). I LOVE the ones I have made in Taffeta and Silk Dupioni. In both the pink and grey ones, I washed the fabric and put it in the dryer to give the fabric character before I started. I fasten the grey one with hooks and eyes, giving the option for wearing it open like a jacket over a lightweight camisole. The Skyelines is fabulous in knits…I am making a wool jersey version next – and changing the wrap-front pattern piece to a large scarf shape that will drape over my shoulder.
See the New Skyelines:
SkyeLines Silk Wash
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-SkyeWash/WEARABLES/SkyeLines+Silk+Wash
SkyeLines in Pink
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-SkyePink/WEARABLES/SkyeLines+in+Pink
SkyeLines in Knit
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-SkyeKnit/WEARABLES/SkyeLines+in+Knit
DESIGNING WITH STENCILS
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I have been wanting to use my stencils in some new ways. So far, I have been working on two different chairs. I ‘aged’ the frame of the bamboo and cane chair with black and copper metallic acrylic using a sponge. I stenciled the pad with the Spring leaves stencil and the Eucalyptus Leaves. The wing-back upholstered chair, one of a set, I am printing for my new studio space. I have been masking off areas with masking tape and rubbing a bit of color on some areas first then going back with one or two layers of stencil designs. For this chair…I am using a combination of 4-7 different stencils in the collection. I will finish the chairs with a coat of Scotchguard. I love giving them new life! I am excited about how they are turning out….I can’t walk by without adding something to the design! I’ll share the finished chairs on my website.
See my Stenciled Chairs:
Stenciled Chair
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-StenChr/COLLAGE/Stenciled+Chair
Stenciled Wingback
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-Wingback/COLLAGE/Stenciled+Wingback
2007 CLASSES
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It is all inspiration to fuel my teaching which starts after the first of the year. See my updated schedule and join me!
http://www.dianeericson.com/c/Classes/Classes.html
I’ll be working on shirt-versions of the Skyelines as I prepare for a Pattern Drafting Class in January. We’ll be meeting in Mendocino- a longtime art community, nestled into the craggy northern coastline of California above San Fransisco-with coffeehouses, ocean views, galleries and unique shops to stroll for inspiration. For more information about the class, see my schedule or contact the Mendocino Art Center. This informative intensive is a 2-1/2 day hands-on class and a great way to polish your pattern skills and start the new year.
Mendocino Art Center
http://www.mendocinoartcenter.org
DESIGN OUTSIDE THE LINES RETREATS
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The theme for the 2007 retreats co-facilitated with Marcy Tilton, will be Bel'occhio, a wonderful Italian phrase that means 'good eye', and our focus will center around design---what constitutes good design, understanding and playing with design concepts and consciously aiming to cultivate fresh ideas and work.
See the DOL Retreat Schedule
http://www.dianeericson.com/c/Retreats/Retreats.html
In the retreats, we explore what you want to learn, where you want to go in your work and what is exciting or scary to you as you regard yourself as a designer. These are issues we each wrestle with in our own work. The structure of the retreats is a part of the design process and we are committed to making the retreats an evolving, changing and satisfying experience for all.
We are offering two Design Outside the Lines Retreats this year; One in Santa Barbara in February and one in Taos, New Mexico in September. Space is limited, with a deposit required to hold your space. For more information about the retreats or to make your downpayment, see my website (link above) and Marcy’s at:
http://www.marcytilton.com
A stroll around the winter yard is definitely inspiring what’s on my drawing table. I am so inspired by all the shapes and the colors of the leaves in my own backyard!!! Ginkos, Magnolias, Japanese maples, bamboo, grape vines and redwoods….I feel some wreathmaking coming on….gotta go!
A Joyful & Creative Holiday Season to you,
Diane
