This summer, from June 18 through 24, 2012, I will be teaching the class I’ve always dreamed of – a full week of focused and transforming quilting at the Ghost Ranch retreat in the high desert of Northern New Mexico.
Home to Georgia O’Keefe in her later life, the Ghost Ranch is a place of awe-inspiring ancient rock formations, boundless inspiration – and an opportunity to get away, to make a place for spirit, and to reconnect with your art.
The theme of transformation is inherent in the values and goals of the Ranch. Their goal is to “present opportunities for hearts to open, egos to relax, talents to be explored, and for spirit to enter. Guest instructors are among the best in their fields, known nationally and internationally”.
This is going to be a full five focused days (plus a day on either end for settling in, and the like) of exploring the local landscape, listening for spirit, fabric painting, quilting, feedback, and growth. From my application to the selection committee:
… “Become familiar with the Ghost Ranch landscape; listen for the area’s native and ancient voices, and translate that deeply personal communication into fabric-based designs.”
… “Learn fabric painting techniques that are specifically optimized to mimic the textures, colors, and complexities of ancient landscapes; create a full range of highly textured fabric in the colors and palette needed to bring unique depth, and subtle complexity, to your art quilt design.”
… “Using your (or perhaps those from other participants) new hand-painted fabrics, learn and work on various landscape construction techniques, as well as more “classic” methods (e.g., insetting, reverse appliqué, couching) that can be “repurposed” to further tell your landscape’s story.”
Sign up now (see their 2012 catalog); there will be room for eighteen participants. There are multiple and varied accommodations, both at or near the retreat, and it’s actually a great place for the family as well.
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Shaw Cramer Gallery, Martha's Vineyard – on-going … current quilts include: St. Kevin’s Monastery I, St. Kevin’s Monastery II, Monastic Ruin at Glendalough, and Up or Down
Recent Publications:
1000 Artisan Textiles: Contemporary Fiber Art, Quilts, and Wearables
Sandra Salamony & Gina M. Brown, Rockport Publishers / Quarry Books, 2010
www.amazon.com
Machine Quilting Unlimited – Featured Artist (July, 2009)
www.mqumag.com
Fiberarts – Featured Artist (April - May, 2009)
http://www.fiberarts.com/back_issues/April-May-2009/denise-labadie.asp
Video: The Quilt Show – Featured Artist
On-line video, #106; requires registration
www.thequiltshow.com
