Susquehannock State Park

This past week, on the equinox, we journeyed to Susquehannock State Park on a cold and grey day to take pictures for my self-directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.  I didn't mind the weather, because I knew from past visits that the scenery is incomparable.  The approach to the cliff edge is inviting, especially with the trees still leafless:

 And the 180+ degree vista from Hawk Point Overlook is superb in any season:

 There are islands and other features to draw the eye, including Mount Johnson Island, the world’s first bald eagle sanctuary:

 Off in the distance downriver, one can spot the Norman Wood Bridge:

 Zooming in a bit on the bridge:

 Which was the subject of Week 26:

And I am always charmed by this Bausch and Lomb binocular--for 25 cents you will gain a whole new perspective:

My final pick for this week's inspiration image--and it was a hard choice--is this view upriver.  Osprey often nest on the power towers seen here:

Week 39 Image, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Here is the resultant panel I made back in the studio.  The panel is 6" x 12", on a base of wool/rayon felt, needlefelted with silk and wool, stitched, and painted:

Week 39 Panel, 52 Ways to Look at the River

I've added a 52 Weeks tab to the header so you can track back the project to date.  You can also follow my weekly updates on your platform of choice:
Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/suerenostudio
Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/suereno
Tumblr: http://suerenostudio.tumblr.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/suereno/
Instagram: sue_reno_studio

Many thanks to Machine Quilting Unlimited, who featured this project on their blog this week, see it here.

As always, thanks for reading and commenting!

New Work - Magnolia

Magnolia, by Sue Reno

 I'm happy to share with you my recently completed work "Magnolia".  Regular readers will recall that this piece was begun plein air in the garden of the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, PA, last fall.  I was on the grounds with other artists of the PA Arts Experience for an open house in the Residence showcasing member art, including my Watt & Shand #3.

Magnolia, detail 1, by Sue Reno

I roamed the gardens for a bit before settling near a gorgeous magnolia tree, complete with seed pods, sited in front of a mellow brick wall and flanked by the last of the season's roses.  I laid out the basics of the center panel by cutting strips of wool, and began needlefelting them by hand, all the while talking with visitors and explaining my process.  It was a good afternoon.

Magnolia, detail 2, by Sue Reno

Back in the studio I did a lot more work on it, securing the needlefelting by machine and adding to it.  I constructed a background quilt to support and enhance the center panel. And at the end I spent some time brightening the panel with lots of hand beadwork.  I'm delighted with the overall aesthetic of the piece and think it captures the scene with joy and exuberance.

You can track Magnolia back as a work in progress by clicking on it under Labels in the right sidebar.

As always, thanks for reading and commenting.

Ice Jam acceptance for Fiber National 2016

Ice Jam

 I am pleased and honored to announce that Ice Jam has been accepted into Fiber National 2016 at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA.  The juror is Jennifer Lindsay.  The exhibits opens May 28th and runs through August 21st.

Ice Jam, detail 1

 Ice Jam is my distillation of numerous visits made to the Susquehanna River in the depths of winter, when freezing and fluctuating temperatures created large sheets of ice that jammed up the river and piled high on the shoreline.

Ice Jam, detail 2

The center panel in this work is needlefelted and extensively hand beaded.

Ice Jam, detail 3

 The supporting quilt is pieced from collograph prints, handpainted fabric, and commercial fabrics.  It is heavily quilted, and measures 43"h x 52"w.

Ice Jam, detail 4

It's true of fiber art in general, and of this piece in particular, that it's best viewed and appreciated in person.  Even the detail photographs fall a bit short of conveying the texture and depth of the materials.  So I am delighted that Ice Jam will have a chance to shine at Fiber National 2016. And it's close enough that I might be able to attend the opening.  I would love to see the other works in this exhibit.

As always, thanks for reading and commenting.

Late Winter Woodsy Ramble

Last week's woodsy ramble and photo session began in State Game Lands 181, in York County, PA.  There were no clear overlooks on the trail taken, but many opportunities to glimpse the Susquehanna through the leafless deciduous forest.  Another section was mostly evergreen, with a layer of needles making for soft footing underneath.

We ventured off-trail frequently, and discovered markers of various points on the life cycle, like the gnawed remnants of white tailed deer bones:

The first spathes of skunk cabbage emerging creekside:

A skunk cabbage spathe under the macro lens:

The beautiful evergreen leaves of the striped wintergreen, Chimaphila maculata:

The nest stop was the Indian Steps Museum.  The building was still closed for season--it is well worth a visit--but we were free to wander the grounds.

There's a large outdoor summer kitchen, with several fireplaces and ovens, including this one with ornate doors:

A sundial from 1911--"What Changes Time Hath Wrought"

A ginormous American Holly tree and its accompanying plaque, with yours truly in the picture for scale. Also for scale, those are sycamore trees in the background.

It's a  "350 year old holly tree that is believed to be the largest American holly tree in this latitude. The tree is 65 feet tall and its branches spread 65 feet as well. The circumference of the trunk, two feet above the ground, is 76 inches."

It's a very peaceful locale with a good vibe, and the river views are also tranquil.  This image became my choice for my week 36 iteration of my ongoing self-directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.

52 Ways to Look at the River, week 36 image

Back in the studio, I used the inspiration image to make this 6" x 12" panel, It's needlefelted with wool and silk, stitched, and handbeaded.

52 Ways to Look at the River, week 36 panel

You can read more about the project by clicking on the 52 Ways tab at the top.  You can also follow along weekly on your platform of choice:
Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/suerenostudio
Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/suereno
Tumblr: http://suerenostudio.tumblr.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/suereno/
Instagram: sue_reno_studio

As always, thanks for reading and commenting.