Embroidery workshops in the new year - get your stitch on!

Hustle in the new year with some creative workshops. 

Here are some embroidery classes perfect for beginners and more experienced stitchers: 

1) Course: The Embroidered Art Journal 10/SP-PMDA-104-01

When: five, 3-hour class sessions on Sundays from 10am - 1pm - 

January 31 - February 28

Where: Pratt Center for Continuing and Professional Studies in Manhattan

For full course listing: Click here

To register: http://my.pratt.edu OR http://www.pratt.edu OR call 212-647-7199 and register with a credit card M-Th 10am-6pm; F 10am-2pm

This class is offered again in the spring on Wednesdays, April 21 - May 19, 6:30-9:30pm–10/SP-104-02.

2) Extraordinary Embroidery - 3-hour workshop

When: Saturday, January 9th from 1-4pm

Where: 3rd Ward in Williamsburg - 573 Metropolitan Avenue, just steps from the L/G train stop to Lorimer/Metropolitan

To register and for more info: Click here

3. Course: Extraordinary Embroidery - 3-hour workshop

When: Saturday, February 13th, 11am-2pm

Where: 3rd Ward in Williamsburg - 573 Metropolitan Avenue, just steps from the L/G train stop to Lorimer/Metropolitan

To register and for more info: Click here

My disappearing maps

The image at left is of my latest map, a tribute to my first treadmill run of 2009. Running on the treadmill can be immensely boring. I try to placate myself by listening to my ipod. I never listen to music on my outdoor runs. I like street noises, and I feel as though I need to use my ears to pay attention to traffic - cars and pedestrians I may not be able to see.

Anyway, this map says:

"1st treadmill run, winter 09

Music as landscape:

VETO:

Can you see anything?

We are not your friends

You are a knife

Cannibal

I brought the bbq

wereisobesotted.blogspot.com

Of course, these were not the only songs I listened to that day, but they are the ones I remember.

I am sad to say that the map I posted less than one week ago is gone! Who is removing my maps? I am very troubled by their disappearance. I think it is not neighborly to take them down. At the moment, the two bulletin boards are largely empty. There are two laminated signs offering a hefty reward for a dog that's been missing since October. I hope the owner finds the dog, and also that he or she is not taken advantage of in the process.

I am still working on alternative venues for my maps...I will let you know what I come up with.

In love 4ever

"you and me in love 4ever"

"He treats 

women like 

commodities 

he can interchange."

New "post-its," sweet and savory

"Oh, you play me so well, I'm always three steps back, a cat chasing my tail, trying to guess at your latest transgression, when all I want is to love you and only you."

Your game is the gift that keeps me tied to you. (This is fictitious, don't worry, readers.)

Mapping my run on the snowy banks

Much to my disappointment, I have not been able to run outside for the past two days. The first snow of the season left the streets slushy, icy, and wet, with huge banks of snow on the corners. I actually ran on the treadmill, which is a poor substitute for an outdoor run.

To honor my love of running while the sun rises, I posted this map yesterday morning on the Boerum Hill bulletin board. As you can tell, it was not yet light out. 

I was disappointed to discover that my two previous maps had been removed. Where did they go? Who took them?

I need to find a more permanent space for my maps. I am working on reaching out to arts organizations that help artists produce public projects. I applied for a slot to talk to some of the administrators of Creative Time, a NYC-based non-profit that produces public art projects. The next one-on-one artist counseling sessions are being held at PS1 in January. I have no idea what my chances are of being picked for a meeting, but I am excited about the possibility.

The Quickest Path

"I'll take the quickest path to loving you."

I seem to be on a very slow path to finding someone to love. I used to feel more of a sense of urgency about this in my late 20s. 

Now, I'm all tied up in dreaming of how to make my living as an embroiderer/embroidery workshops teacher. Every day, I do feel closer to this, and as if I am on the right path.

One current business idea: "Hope for the love-torn" - 

Custom embroideries of your perfect boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/etc.

You supply a written description, I will create a preliminary sketch for us to review, which I will then translate into an embroidery.

Your Place

"I carry you with me everywhere.

You will always have a place inside me."

Be My Home

"I've scoured the City for someone who feels like home.

Now, you're standing right in front me of, yet you're out of reach. 

Darling, come down from the heights of my imagination and be my home."

Some day, my relationship-related wishes will be more than conjecture and fantasy, and I will have a reasonable semblance of the love I've always dreamed of. The question remains as to whether this will be with someone I already know, or someone I've yet to meet. I can't wait to find out!

Disappearing Man Makes More of an Appearance

The disappearing man is coming into view, becoming better defined, more present. I am loving working with the image...As soon as I get down to his feet, I will add in the text.

He is my dream of the love I want...although my dream definitely includes someone who is present and available the majority of the time (we all need some time away sometimes).

Long live the French knot!

My love overflows

This weekend was the holiday gift fair at the Center for Book Arts, a wonderful laboratory focusing on artist books located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. I met some artists who run their own presses, and saw some great work. I also had the opportunity to share my work with many enthusiastic visitors. Thanks to everyone who came out, signed my mailing list, purchased a little something, and expressed interest in my work.

I also woke up super early this morning with phrases running through my head, asking to be embroidered. This newest piece says:

"I'm brimming over with love for you. My desire overflows." 

Standing right in front of me, yet out of reach

This piece in progress is of a "disappearing" man. 

It will say something like the following:

"I have scoured the city for someone who feels like home. Now, you're standing right in front of me, yet still out of reach."

The love and partnership I want still eludes me...My primary relationship is with my art, and all it encompasses -- teaching, constant stitching, updating my blog, scribbling ideas on the back of receipts, text messaging myself when inspiration strikes...

Let love come to me.

Results of BECA Art Auction

Thanks so much to Andrew Thornton, friend and fellow artist, who placed the winning bid on my piece for the BECA (Bridge for Emerging Contemporary Art) Art Auction. Andrew, I appreciate your generosity and kindness, and BECA, here is wishing you ongoing success in your mission to support and present the work of challenging emerging artists! 

I encourage you all to check out Andrew's blog, and to visit BECA's web site and learn more about their programming and ways to become involved!

Holiday Art Fairs

It's holiday season, and in addition to food binges and parties, it's time for Holiday art exhibits and fairs. Here are some places where you can catch my artwork, including pieces like the one at left:

1. Shop Art Holiday Group Show - December 2-31

51 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY

F/G train to Bergen

Click here for web site and more info

2. Center for Book Arts 2009 Holiday Gift Fair - 

Friday 12/11-Saturday 12/12

The Center for Book Arts

28 West 27th Street, 3rd Floor

Friday night is a preview party with $10 admission. I have a few tickets, so if you're interested in music, food, and great book arts, please contact me.

Friday 12/11 6-9pm

Saturday 12 noon - 7pm FREE admission

3. My Etsy shop! That's right. Some finds on good, old Etsy: IvivaEmbroiders.etsy.com.

Happy holidays to all!