Beginning the study, working outside
I have decided to dedicate the year leading up to my 60th birthday to studio work. Each day a sketch and five inch square design will be worked up in techniques I want to explore. The series began ahead of time on October 18th with a plein air landscape outside of the studio.
This does not mean I won’t teach and travel, but right now there is a long stretch of time off the road and a routine was necessary. The short term goal is a sketch for each day. Several larger works have evolved from these exercises already. It has been a productive and meditative time.
Lori LaBerge’s Plein Air Hooking Artists concept helped formulate the process. Although I am religiously sketching my subject into a journal, and working from the image for color and values, most of the subjects are also photographed as documentation. I am also documenting changes made anticipating compiling a text to accompany an exhibit.
So far skills from a wire jewelry workshop have been incorporated into several pieces; acrylic paints; quilting; embroidery; and coiling have augmented traditional rug hooking.Monthly there will be a progress report showing the seasonal palette; design evolution; and techniques explored. Below is a gallery of some early subjects and works.
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- South View 10-18
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- South view 10-18
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- Birds feeding 10-19
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- Matt’s Wild Cherries
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- 10-20 Value and Shapes
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- Log Pile
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- 10-29 Logs
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- EE Cummings in Mrs. Bowen’s English Class
ArtWools Studio of Susan Feller 
How Inspiring! You and I are the same age. A decade ago for my 50th year I treated myself to a rug-hooking workshop in Virginia and re-united with a childhood friend who lived in the area. Now I’m inspired to do something equally – or more! – challenging for the 60th birthday. I like the idea of a daily task dedicated to creative work.
Your gallery is beautiful, and as inspiring as your words.
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Welcome to a great year! I heard there is a Korean belief that you are “born” at 60. Wanted to get my baggage organized and ready. It felt time to encourage me as an artist, I have seen many others grow from the encouragement. Celebrate your creative spirit.
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Love it!!! Wish I was that disciplined!!! Hope you have a terrificly (word??) creative year!!
susi seyller chesapeake va
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Do not judge yourself on my attempts, you are creative too. I finally found the drive and time.
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I find this intriguing…sure to keep you focused. In all of us we have a kindred spirit of creativity….yours will shine.
jan lord-giraldi cdn
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