I went to two openings this month.
Both of the exhibitions were juried fine craft, not just textiles.
Last night I was at the Housewarming exhibition at Craft Ontario gallery in Toronto.
My flannel quilt Fields of Brown Grass was juried in. Ned had a meeting the next day, so I came down with him and we both went to the opening.
Interminable Fields (I am with you) made in 2018. Painted, embroidered and pieced fabric quilts.
They were awarded a Design award from Design Toronto.
I am posting images of just the textile work in this show.
When people are at openings they look at the work a little bit, but mostly they meet up with other people that they already know and catch up. I knew a few people and talked to them.
The other opening that I attended was in Midland, Ontario on January 11.
My daughter April is working in Toronto this winter in the ceramics studio at Harbourfront, and I asked her if she would meet me in Midland (2 hours north of Toronto) and she said yes. Images are of ceramic and textile pieces in the Quest Art School and Gallery's juried show.
The next day January 12, there was a symposium. Susan Low-Beer was one of the panelists and also offered a hands-on workshop that April and I took part in. That was fun. Collaborative tea-pots that the class made in 12 or so minutes shown below.
David Kaye and I had arranged to meet at the Craft Ontario exhibition as his gallery is just around the corner and I needed to pick up my work. I am so sad that David is closing his gallery. He made the difficult decision in December, and Toronto will not be the same for me without that beautiful gallery. I got so hot at the Housewarming reception and needed to leave so Ned and I just went to David's and knocked on his door. He was there, packing up. As soon as I stepped in, I started to cry.
I don't know. All the packed up boxes and wrapped textiles. David in his denim shirt. Realizing that I do not know the art community of Toronto. My aching body that had stood and chatted for more than an hour.
Ned put my work in the car.
We also put the above sculpture, Patchwork, by Susan Low-Beer into the car as well.
I had admired it at David Kaye's during my show there in October 2017.
Now I give it to myself. I deserve it.
I get so emotional when my work is out there mingling with others.
Your tender heart ... how your profile picture is echoed in the picture at the Midland opening.
Oh Judy...such sad news about the gallery closure. I'd not be so surprised if it were out here in the boonies, but in a centre like TO...hard to fathom. May your tender heart soon be lighter again. Hugs!
I love how you get to so many exhibitions in Toronto and elsewhere and yet you live in such a remote location. You get into Toronto way more than me and I live only 1 1/2hrs away.
I love your work.Very powerful in such a quiet way.
You gifted yourself with the perfect piece from Susan Low-Beer. She reflects the vulnerability and authenticity of your journey!
We all celebrate and embrace you Judy!
Oh, your heart is as tender as green shoots, and just as lovely! Thank you for taking me along on this gallery visit. Love your pieces above.
Thank you for taking the time to blog and share your artistic journey. It is inspiring in so many ways and touches my life daily.