52 Ways to Look at the River, Update 6

Weeks 1 - 40, 52 Ways to Look at the River

  I am up to week 40 in my year long, self directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.  Every week I travel to a locale along the Susquehanna River and take a picture.  That image provides the inspiration for a fiber art panel.  The panels are 6" x 12", and are mainly needlefelted with wool and silk, with added detailing by stitch and applique, and occasionally beadwork. .  In the photo above they are informally pinned on a foam board; the final presentation will be different.  At this point I am leaning towards doing a triptych.

Here are the panels I have made since the last update:

Week 33, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 34, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 35, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 36, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 37, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 38, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 39, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 40, 52 Ways to Look at the River

So, what have I learned since the last update?

*Traveling for the photo shoot each week is a Big Commitment.

*Luckily, the rewards of traveling each week and making the corresponding panel are huge.  Even though I've lived near the Susquehanna for most of my life, and frequently hike nearby, I am gaining a new perspective and appreciation for its beauty.

*I continue to be very thankful for the efforts of the landowners and all the volunteers who work to ensure that the river, the trails, and the overlooks are so accessible to the public. It's a world-class resource, and it's right in my backyard.

*There's a natural arc in art making, for myself and many others, starting with the excitement of the idea, absolute panic on how to execute it, soldiering through the tricky bits, and ultimate triumph at having produced something that comes close to the vision.  It's a long arc for my larger works, but here I am cycling through it each week.  The weekly repetition of the process is honing my approach and building my confidence.

*I should treat myself to more blue silks.

This past week I traveled to Pinnacle Overlook, an iconic and very recognizable spot, and the scene of my first Lancaster County hike many decades ago.  There's a huge rock outcropping that provides a view upriver:

 And shows off the graceful curve leading into Lake Aldred:

 I've often clambered out onto the edge of those rocks, but this trip I was by myself, the day was damp and dreary, and there was no one around to hear me if I misstepped, so, discretion being the better part of valor,  I took my inspiration photos from the safer, fenced area:

 For anyone following along intently at home, here's a snapshot of signage that shows the area.  I've been to most of the highlighted spots on my quest so far.  Pinnacle crossed one of the last "must-haves" from my list, so I'm footloose and fancy free about my next destinations.  Stay tuned!

You can track back this project by clicking on the "52 Ways to Look at the River" tab at the top.  I also invite you to follow along each week 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!

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.

52 Ways to Look at the River, Update 5

Weeks 1 - 32, 52 Ways to Look at the River

 Time flies when you are having fun!  I am up to week 32 in my year long, self directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.  Every week I travel to a locale along the Susquehanna River and take a picture.  That image provides the inspiration for a fiber art panel.  The panels are 6" x 12", and are mainly needlefelted with wool and silk, with added detailing by stitch and applique (no fusing).  In the photo above they are informally pinned on a foam board.  I am still mulling over the possibilities for the final presentation.


What I've learned so far:
*The focus and discipline required to stay on track is considerable, but very worthwhile.
*My skills in this format are increasing exponentially
*The unplanned progression from abstract to detailed representation continues unabated.
*I am grateful for a deep and wide stash of fabric and materials that I can pull from as needed.
*My initial goal of spending 90 minutes fabricating each panel has gone out the window: my average time now is 3 hours.
*The interest and support shown for the project is very gratifying, and helps to keep me on track.  Thank you!.

Here are the individual panels for weeks 25 - 32:

Week 25, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 26, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 27, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 28, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 29, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 30, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 31, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 32, 52 Ways to Look at the River

The weather for the most part was unseasonably warm this fall and early winter, and I was beginning to despair of getting any snow and ice images.  A huge snowfall two weeks ago laid that concern to rest, and I had to fight my way down to the river for the last two shots.  Here's the inspiration image for week 32, where a channel opened up in the ice:

You can track back this project by clicking on the "52 Ways to Look at the River" tab at the top.  I also invite you to follow along each week 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!