IQF Long Beach 2012 - Rituals

The "Rituals" exhibit at the recent IQF Long Beach 2012 show was a spectacular quilt art exhibit that kept drawing me back.  While there were wonderful exhibits at this show, Rituals was the exhibit that I spent the most time, yet after three days at this show I came away feeling I didn't have enough time.   Still, I'm delighted to have a chance to have visited this show and be able to share insights with you on this exhibit today.

Before I begin, I do want to thank Quilt, Inc., Jamie Fingal and Leslie Tucker Jenison for their approval to allow me to share  photos and insights with you today on this amazing exhibit, from the IQF Long Beach 2012 show.  Please remember these images, as all images & posts on SewCalGal,  are copyright protected, so please do not copy or share without prior approval.  

The Rituals exhibit was a juried invitation exhibition by  Dinner at Eight Artists, curated by Jamie Fingal and Leslie Tucker Jenison.  Jamie and Leslie issued a Call for Quilts in 2011 and went thru a blind judging process of the entries, to identify those that would be accepted into this exhibit.  They provided the them of "Rituals" and quilt artists were asked to create and enter a project that fit with the theme.  Judging looked for entries that reflected the overall theme.

The theme of the "Rituals" exhibit is "An exchange between friends, a handshake, a A kiss before bedtime, a special occasion toast, a habit, or a custom.  In this exhibit artists explore in fabric, their own "rituals".   What are yours?

This exhibit comprises a collection of 42 Art Quilts.  The Quilt Artists include:  Susan Bleiweiss, Gerrie Congdon, Jamie Fingal, Diane Hock, Jane LaFazio, Susan Fletcher King, Gayle Simpson, Natalia Aikens, Laurie Brainerd, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Judy Coates Perez, and many more talented quilt artists. This exhibit was also sponsored by Moore's Sewing Centers


"Rituals" is also available in book format.  You can order your copy of "Rituals" online from Blurb.  The book provides insights on the 42 quilts in this exhibit, as well as the respective artist for each quilt. There is also a section on the curators, 

{below} Nature Journal, by Jane LaFazio
Techniques:  Hand and machine stitched
Design Source:  Images from my sketchbook from my love of nature and stitching

{below} "Friendship Ritual", by Terry Grant
Techniques:   fused applique', machine stitching, painting
Design Source:  My ritual is making and sending valentines each year. It is about friendship and the delicate threads of connection. I make valentines, write letters and as I cut and paste and write and address envelopes I think about each person and what they mean to me, reconfirming the connection whether it is old and fragile, new and tentative or strong and tested.

{below}
Swirl, Sniff, Sip, by Diane Hock
Techniques: Fused applique', painted, stenciled, machine quilted
Design Source:  Thinking about the different shapes of wine glasses and the reasons for them led me to the original design.

{below}
Tiempo del Sol; Rituals De Jardin, by Gayle Simpson 
Technques:  Raw Edge Applique, collaged, drawn, machine and hand quilted, pieced and inked.
Design Source: I was initially inspired to do an architectural composition of just sundials which I had photographed.  During the creation of this quilt, serious life circumstances played out resulting in relief and joy in the form of Gingko leaves and butterflies, And I obsess over my garden.

{below} "Moon Drunk", by Susan Fletcher King.  
Techniques:  Raw Edge Applique, discharged, bobbin sewn, painted, inked, threadpaint. 
Design Source: Sitting on our porch on a warm, humid night and watching the full moon rise and insects swarm in the moon's light.  

This exhibit will also be shown at the International Quilt Market (Oct 27-29) and Festival (Oct 31-Nov 4), thanks to the sponsorship of  Havel's Sewing.  I hope you'll have a chance of seeing this spectacular exhibit soon.

I hope you'll also be inspired to think about your favorite rituals and appreciate the beautiful art quilts in this exhibit.  Of course, I'd love to hear what your favorite rituals are.  For me, it might be a boating trip to Catalina Island, or enjoying the signs of Fall.


For more information on the IQF Long Beach Show:
http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/viewer.php?page=SummerFestival

For more info on the "Rituals" Exhibit:
http://dinnerateightartists.blogspot.com/ 
http://jamiefingaldesigns.blogspot.com/search?q=RITUALS