Wednesday, June 23, 2021

The Making of The Hockey Boys - Colour with A U

Our final behind the scenes look at Western Canada member's Colour with a U submission is Valerie Wilson's The Hockey Boys. Colour with a U opens this Monday June 28th and runs until  October 2, 2021at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton, Nova Scotia.



Valerie Wilson - The Hockey Boys 65.5" W x 42" H

This piece was based on a vintage black and white photograph. I liked the three boys together and liked the differences in appearance and the subtle differences in their uniforms. The photo I used had had people standing in front of the boys so that shadows fell on the skates and hockey sticks of two of the boys. It required some research into the era and the equipment used at that time and some attempts at sketching the missing elements.



The Hockey Boys includes commercial and hand-dyed cotton, tulle, wool batting behind the figures and cotton batting overall.
Created with fused, raw edge appliqué, machine quilted (upper area on a long arm) and the rest on my HQ Sweet 16 (midarm).




Sampling of the quilting for the ice

The Hockey Boys artist statement: 

"Hockey is a national sport that is a symbol of Canada. It acts as a unifying force to connect communities and diverse groups of people. Anyone can play hockey and enjoy the game. Here are three boys who came together to join forces and play their favourite sport. I can imagine them out on an icy pond or in their local ice rink skating around."

Friday, June 18, 2021

Grand National Exhibition Crossroads & New Call for Entry


Karen Johnson From the Ashes, 38 x 44 inches

 The Grand National Fibre Art Exhibition highlights wonderful art from across Canada. Currently on view is their 2021 offering Crossroads. Click here to view the exhibit. Crossroads will be traveling to various venues across Canada and is currently on view at the UNB Art Centre in Fredericton New Brunswick. From the Ashes above is SAQA Western Canada member Karen Johnson's piece in Crossroads.

Do not miss your chance to be a part of this fantastic collection of artists. The 2023 Grand National call has been announced. Find all the details below and at this link.