Altered Cemetery Flags for the new Lantern Hotel in Columbia

 

(Above:  The altered Cemetery Flags at the new Lantern Hotel.  Click on any photo other than this one to enlarge!)

I didn't take the photo above.  I pulled it off a social media post.  Why?  Well ... I haven't been to Columbia since delivering this artwork.  At the time, the new Lantern Hotel was very, very busy with crew of workers finishing up the construction site's punch list, installing beds and mini refrigerators, and unpacking mountains of boxes containing all the things one expects to find in a hotel room.  I am quite excited to have a reason to return to Columbia in the coming weeks and plan to stop by for an in-person experience and to capture other images.

So ... what's the "rest of the story"?

This piece actually started back in 2011 when I lay out a coffin flag and basted sixty-one little flags on top of it.  The little flags once marked veterans' graves but were unceremoniously tossed into cemetery trash cans.  I rescued them ... cleaned them ... ironed them ... and intended to machine stitch them to the coffin flag (found at an auction) while enjoying an art residency at Hot Springs National Park.  To read this initial blog post, CLICK HERE.  That plan went awry.  The bulk of the piece nearly broke my Bernina machine.  As a result, the piece was put into a box and forgotten until late 2022.

 

(Above: Cemetery Flags. 9'1" x 4'8". Assorted US flags retrieved from cemetery trash bins free-motion embroidered onto a discarded casket flag.)

By the time I found the basted artwork in 2022, I was the proud owner of a Babylock Tiara sewing machine.  With 16" of work space, this machine could easily handle the size and bulk.  Happily, I free-motion stitched red, white, and blue threads for days on end.  (To read that blog post, CLICK HERE.)  I was able to photograph it at Stormwater Studios with help from my artistic mentor Stephen Chesley whose studio is located there.  The image above was used for my successful entry into Surface Design Associations partnership show with Florida CraftArt ... an exhibit called Spaces Between.  Unbelievably, it was awarded first place by juror Akiko Kotani.  Of course I was thrill and very surprised.  Of course I posted this good news to social media.  That's how Kim Moon, lead interior designer at Garvin Design Group, a big architectural firm, saw it.  She sent me a private message asking if it could be hung as a horizontal.  My answer was, "Yes! Of course!"

 

(Above:  Hand-stitching the artwork to a very large piece of awning canvas.)

Kim and I corresponded about the hotel and her interior design vision. That's how I learned that this boutique hotel was not a new construction but a renovation of the former fire station and fire tower in Columbia's downtown area called The Vista.  We brainstormed about ways to make the artwork better reflect the former location and came up with the idea of wrapping fire hose around the art quilt.  I sent a proposal and it was accepted!

 

(Above:  Two fire hose from FireHose Direct.)

Before writing my proposal, plenty of research was done. I learned all sorts of things about fire hose. I was able to talk to a representative at FireHose Direct before ordering these two.  These are NOT the sort that a real fire company uses but appropriate for a community center or mechanical shop or for agricultural needs.  Fire departments use much larger and wider hose! Real ones just wouldn't look as good on the art quilt and would have added way too much weight!

 

(Above:  The suspended art quilt.)

The biggest challenge, however, was to thoroughly think through the steps needed to altered the flag for a permanent, horizontal presentation on a hotel wall.  It needed to be mounted using a French cleat/Z-bar.  This wouldn't have been a problem if the piece wasn't wrapped with two fire hoses.  After stitching the work to the canvas, I could have simply pulled the extra canvas around the 1" x 4" piece of wood and stapled/screwed it in place ... then screw the French cleat/Z-bar to the wood.  The problem, however, was the thickness of the hoses on the reverse side.  The French cleat/Z-bar couldn't lay flat!  Thankfully, I had a plan!  The first step was to suspend the piece from the loft in my sanctuary studio!

 

(Above:  The artwork suspended from the loft.)

The photo above shows the artwork from the back side ... suspended from the loft ... with the canvas pulled over the 1" x 4" wood and screwed down.  To suspend it, Steve and I attached four hangers to the top of the wood and used clothesline.

 

(Above:  The artwork wrapped with the two fire hoses.)

It was a rather simple task to wrap the two fire hose around the art quilt.  Fortunately, I snapped this photo and sent it to Kim.  I wondered about the stenciled lettering.  It made it obvious that these two hoses were "fire hose" but it also advertised a company.  Kim suggested flipping the white hose to show the um-stenciled side ... but having me stencil "Ladder 13" on it.  That's the name of the Lantern's restaurant.  She wondered whether I could locate brass nozzles for the ends of the hose ... the stereotypical look of an antique fire hose.  Fortunately, I was able to source them!  These changes were made.

