The prompt today for the Blog Challenge is “Most Impactful Class”. And it includes an announcement about a new type of class that I will be offering in 2021.
My most impactful class experience
Several years ago, I attended a 5 day independent study class taught by Linda MacDonald.
Independent study classes are marvelous opportunities to grow your voice and vision. These are common experiences in the art world, but relatively rare in the quilt world. Most intensive classes in the quilt world are designed to teach the students techniques in the style of the master teacher. This independent study was totally different and perfect for me because I was not at all interested in learning the techniques or style of another quilt artist/designer. I wanted to dive deeper into my vision for a series of quilts that I had just started.
The class was set up with a small group of students (10 or so) who brought their own projects to work on. On the first day, we shared what design challenges we wanted to work on and our goals for the week. Through a thoughtful and focused discussion, guided by Linda, we students helped each other refine our intentions and sharpen our initial focus. Each morning and afternoon, we gathered for critique and discussion, again guided by Linda.
What I learned:
- How important it is to work in a series to thoroughly explore a design idea
- The importance of asking “what is my intention or goal in the NEXT piece in the series”
- The value of real critique where you and viewers asses why elements of the piece work well and why other elements do not
- Understanding that there is something to be learned from all points of view and that as an artist, I am free to incorporate and shift my process or set aside what I hear
The quilt series that developed from this experience is called Pentecostal Crosses. I made over 12 pieces in this series before moving on to other ideas. Some were pieced and appliqued, but I also made a few mixed media pieces that were framed. Here are two quilts from that series. I expect to return to this series some day.
ANNOUNCEMENT: MasterClass Offerings Coming in 2021
I will be setting up several multiday virtual MasterClasses in 2021. Two types of classes will be offered:
- Technique focused such as improvisational design or use of negative space
- Independent study in modern quilt design–projects selected by the student. No specific techniques will be taught.
Class sizes will be small so please be sure to sign up for my Newsletter HERE to receive detailed information when registration opens in early 2021. Newsletter subscribers and students enrolled in my on demand classes will be notified BEFORE the public. Dates, fees and schedule will be announced then.