SAQA 2016 | Reflections on the keynote with Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi

I just received my latest copy of the SAQA journal which had a great article by Cindy Grisdela outlining Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi's (http://carolynlmazloomi.com/) keynote address. Dr. Mazloomi is a highly influential, African American quilter, historian, author and curator. In the '80's, she started the Women of Color Quilters Network, http://wcqn.org/.

INSPIRATION | Norman Lewis PAFA Exhibit Catalog

Last week I received the exhibition catalog from the PAFA (Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts) show of Norman Lewis. It is a wonderfully detailed, well-written book that is a whopping 288 pages. The art pieces are in full color and many cover a full page.

I'm still in the process of reading and researching the wonderful tidbits from it. So far, I've learned that Norman Lewis actually had an estimated 2,500 works. In addition to paintings, sculpture and drawings, I also saw some quilts! Impressive. He was a true artistic spirit...willing to experiment with many different mediums. More to come.


You can check out this beautiful catalog here at the PAFA website, HERE.

INSPIRATION | Abstract Expressionism - Norman Lewis

Norman Lewis (1909 - 1979) was technically the first African-American abstract expressionist painter and teacher.

He lived in Harlem all of his life and was born to Bermudian parents.

He maintained studio space at the Harlem Art Center and participated (along with Jackson Pollock) in  art projects for the Works Progress Administration or WPA. The WPA was a massive effort in the 1930's under FDR's New Deal agency to put unemployed people back to work.

DESIGN | INSPIRATION: Vera Neumann (1907 - 1993)

I love Vera Neumann!!!!!

Vera Neumann (1907-1993) was an American-born artist who started a design company from her kitchen table in 1947. She is best known for her extensive, prolific designs for home décor, fine art and industrial products. Her designs are full of rich, vibrant colors and expressive symbols. Her logo is recognized all over the world for its simply "Vera" title next to the distinctive, colorful ladybug.