 

(Above:  Steve screwing in small pieces of wood between the places where the fire hose went.)

Screws with large washers attached the back of the hose to the long slat of wood. Every hole was pre-drilled in order to avoid splitting the wood.

 

(Above:  Steve attaching the French cleat/Z-bar.)

Once this was done, it was time to work on the French cleat/Z-bar. Steve screwed the French cleat/Z-bar to the nice, perfectly flat surface on the back side! This piece of aluminum works with another that is mounted to a wall.  The two fit together to keep the entire work totally flat and permanently against the lobby wall.  At this point, the work was ready to deliver to Columbia.  This all happened even before I went to Montana for an art residency in October.  The construction site, however, was behind schedule.  The piece hung from the loft until ten days ago!  Now it is on view and the hotel is open!  I can't wait to visit and see it for myself!

Nine Commisssioned Windows!

(Above:  The first three of nine commissioned "Window Series" pieces.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Several weeks ago I was contacted by an interior designer working for a construction company in Charlotte.  The nice lady met me when working with NINE dot Arts while I was suspending my wrapped pern installation in the lobby of Columbia's new Cambria Hotel. (CLICK HERE for that post!)  She asked me to design nine "Window Series" pieces for one of her new projects, a wall in a new senior living facility.  I drew up nine rough sketches and got the contract!

 

(Above:  The second three of nine commissioned "Window Series" pieces.)

It might never know exactly where these nine works will be located.  I might never see a photo after they are hung but that doesn't matter at all.  It is such a joy to create work that definitely will have a permanent home!  Each one was framed in a basic black moulding with an outer measurement of 24" x 18".  The works themself were approximately 19" x 14" ... leaving a little extra space at the bottom ... which is called a weighted presentation.

 

(Above:  The last three of nine commissioned "Window Series" pieces.)

Steve and I delivered the nine last week.  We were very excited to be driving a circuit!  We went from home outside Central, South Carolina to Charlotte and on to Columbia where we delivered another commission!  That will be my next post.  Tomorrow!

Mandala CCLXX, Stay Trippy Little Hippie

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXX. Nickname: Stay Trippy Little Hippie. Custom framed: 20" x 20".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt. Objects include:  Metal sign; assorted rubber duckies; porcelain handled drawer pulls; Tinker Toy connectors; VMI brass buttons; insulin lancets; Mardi Gras doubloons; beer caps; Ford hub cap centers; assorted buttons and beads. Click on either image to enlarge.)

I am writing this blog post in advance ... scheduling it for the day during which Steve and I head to Easton, Maryland in order to deliver artwork to Spiralis Gallery.  I'm pretty sure this piece will be with us!  The gallerist has requested "rubber duckies".  That's one of the joys of blogging and sharing artwork on social media!  Gallerists are among the people who see the artwork even before it is finished!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXX.)

I posted an "in progress" image on Instagram.  It was just a "story" ... the sort of interaction that only stays available for twenty-four hours ... but the gallerist saw it!  Steve laughed.  Why?  Well ... he didn't think I should buy the little metal "Stay Trippy Little Hippie" sign when I spotted it at the Pickens County flea market.  I insisted despite the fact that at the time I had no idea how to use it!  Of course, Steve was the one who spotted the porcelain handled drawer pulls.  I missed them!  Together we are a good team.  Together ... we are taking this mandala to Maryland!

Button Tidal Waves on Dusty Rose

 

(Above:  Button Tidal Wave on Dusty Rose I and II. Custom framed: 25 1/2" x 26".  Click on any image to enlarge.)

I'm into tidal waves!  My plan is to include the many fiber tidal waves I've stitched in my upcoming dual show with Susan Perry at the Pickens County Museum of Art and History.  It opens in May.  The title of the show is Cascade ... hence ... lots of water inspired pieces. Yet, I didn't think I would be stitching these two button tidal waves when I bought the two, gorgeous frames at a local thrift store.

(Above:  Button Tidal Waves I and II at an angle.)

For the most part, Steve builds all the frames for my artwork.  Yet, we also visit plenty of thrift shops and antique malls ... searching for objects for my Found Object Mandalas.  Recently, we went to one in nearby Central, South Carolina and saw these two frames.  In them were cheap, faded prints.  Because of this, they were downright cheap.  Please know that Steve and I know picture frame moulding.  We instantly recognized the frames as expensive.  In our frame shop, we once sold this moulding.  Yet, we purchased them because they looked to be perfect squares ... ideal for two Found Object Mandalas.  Later, we measured.  They were a half-inch off of square.  No worries!  They became tidal waves instead.  The background is a lovely, Victorian inspired dusty rose curtain that was donated to my stash.  I quilted around the design after stitching hundreds of white buttons into the wave formation.
 

