"SUNRISE" TEXTILE ART

"Sunrise"  63" X 11"  Lori LaBerge  2018

The hooked sections of this work were done a while back. Rather than rush into a project, I set them aside to decide how they would be used. This week was spent stitching various hardware and embellishments onto them. The hooked sections were then stitched to industrial felt.

When walking by construction sites, I think about the long day those workers have. They are often up at sunrise and continue until the sun sets. The works are shadows of sections of buildings and were developed through both sketches and photographs. 

All of the hardware and embellishments are meant to relate to the construction process. They include: sleeve swivels to represent plumb lines, washers, nuts, threaded connectors. A large washer and oval jewelry parts, representing the start of the day, are on the second section.

Here is photo shown in a previous post of the design idea:

The second row will be called "Sunset".

A thank you to Linda Rae Coughlin and Rug Hooking Magazine. An article on my work is in the current March/April/May issue. If you have an interest in rug hooking, this is the best magazine to subscribe to with informative information for beginners to advanced rug hookers and wool dyers. (The last square in the above photo was created separately as "Silhouette 1" and is pictured in the magazine article, another square with the same design will be hooked to be used as the last section of "Sunset".)

"RUG HOOKING MAGAZINE'S" OUTSTANDING SEPT/OCT. ISSUE AND CONTINUED ABSTRACT WORK

Rug Hooking Magazine's latest issue really grabbed my attention.  The focus was on rug hooking as art and the magazine certainly delivered.  Those who do not see rug hooking in this vein should purchase this issue which will surely change their mind.

I skipped the wine as this issue was worthy of my favorite liqueur, Cointreau.

The issue starts with a look at adapting works of the masters in an article by Tamara Pavich. Who does not recall this in their studies of studio art?  Learning how the masters used color, light, paint strokes, composition etc. leads to an understanding of the process of making art.

The magazine continues with a look at contemporary artists who present a variety of styles. One commonality is these artists' pushing themselves and creating vibrant, creative and engaging works of art.

Leslie Giuliani wrote an article on the Modern Hooker.  Her mixed media-work, rugs and wall pieces bring an old craft into the art world of today.  Anne-Marie Littenberg's article on the human form contains both abstract and more realistic portrayals.  Anne-Marie also contributed an article on Rachelle LeBlanc's work.  LeBlanc's works are in their own category and to me have an etheral feel reminding me a bit of Andrea Kowch's works, one of my favorite painters.  Diane Krys writes on combining rug hooking and felting. showing work that would seem to be comfortable in both the high-end craft and fine art realms. 

I'm basically saying if you have any interest on the direction rug hooking is going today please buy this issue and enjoy all the artists and writers who contributed to it. The future of rug hooked work looks bright.

I returned to work on an as yet untitled piece inspired by the local Coat's thread company building.

in progress, as yet untitled,  Lori LaBerge  2014

I finished the hooking and am working on the area that will wrap around the large bobbins. A brown with blue upholstery fabric was chosen for the edges.  Stitching will be done with various colors which are in the hooked work.

At the sewing machine adding pink stripes to the upholstery fabric.

On the studio work table.  Thread spools will be stitched to the hooked work.  Here, placement is being decided.  I also have whipped edges to complete along with determining how the upholstery will be attached to the large bobbins.  Construction is always a challenge.

Look into the directions your favorite art form is headed, search out how construction of that process works and have a great day. 

TABLE RUG DONE, "ROCK RUGS" IN RUG HOOKING MAGAZINE

Festive Table Rug with metal, 10" X 12 1/2", Lori LaBerge, 2012

I am guessing I was in a festive mood when this rug was hooked as it really reminds me of a party or Mardi Gras with streamers and confetti falling down upon the crowds.  A better photo will be taken later. The current cold air and strong winds had me taking a quick picture outside and heading in for a cup of hot tea.  While sipping on tea, I managed to finish updating the website with the new logo and a new section of contemporary floor rug designs.

The time of year has come when I am finishing up most hooked pieces and getting ready for the Carolina Designer Craftsmen show which takes place Thanksgiving weekend.  Unless time permits, the table rug above will most likely be the last hooked piece that will be ready for the show.

