The Silk Road

Each artist brings part of themselves to the fiber, media or craft they choose. Sally Dillon has used silk painting to convey her angle on the world; a method in which she typically utilizes the block format of traditional quilts to tell a story about geography, nature, and place. 

She tends to see both the macro and micro scale of a setting, and that makes all the difference.  Imagine, seeing the oxbow of a river from miles away and at the same time, a glance under the water, to what is swimming beneath.   See some of the amazing stories she tells here in these images. 

Sally also has an easy, welcoming manner and loves to teach, so that is why I thought I would mention that she is going to be holding a class at Snow Farm in Western Massachusetts, from June 6-12.

Students (beginners to advanced) will be able to experiment  with various resists including bees wax, soy wax and gutta. Using French dyes they will practice watercolor techniques like shading and blending as well as special effects from salt and alcohol.    Each student can use their own ideas and color preferences to make scarves and wall hangings or yardage for garments or quilts.   You will even get a chance to use some of the silk painted pieces to try some nuno felting! 

Because she has many years of experience, technique mastery and such a keen creative sense, you will be able to spend the whole week learning and doing.  That sounds like Creative Nirvana to me!  

In Sally’s words, “It is especially inspiring to spend a relaxing week painting silk surrounded by natural  beauty of Snow Farm and  in the company other productive artists and students.  There will be plenty of time for walking and sketching as well as lots of individual attention for each student.”

So, dear reader, this may be just what you need, to kick off a summer (or year, or lifetime…) of creativity. 

See more of Sally's work in the Valley Fiber Life Artist Gallery or on her web site.

Find Sally's upcoming class here, at Snow Farm.  While you are there, you will likely find even more inspiration. Enjoy!

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