Joe Deal, 1947-2010
Remembering a dear teacher and mentor a year after his passing. Joe’s work is on par with the greatest landscape photographers that come to mind. I was thrilled to be able to view an online exhibition of some of his work at the Robert Mann Gallery website. Along with David Hockney, I would site Joe Deal as one of my biggest artistic influences. Deal became dean of the Washington University School of Fine Arts my junior year. He was the crowning jewel and saving grace of my Wash U experience. He once described a large-print photographic portrait series I did my senior year (1989/90) as being like “maps of faces.” Being that Deal was one of the pioneers in the New Topographic movement, I guess such an assessment comes as no surprise, but high praise, indeed.
Incomplete, Alanis Morrisette
Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 14, 2011
Why you should know him: Erick Wolfmeyer, 44, is a professional quilter living in Iowa City. The Quincy, Ill., native moved to Iowa City to expand his quilting practice after living out West and has been here ever since. Wolfmeyer has made more than 70 quilts in his career, each of which takes about six months to create, he said. Wolfmeyer will be hosting a quilt design class at Home Ec. Workshop at noon July 23 and 24.
I got started in quilting when: I was living in California and my then-boyfriend and I went on vacation to see friends in Sisters, Ore. They have a huge outdoor quilt show there. We were there a week after it happened, but it was still in the atmosphere. Our friends just had a baby and I always liked quilts, so I bought my first pattern and (made a baby quilt). After I finished that, I just went crazy.
I sell my quilts: In Kalona at the annual Quilt Show & Sale and at a store in south Amana. But I’m happy to say that I’m doing more direct selling to people.
When I was little, I wanted to be _______ when I grew up: I initially wanted to be an architect. I always say I am a frustrated architect; I have this urge to put things together.
My favorite quilt I’ve ever made is: That’s like asking if I have a favorite child.
I’m inspired by: Almost everything. I’ll take drives and look at old buildings and the rust patterns. Architecture, literature, music, current events lately. I feel like a vessel.
Something I never want to do again is: Touch a snake. There’s no need to, but I was forced to as a kid (and hated it).
Something I’ve always wanted to do is: Go to Europe.
If I weren’t quilting, I’d be: Having a fabulous social life. Quilting is a very solitary thing.
Words I live by: You don’t have to suffer to make art, but making art is worth suffering for.
Magic Patch, July/August 2011
July 26, 2010 – Art Talk interview (scheduled recording session)
As of yet untitled…
This piece began when I bought a quilt book at a used book store here in Iowa City. So focused on the images, I didn’t pay much attention to the written content. I later realized it was the catalog for the premiere exhibit at the
International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. (I visited the IQSC for the first time summer 2010). Of all the quilts featured, I was particularly drawn to (see above) “Sea of Japan in Winter,” 1983, by Shizuko Kuroha (this link will take you to IQSC database search page for more detailed info).I planned to make my own iteration with some of the Japanese daiwabo fabrics in my collection, but wasn’t quite sure of the exact angle to cut the pieces for the block construction. Later, a co-worker gave me a book that chronicled quilt blocks from the 1930’s. There I stumbled upon the block design; it was called Arabic Lattice. The name seemed particularly timely with events in the Middle East this spring, 2011. More quilt sychronicity.
Class @ Home Ec Workshop JUL 23 & 24, 2011
Join me 12-4pm on Saturday July 23 & Sunday July 24 for a quilt design class at Home Ec Workshop. Together we’ll explore working from a basic block idea, then making that block your own either through color choices and/or design modifications. There are no expectations of finished projects, rather this class is meant to provide a healthy start to a project of your own design, increasing comfort levels with breaking away from patterns and making meaningful color choices. Selection from Home Ec’s marvelous array of fabric is encouraged, but also ok to bring a variety of small cuts of fabric from your home stash as well. This is about play and exploration to see where it leads you…
This class was really enjoyable – thanks to my great students – Amber, Gerri, Kirsten and Nancy! They all produced totally original ideas based on an inspiration. It was so exciting to see how each student’s project was a reflection of her own individuailty.
Kirsten’s Creations: Quilt Inspiration: “I’ve been wanting to post about an inspiring experience I had a couple weekends ago. I took a class at Home Ec Workshop with Erik Wolfmeye…”
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