"Rocks and Rugs:  When Opposing Textures Meet"  in Rug Hooking Magazine.

Rug Hooking Magazine's November/December issue arrived in the mailbox yesterday and I had a chance to see my article on rock rugs in print. The article has information on how the rock rugs came about, their relationship to my hometown, and the creative thought process.  I had a wonderful time writing it and in the future would like to do more to encourage others to experiment with the art of rug hooking. Thank you to Debra Smith, Kathryn Fulton and the rest of the staff at the magazine who made this such a pleasant experience.

November/December 2012 issue

I would encourage those interested in rug hooking to subscribe to the magazine.  It has articles for beginners as well as those more experienced.  The magazine has information for use by both traditional and contemporary artists as well as dye info.

Writing about your work can clarify why you are doing it and where you want to go with it. Take some time to think about all those wonderful pieces you've created and where they are leading you.  Would you like to do a series of works or possibly experiment with new styles?  Send a message to viewers or just create something beautiful?  There are so many directions.  Whichever you choose, enjoy the ride and have a great day.

TABLE RUGS IN PROGRESS, BOOK IN RUG HOOKING MAGAZINE

Table rugs in progress.  Lori LaBerge  2012  Hooking, whipping edges and embellishing the rugs still need to be completed.

This week I started work on a series of table rugs which will measure approximately 9" X 12" each.  They would also look wonderful framed if one wishes.  The rugs will be created in a variety of colors and based on the same design.   I also had the chance to do some dyeing this week:

Colors dyed for use on future table rugs.  

The table rugs will be embellished with metal so a trip to the hardware store was in order to search for items to add to the rugs.  When not at home, a good place to find me is in the hardware or electrical section of Lowe's, Home Depot or the local Trustworthy hardware store.  I love those places!

Items waiting to be scraped, cleaned, painted or used as is in work.

I had received an e-mail from the editor of Rug Hooking magazine, Debra Smith, a while back asking for permission to place my book in their "Good Reads" section.

It is in the September/October issue and they did a wonderful write-up on it. Information on ordering the book can be found here.  As I was going through the issue, an article I really enjoyed  was one by Diane Krys.  She combines knitting and rug hooking in a wonderful way and I can't wait to see more of her work.  

Think about how you can create different combinations in whatever your work, hobby or project may be and have a great day.

NEW WORK AND A VISIT FROM RUG HOOKING MAGAZINE

Two new pieces mixing rug hooking with local raw gems were completed this past week. The people over at the local gem shop have been extremely helpful in educating me in identifying various rocks from the area.

Lori LaBerge  2012

This work features a beautiful piece of raw emerald.

As in similar works I have done, the wool used is from leftover strips kept in one of two large plastic bins. One bin is mostly 6-cut strips and the other 3 and 4-cut strips.

I really need to use these up as they are beginning to take up quite a bit of space in the studio.

The second work uses a piece of tourmaline with bits of garnet. I chose the red for it to sit on to pick up on the bits of garnet which are a reddish brown color.

Lori LaBerge  2012

While working on the above pieces, I received a call that the editor of Rug Hooking Magazine, Debra Smith, was in the area visiting a friend and would like to see the studio. The women came over on Tuesday and we had a wonderful time discussing various aspects of rug hooking. We talked about some recent dyeing Debra had done, tools of the trade, the need to preserve the history of the craft, as well as the importance of moving the craft forward with contemporary works.

During the conversation, I was offered the opportunity to write and present an article to the magazine. I'll be taking notes and putting ideas together while also preparing for the Toe River Open Studio Tour in June. Busy is a good thing!

Reading on the deck.  Just happened to be finishing up Chinese take-out with a fortune cookie, actually believed to be introduced by the Japanese and mostly consumed by Americans, so this dessert was perfect with the cover.

Enjoy the opportunities that come your way, thank the people that make them possible and have a great day.

Note:  I apologize for extra spaces left at the bottom of some blogs.  Blogspot simply does not seem to be letting me delete these at present.