design inspirations – Page 5

April 15, 2014October 16, 2014

In the Studio~Spring at Last!

Finally Spring has arrived here in the mountains, though the threat of a freeze has not passed. Still the days have become warmer and even the birds seem happier! I have begun some of the yard work necessary after a long cold winter and look forward to the colorful flowers of summer…

In the studio, I have continued to work on new pieces. Here is the the latest in the Visions of Spain series~Flamenco Swirl #3.

Flamenco Swirl #3, 13 1/4" x 21", rayon and metallic on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. — Flamenco Swirl #3, 13 1/4″ x 21″, metallic on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach.

These pieces began with a simple line drawing to capture the figure and movement of a dramatic flamenco dancer. The excitement, sounds, and visions of this experience will never be forgotten! This piece is a reverse of Flamenco Swirl #2~~the figure is done using a “reverse applique” technique.

Flamenco Swirl #1 is on exhibit currently, so this photograph was taken in the gallery. This first figure was created using bright red dotted fabric with a familiar ruffled hem to accent the swirling movement of the dancer.

My memories of this dance are expressed in this piece…

Flamenco Swirl #1 on Exhibit, 19" x 15 3/4", rayon on cotton. © 2014 Joni Beach. — Flamenco Swirl #1 on Exhibit, 19″ x 15 3/4″, rayon on cotton. © 2014 Joni Beach.

March 14, 2014October 16, 2014

More “Visions of Spain”

The art quilts in the Visions of Spain series are expressions gathered from travel to this wonderful country. Today I want to share with you 2 additional pieces–Metalworks: Wrought Iron #3 and Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid). Both of these are small whole-cloth quilted pieces mounted on a tan linen-like covered canvas. The quilting line provides the design on a solid piece of fabric.

First, Metalworks: Wrought Iron #3 was influenced by the designs and motifs I saw on many old stone buildings, grand wrought iron fences and gates surrounding quiet gardens and parks, and the wonderful flowered-filled balconies hanging over narrow streets.

DSC02255WrghtIron — Wrought Iron, 7 1/2 x 9 12″, rayon on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. Whole-cloth quilting.

The second piece, Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid), was inspired by large white columns towering overhead in the beautiful palace of glass and stone near a fountained-lake where black swans swam at Retiro Park.

Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid), 8 12" x 10", rayon on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. Wholecloth quilting. ($90) — Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid), 8 12″ x 10″, rayon on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. Whole-cloth quilting.

These two pieces are currently showing in the exhibit, Lifeweavings: A Creative Journey, at the Eucalyptus Massage Center Gallery through April, 2014. For more information about the Visions of Spain series and individual pieces, see my website Art Gallery!

These works are available through Eucalyptus Massage Center Gallery.

December 9, 2013

Rhythms of Life

Just like in music, part of the rhythm of life includes the rests. A rest in music is the time (or times) where a silence or a pause in the active singing or playing of a note occurs.

This spring I came to a rest of sorts…I did not actually stop doing everything, but I took a break from my usual routine. It gave me time to welcome new family, take a great adventure, and travel. The rest provided me with new experiences, influences, images, and perspectives. As summer ended, I had reflected, regrouped, and was ready for new goals, projects, and a new regular routine.

As an artist, I gathered many ideas, inspirations, and influences for many new designs and goals. Everyday there is work being done in the studio to prepare for a new exhibit…(more about that later)! I am creating several new pieces, each in various stages of the creative process~~

Sketching an idea…