Photographs

I am still working on my photo diary.

Here are a few pictures from the first two weeks of September.

Newly hatched turtle, September 9

Castel Vecchio in the morning light, September 8

Palazzo in Piazza Bra, September 13
I love the colours.

Arena arches, September 15

Shattered, September 4

Photo Diary- Sunday

When I walked by the little church, the door was locked. I saw this through the key hole.

Today's Photograph

sculpture by Rodin

I spent the afternoon at the Art Gallery of Ontario. I am glad I happen to have my camera in my hands when I saw the above. It just lasted a second. His mom called and he ran away.

If you are at the AGO see the Art as Therapy exhibit. I loved it! Really interesting angle for an art exhibit. Good on you, curator!

"If you can talk about it, why paint it?" 

artist Francis Bacon

My friend and I had a debate about that quote. I said, "If you can paint it why would you do it in fabric?" She countered, "If you can take a photograph of it why would you paint it?"

Whenever I see a textile exhibit I ask myself, "Why did the artist choose textile as the medium?"

Once a Day

Today is my birthday.

A birthday is the beginning of a new segment in your life. On a birthday, I get the same feeling like I do on January 1st or the first day of school, either for me or my children, in September. For me those have always been the times for new beginnings.

Today is a good day to start something new.

I am taking ONE photograph per day for the next 365 days. That's my new thing. I'm calling it "La Bellezza di Ogni Giorno" (the beauty of every day).

Here is today's picture.

I entitled it Focus.
There is only one pin head that is in focus and in a perfect spot too!
 It looks suspended.

Landscapes

The McMichael Gallery has put together the photography of Edward Burtynsky (1955-) with that of Ansel Adam (1902-1984).

Both photograph landscape.

Adams is best known for his dramatic views of Yosemite National Park in USA- his still life, panoramic views and distant landscapes.

Burtynsky's photographs engage us to think about our relationship to nature.

Both photographers' works compliment the permanent collection of the Group of Seven -a group of  Canadian landscape painters from 1920 -1933.

The exhibit goes till September 29, 2013. Make a day of it and plan to have lunch in Kleinburg.

(photographs taken on the grounds at the McMichael Gallery by me)

The Best Ones

I was asked to be part of the jury for Verona Tessile's international exhibit, "E Lucian le Stelle...". It was a great theme as the Arena is celebrating 100 years of opera this year.

One of the Verona Tessile exhibits, "E Lucean le Stelle" at San Giorgetto 

The jury first selected the works via photographs.

First prize winner. Star Circle
by Verena Giavelli

I cannot stress how important it is to have your work professionally photographed for these types of juried exhibits. I remember the selection that was made for the Mineral's exhibit. There was one work that received the appropriate number of votes and we had to accept it. I was so worried about that piece and for no reason at all because when we actually received it, it was fabulous! The picture did not do it justice.

detail, Star Circle
She used the Hawaiian technique (Hawajano)
with a contemporary spin.
The base is one piece of fabric instead of a patchwork.
The appliqué part which is over that base is made of
 one piece of felt which was folded and cut
(remember making snowflakes
out of paper by folding and cutting?).
That creation was modified using a soldering iron
 and embellished with metallic fabric paint.

Some works were easy to choose and some were difficult.

detail, Star Circle

A few weeks ago, while all 4 jury members were in Verona together, we chose the prize winners from the selected works. That selection was done seeing the work LIVE and not through photographs.

It is interesting to view works from the perspective of a juror.

2nd place winner from an italian maker, Laura Di Cera, entitled
Il Sogno di Euterpe
She is a musician by profession and that
came through her interpretation.
The work second from the left is by Canadian maker
Gail Marmoreo from Ontario

Terry Abate, is the oldest member of Ad Maiora (she's in her 80's!) and her work was awarded 3rd prize, traditional category.

Terry (left) standing in front of her work
with one of the Canadian travellers

All works were packed up and picked up by the shipping company. Artists are always eager to get their work back! Because they are made by our hands we become so attached to them. It's nice to see them come home.

Folds in Fabric

When I think of fabric I thing soft, pliable, flowing.

It is odd to see sculpted fabric that is static and hard but still feels soft, pliable and flowing.

I spent three hours in the Montparnasse Cemetery (Paris) yesterday taking photographs and sketching and writing.

Have you seen Patti Smith's (yes, of punk rock fame) photographs of Montparnasse Cemetery at the Art Gallery of Ontario? The exhibit is called Camera Solo. Very clever. Camera in italian means room. The exhibit shows a collection of her photographs of sites and spaces that have personal significance, her private 'room'.

Camera Solo is on in Toronto till May 19.

Making my Own Fabric

I always have my camera in my purse.

I noticed some of the advertisements on the street posts were 'altered' because of the big rains that had fallen during the night.

I printed those photographs on treated cotton fabric (Printed Treasures by Dritz)

I love the text that you barely see.

I like the texture.

I may print it again and alter the colour slightly.

I will eventually be using this 'new fabric' for an art piece.

Today's Postcard

Today's 15-minute postcard
 foreground: made with hand-dyed fabric scraps,
detailed photograph of Toronto graffiti printed on paper
background: painting by Isabelle Reford

Bad Art

British photographer, Martin Parr, says he has to take many bad photographs in order to take one good one.

I have to make lots of bad art before I can be happy with a piece.

That is why I like working on my postcards. Click here for details on my postcard routine.

It's always difficult to make good postcards after I am away from my studio for long periods of time.

That is why one of my promises for 2013 is to DO more. More art- sewing- stitching- drawing.

Last year, I promised to host more parties at my house and I did that!! So fun!

Thanksgiving

Nine

Name 9 things you are thankful for.

This weekend Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving, a celebration which is tied to the harvest.

Speaking in East Toronto

I was invited by the East Toronto Quilter's Guild to speak at their monthly meeting. My topic was "Beyond the Hobby Quilter".

I brought 18 pieces related to my topic to show the members.

Blue Depression is one of the pieces I brought. It is still one of my favorites.

Blue Depression, detail
photo by Carolina Dal Dossi

I made it in 2006 for a contest in Italy but it missed the show, BLUE, because it was held at Italian customs for a week.

I ended up submitting it the following year in Trame D'Arte in Verona, Italy, and it was awarded 3rd prize in the contemporary category. I received $800 worth of fabric, which I left in Italy and use when I'm there. I can now say I am an international, award-winning textile artist!

It's got paper and actual (altered) photographs in it and since it has been handled while traveling it's a little tattered in spots.

Blue Depression, 40" x 38.5", 120 cm x 98 cm
photo by Carolina Dal Dossi

Later, it was photographed for an Italian calendar (2008) and was selected for the poster for Festival Internacional de Patchwork and was part of the Italian exhibit at the same event in Sitges, Spain, 2009. 


I am giving the same talk in November at the Mississauga guild. (see speaking engagements)


Everyone is welcome.