Substitute Stories

I'm beginning to see some results from my series Substitute Stories. These are developments from the daily sketching I've done after each substitute teaching job for the past two years (although I've done it for 6, just had to say that).

The daily practice transformed my attitude toward this job. In case anyone wonders, the job is not easy, but it does supply endless stories if you are listening.

I'll be talking  more about this in upcoming posts, but here is my first idea off the loom and some photos that show you a bit of the process. The title of this piece will most likely be "Make Me".

Original journal sketch to the left

enlarged with black crayon as a guide

on the loom, 6" wide, 10 epi

very much improvisation, not directly from the sketch

off the loom, waiting for finishing

This young woman is finishing 7th grade and she is no pushover. I'm not worried about her path in life.
Stay tuned as the stories develop.

Celebrating Faces

As we begin to look longingly toward summer I'm remembering my wonderful group of 16 weavers at HGA's Convergence in Milwaukee. What a great time we had and all those new personalities we developed! I even came up with my new friend Mariela (finished at home - after all I was supposed to be teaching...)

Mariela, 3 1/2" wide, sunning on the deck

But I want to talk about the students, what an amazing group.

This photo courtesy of my endlessly supportive daughter, Emily

In particular, Judy Smith. Judy was the student who sat in the back next to Jenny, both rather under the radar until I made my rounds to discover what she was working on...wow!

Betty Bling

Judy sent me an email with the rest of the friends on the warp a couple months ago, even a boyfriend for Betty!

Betty's Boyfriend

Need I say how proud I feel? What amazing work; personality, expression and individuality.

Judy's Son

Boy in Milwaukee

Judy's Son in Packer Gear

Thanks so much for letting me share this on the blog Judy, you are such a risk-taker.

HGA Convergence 2016, Judy on the left, Jenny on the right