The 20x20 Challenge

The Raven Mavens have had a lot of fun with challenges.  It really helps get our creative juices flowing!  We decided rather than a specific theme this time, we would do a 20 x 20 challenge.  The only rule was that the piece had to be 20" x 20" and stretched on a wood frame.  This turned out to be a wonderfully varied exhibit.  We exhibited this group of work at the  Grand Junction Art Center's annual member show in February. We welcome your comments and questions!

Group photo by Jan Rickman/ Individual images by Brad Butler

Group hanging at the Art Center

Anna by Jan Warren

Aroma Therapy by Kathleen Malvern

Kathleen used painted silk and non-wovens(dryer sheets and Evolon) to create this piece.

Field of Promise by Jan Rickman

“Field of Promise” is an abstraction of an outdoor scene – an open field. I chose a wide range of colors to play across the surface, complementing one another. The small fused shapes represent leaves and growth. The yellow band of color represents the sun. The colors beyond the yellow band are a loose representation of distant hills or mountains and the sky – one just needs to use his/her imagination!

Forest Treasures by Angela Kenley

Paper collage on fiber, paint, free-motion quilting

Japanese Maple by Jan Warren

                               Jazz by Sandra Hoefner

Cotton fabric. Machine pieced. Hand and machine quilted.

Kenley Ella by Nancy Dobson

Hand dyed and commercial cottons. Organza, tulle, cheesecloth. Stitched and painted

Northern Lights by Susan Strickland

Springs by Gjeneve Hopkinson

 I have long enjoyed spirals and springs.  I like the look of the "bounce" that they have.  Just two colors seemed to be the way to go also.  The springs that come out from the background are loose, giving the piece some dimension and "bounce."

Tea (bags) For Three by Gjeneve Hopkinson

I have been collecting tea bags for some time and it was time to put them to good use.  The staining from the tea bags drying with the tea still in them creates interesting patterns, making them an excellent background material for embellishing.  A long time interest of mine has been handwork.  This worked perfectly with the contrast of the tea bags and the washers painted with alcohol ink.

Three Moons by Kari Harvey

100% cotton fabric, pieced, textile paints and mediums, free motion quilting and thread play.

Zinnia by Susan Strickland

Raven Mavens at Artist's Haven

If you're out and about in the Grand Junction, Colorado area, be sure to stop by The Artist's Haven.  The Raven Mavens are exhibiting through December 29.  There will be an artist's reception on Saturday, December 6 from 1-4.  It's a great exhibit, with a variety of styles, colors and sizes.  Check it out!

 

Raven Challenge

The Raven Maven's latest challenge was "Ravens"......Imagine that!  This proved to be a great challenge for the group.  Our group is very flexible, and if someone is not inspired by a particular challenge, so be it.  Whoever wants to participate is free to do so.  I think we came up with some very creative "Raven" pieces!

Our pieces will be on exhibit at the Art Center in Grand Junction, Colorado for the month of November.  Stop in and check it out!

                                                                 

                               

 Ravens

Sociable, ingenious, mystical and comical are just a few words to describe the raven.  The raven is said to be the most intelligent of birds. These amazing birds thrive among humans, as well as in the wilderness.  They are so bold, playful and clever that they are very entertaining to watch as they perform aerobatics and play tricks on other creatures to steal food.  They are also amazing problem solvers. 

The raven has long been considered a bird of ill omen and of interest to creators of myths and legends. In Greek mythology ravens are associated with Apollo, the god of prophecy. They are said to be a symbol of good luck, and were the god's messengers in the mortal world.  Native people of the Pacific Northwest regard the raven as a trickster, bringing fire to people by stealing it from the sun.  There are many more interesting legends about the remarkable corvids.

 They walk with a swagger and talk with an attitude.  I think we humans could learn a thing or two from these creatures!

If you are interested in learning more about the raven there is a wonderful PBS documentary that you can watch on your computer.  Here is the link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/ravens/video-full-episode/5577/


Posted by Nancy

Scorched Fabric

We had a creative time, scorching fabric, during our monthly meeting.  (Specific directions can be found in the June/July 2014 issue of Quilting Arts magazine.)

                                                 Susanne holding on of her scorched pieces.

                                               The possibilities for this technique are endless!