Tidal Wave VII, The Second Victrola Spring

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave VII, The Second Victrola Spring. Custom framed: 38" x 38".  Antique Victrola spring hand-stitched to a section of a vintage, tied quilt with assorted buttons. Click on any image to enlarge.)

By the time I finished Tidal Wave VI featuring the first of two, giant Victrola springs, I was already hunting for another quilt to use for the second spring.  Like the first substrata, I used a tied quilt ... not one hand-stitched in rows but periodically knotted ... front to back ... at the corners of various blocks. Like the first one, I needed to do a lot of stitching to unite the tulle/netting I put over the surface before the first stitch was plied.  I didn't like the idea of only stitching the ties into miniature star-burst.  Why?  Well this quilt was much more symmetrical, regular squares of fabric in neat rows.  The star-burst on the first quilt were randomly placed.  So ... I hand quilted the entire surface instead.  When I stood back from it, I realized that the intersections would look okay with the star-burst stitching too.  So, I kept stitching.  It took days and days but I'm glad I did it!

 

(Above:  Detail of Tidal Wave VIII.)

This tidal wave is a little bigger than the first one.  Therefore, I spread the spring out to better resemble the meteorological symbol of a tropical storm ... with the end of the spring showing the direction in which the cyclone was traveling.  

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave VII at an angle.)

I'm really pleased with both of the Victrola spring Tidal Waves ... especially since I'm now using the brick side of my church/studio/home for photography needs.  This wall is north facing.  It is always in the shadow of the structure but the yard is so big that the entire area gets plenty of ambient light!  Perfect!

Tidal Wave VI, The First Victrola Spring

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave VI, The First Victrola Spring. Custom framed: 36 1/2" x 36 1/2". Found Victrola spring hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt with assorted buttons.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Sometime in early 2012, I bought a broken Victrola at Bill Mishoe's auction.  I knew what I wanted it for ... for a pedestal.  For years, my Book of the Dead was displayed atop the Victrola.  The interior shelves were used for more artist books. I still have it.  Several of my altered Victorian photo albums ... artist books ... are inside.  The Book of the Dead is still on top of it.  It now resides in the loft of my sanctuary studio.  But ... back in 2012 ... in order to alter it for this new display use ... I removed the actual device used to play ancient records.  Most of these mechanical things were unceremoniously thrown into the trash can.  But, I kept the two, giant springs.  I had no vision for them; I just thought that "one day" I'd come up with a good use.

 

(Above: Detail of Tidal Wave VI.)

The two springs were moved from Columbia to my new church/home/studio and were put on top of a high shelving unit.  Somehow or the other, I knew exactly where they were when the "one day" struck me as if a lightening bolt of inspiration.  That happened a couple weeks ago after I'd already stitched the button outline of a tidal wave onto the section of the old, tied quilt.  I thought this new tidal wave would become another one filled with "found objects" ... except ... that was the "one day" when the Victrola springs came to mind.

 

(Above: Detail of Tidal Wave VI.)

As soon as I auditioned the spring on the tidal wave's button outline, I knew it was perfect.  Steve happened to walk through the studio at just that moment.  "I love it!" he said.  There was no doubt, just amazement that the springs waited for about fifteen years to find their new purpose!

 

(Above: Tidal Wave VI at an angle, hanging on the side of my home/studio/church.)

Like my Found Object Mandalas, the old quilt used as a substrata is fragile and often threadbare.  I cover the surface with tulle/netting before the first stitch is plied.  This works well to protect the fragile surface ... but with a tidal wave ... there are too many square inches where the tulle/netting isn't well integrated with the underlying quilt. Therefore, I hand-stitched star burst around every tie.  By the time all the ties were embellished, one could barely see that this was two layers instead of just one!  I was thrilled with the results ... and quickly starting another tidal wave for the second Victrola spring!

Mandala CCLXIX, Neon Green Duckies

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXIX, Nickname: Neon Green Duckies. Custom framed:  17 3/8" x 17 3/8".  Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include: Beer caps embedded in resin inside a lid; a souvenir plate; neon green rubber duckies; part of four pairs of neon green plastic sunglasses; blue casino chips; Starbucks coffee stirrers; external tooth lock washers; four, copper coasters; four binder clips; assorted buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

I wasn't going to use the neon green duckies.  Their color was too "loud", too shockingly neon green to consider.  But, I found the four pairs of equally obnoxious, neon green sunglasses in my stash and challenged myself to make something using these vivid items.

 

  (Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXIX.)

Although I do not consult a color wheel (and don't even own one!), I do know that the compliment to green is red.  Using the two together creates increased vibrancy and a remarkable energy.  Since the duckies were already so intensely outrageous, I figured I needed plenty of red and red infused colors to offset them.  Looking at the orange-red bills on these duckies convinced me to seek out more of this hue.  I sorted through my stash and found the perfect centerpiece!  No ... I didn't pour the resin over the beer caps.  I found the filled lid at the Pickens County flea market for a dollar.  Amazingly, I had no problem drilling holes in this unique item.  From there, I introduced more red in the heart-shaped buttons.

 

(Above: Detail of Mandala CCLXIX.)

Green and red evoke Christmas ... of course!  This isn't a holiday inspired mandala.  So, I knew to also include the two other primary colors:  Blue and Yellow.  It didn't take long to find plenty of blue and yellow accents.  This piece ... while still quite "in-your-face" color-wise ... met my challenge!  I'm happy that I was able to pull it together!

Mandala CCLXVIII, Pink and Pale Green

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXVIII. Nickname: Pink and Pale Green. Custom framed: 17 1/2" x 17 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to a scrap of antique, dusty rose curtains. Objects include: Pink glass medallion; plastic cocktail forks; jade handled cocktail forks; beer caps; copper colored can pull tabs; copper colored paperclips; pale green game pieces; green toddle snack tops; flat silver metal embellishments; assorted buttons and beads. $300. Click on images to enlarge.)

This little Found Object Mandala was entirely inspired by the pink glass piece in the center.  I don't know what it once was.  Possibly, it was part of a lamp or wall sconce.  Perhaps it once was the back plate for a fancy knob.  I found it at the Pickens County flea market on the same day that I bought the set of jade handled cocktail forks.

(Detail of Mandala CLXVIII.)

Almost everything else came to my stash as a donation!  Thank you to all those who keep my supply so nicely varied!  It makes the design process so much fun!

Two, new skinny In Box Series pieces

(Above:  In Box CDLXXI on left; framed: 21" x 9"; $195; In Box CDLXX on right; framed: 17 1/4" x 8 1/4"; $165.  Click on either image to enlarge.)

I almost forgot these two, skinny pieces.  They were actually the last two finished in 2025 but the photos weren't taken until earlier this month.  Hence ... almost forgotten!  Each one is the result of polyester stretch velvet shapes fused to synthetic white felt with lots of hand stitching in 100% cotton embroidery floss.  I've made several similar skinny pieces but this is the first time I've actually soldered holes through the synthetic layers.

 

(Above:  Detail of In Box CDLXXI.)

For the most part, soldering holes in these hand-stitched pieces is tricky because the embroidery floss goes all over the reverse side.  I had to pay careful attention to where I allowed the return threads to lay!  I think it worked out very well!

Mandala CCLXVI, The Miniature Duckies

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXVI, Nicknamed: The Miniature Duckies.  Custom framed: 17 1/2" x 17 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include: Eight miniature rubber duckies and one normal-sized one; a souvenir plate; rabies pet tags; beer bottle caps; yellow telephone plugs; belt buckles; copper U-clamps; yellow Tiddlywinks; assorted buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

When designing Mandala CCLXV, (Nicknamed the Ultimate Rubber Duckies), I auditioned these eight miniature ones in various placements.  Nothing worked.  I gave up.  Yet, the eight duckies just sat on my table as if staring at me with disappointment.  

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

I couldn't help myself. I sort of promised them that they would get their own mandala. Okay ... I admit it!  I do talk to my materials ... not out loud ... because I'm well aware that they won't answer ... but in my mind there's a conversation.  A promise was made and another foundation was put together for these otherwise lonely duckies!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

Because this piece is small, it didn't take long to make the duckies happy!  In the process, I was happy too!

Mandala CCLXVI, The Ultimate Rubber Duckies

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXVI, Nicknamed: The Ultimate Rubber Duckies.  Custom framed: 20" x 20".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  Rubber duckies; duck profiles cut from a set of shower curtain hooks; wooden honey tasters; copper-colored aluminum can pulls; brass hinges; four antique cardboard lids of chocolate milk jars; a miniature doily; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

While I was enjoying an amazing art residency in Montana, Steve went weekly to the Pickens County flea market.  Some weeks, he found nothing.  One week, however, he scored big!  He bought a big tub of assorted rubber duckies.  The seller assured him that there were over three hundred.  I was thrilled.  It took a full day to sort them, trying to find ones that could work together for a found object mandala.

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

Oddly enough, there weren't many that truly resembled the rubber duckie featured on Sesame Street.  You know the type!  Simple yellow ducks with orange bills ... like those on this mandala!  This didn't matter to me!  After all, an assortment of 151 were absolutely ideal for Tidal Wave V.  Ones with black hair or hats worked well on Mandala CCLXV.  A variety went on Mandala CCLXIV  Duckies carrying tiny surfboards looked great with the Bullwinkle plate, Mandala CCLXIII.  But I did manage to find eight "traditional" duckies that were the same size and one that was a little bigger for the center.

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

 After looking at this group, I knew I wanted to make a small mandala to feature them.  I already had the ducks cut from shower curtain hooks.  It was just a matter of finding a few other things to compliment the arrangement.  I'm happy with how this piece turned out ... the ultimate rubber duckie mandala!

Mandala CCLXV, Wired Face

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXV, (Nickname: Wired Face). Custom framed:  27" x 27".  Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  A decorative wired face on a souvenir pewter plate which is on a decorative trivet; dominoes; toddler snack tops; car fresheners; Colorado buttons; assorted plastic lids; rubber duckies with black hair/hats; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

This is another Found Object Mandala that was finished during the second half of December but not photographed until the light was better in my studio.  At some point, I really ought to invest in high quality lights.  Maybe that should be my New Year's resolution!  

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXV.)

I could probably rationalize the expense.  After all, the Ohio State Buckeyes lost their quarter-final playoff game.  Steve and I will not be going to Hilton Head to watch the semi-finals.  That might save enough for professional lights! LOL!  (It might not though!  I have no idea how much they cost!)

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXV.)

This piece was created on a quilt top that I backed with batting and a section of a damask tablecloth.  I quilted it before adding the found objects.  The car fresheners were purchased at the Pickens County flea market several months ago.  My studio smelled of pine scent for weeks and weeks.  Thankfully, enough time has gone by that only a pleasant aroma remains!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXV at an angle.)

Despite not having professional lights for my photographic needs, I do have lots of natural lighting in my sanctuary/studio.  I use a few sections of my ProPanel booth ... in the middle of the giant space ... often angling these walks so that I seem to have rather even light from both sides.  So far, it's been working but I think I could do even better.

Mandala CCLXIV, Green Handled Pruning Shears

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXIV (Nicknamed: Green Handled Pruning Shears). Custom framed: 37 1/2" x 37 1/2".  Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  A sun shape that was peeled off a decorative plate stitched to a souvenir porcelain; blue perns/spindles wrapped in yellow yarn; dominoes; green handled pruning shears; wooden blocks (cut in half); Mardi Gras doubloons; wooden clothespins; toy drum Christmas ornaments; blue coffee K-pods; fabric figures; assorted plastic lids; toddle snack tops; tins in the shape of card suits; spoons; assorted rubber duckies; a toy train track circle; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Christmas has come and gone.  New Year's Eve is almost here!  (On that evening, the Ohio State Buckeyes face Miami in a quarter-final National playoff game.  If our team wins, we might travel to Hilton Head to watch OSU along with members of the alumni association!  Go Bucks!)  

(Detail of Mandala CCLXIV.) 

I haven't blogged in two weeks but we had company and I kept very busy making art.  I also accepted a commission for nine Stained Glass Series pieces from an interior designer in Charlotte.  Many afternoons were dark and gray ... not good times to capture quality images.  Then it became unseasonably warm; outdoors called!  Today, however, I've shot pictures of artwork and will start writing a series of posts that will publish over the coming days.

(Detail of Mandala CCLXIV.)

This first piece was started months ago!  Literally!  The train track was stitched down but I just couldn't decide what objects I wanted to go with it.  Finally, I acquired the green handled pruning shears but still couldn't figure out other items.  Finally, I returned from my one-month art residency in Montana and knew that as assortment of colorful rubber duckies were meant for this piece.  Steve bought a tub of duckies while I was away.  Yet, I was so excited to create my Tidal Wave of Duckies that this mandala got neglected.  Plus, I had lots of other things to finish, frame, blog, and basically "catch up" with!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXIV at an angle.)

At long last, the piece was finished!  I'm glad I waited for the perfect pieces!