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| dancing in the moonlight--40x40 inches--quilt by Ann Brauer--image by John Polak |
Showing posts with label abstract textile art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label abstract textile art. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
dancing in the moonlight
As I was researching ideas for a custom order, I came across an image of this quilt and had to share it. I called it "dancing in the moonlight" and loved all the grasses swaying in the wind with the moon peaking through. At least that's my story. What's yours?
Thursday, July 11, 2019
up down right left
Don't you love the quilts that can be rotated depending on your mood? Which do you prefer?
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| visions of autumn--40 x 40 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer--photo by John Polak |
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| visions of autumn--40 x 40 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer--photo by John Polak |
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| visions of autumn--40 x 40 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer--photo by John Polak |
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| detail--visions of autumn--Ann Brauer--photo by John Polak |
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
sometimes it is about color pure and simple
Sometimes I long to fall into the colors until they surround me. To inhale them until they become part of me. That is the story of my quilt "ocean sunrise".
Enjoy!!!
Enjoy!!!
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| ocean sunrise--37x46 "--ann brauer 2019--photo by John Polak |
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| ocean sunrise--detail--ann brauer 2019--photo by John Polak |
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| ocean sunrise--detail--ann brauer 2019--photo by John Polak |
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
depending on how you look at it
Just like life, some quilts change depending on how you look at them. There is no right way and no wrong way, it just is. Which do you prefer?
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| visions of autumn-1--40x40 inches--ann brauer 2018--photo by John Polak |
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| visions of autumn--1--40x40 inches--ann brauer 2018--photo by John Polak |
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| visions of autumn--1--40 x 40 inches--ann brauer 2018--photo by John Poal |
Monday, July 8, 2019
Summer sunrise
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| summer sunset--30 x 60"--Copyright Ann Brauer--Photo by John Polak |
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| detail--summer sunset--Copyright Ann Brauer 2019--Photo by John Polak |
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| detail--summer sunset--Copyright Ann Brauer 2019--Photo by John Polak |
And now to add it to my website-- www.annbrauer.com --and my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer Only 37 more to add but certainly my career deserves it, doesn't it?
Sunday, October 7, 2018
the power of making
Outside the October sky hangs glum and grey against the colors just starting to change. Inside the news goes on endlessly as those in suits and ties talk "sincerely" of pain and then use disinformation in their quest for power. Tempers mount. A friend is almost in tears. We all know the feeling of resignation that the want us to have.
Of course I turn to my beloved fabrics and sewing machine in my search for solace and purpose. After the last show there is so much I need to do. Orders to fill. I am sold out of phone cases. Yikes. I know I need more eye glass cases and place mats. A few table runners in popular colors. Of course more potholders. Time to get busy. High class worries. I have three more craft shows and one sale ahead of me, after all. So much to do. So little time.
But though I turn to classical music or silence, the clouds still hang. I like working with colors and fabrics and feel so fortunate that I can do so, but I know I need more. Then I remember--did I ever forget--that in making wall art--getting lost in that world--I can regain my sense of purpose and energy. Don't we all need art now more than ever? Maybe I can capture the colors of the trees in autumn. So I start sewing.
As usual, the questions--what comes next? Shall I take the obvious way? What about the bottom? Will green tie it together? Such questions. And yet, there is an answer and the drive to add the fabric, one piece at a time. This is why I make quilts. And why I must make another and another.
And you--what is the power of art in your life? How do you cope with the external world and maintain your own sense of self? Do your quilts ever just fall into place?
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| Shelburne Falls--October 2018--Ann Brauer |
Of course I turn to my beloved fabrics and sewing machine in my search for solace and purpose. After the last show there is so much I need to do. Orders to fill. I am sold out of phone cases. Yikes. I know I need more eye glass cases and place mats. A few table runners in popular colors. Of course more potholders. Time to get busy. High class worries. I have three more craft shows and one sale ahead of me, after all. So much to do. So little time.
But though I turn to classical music or silence, the clouds still hang. I like working with colors and fabrics and feel so fortunate that I can do so, but I know I need more. Then I remember--did I ever forget--that in making wall art--getting lost in that world--I can regain my sense of purpose and energy. Don't we all need art now more than ever? Maybe I can capture the colors of the trees in autumn. So I start sewing.
As usual, the questions--what comes next? Shall I take the obvious way? What about the bottom? Will green tie it together? Such questions. And yet, there is an answer and the drive to add the fabric, one piece at a time. This is why I make quilts. And why I must make another and another.
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| color of autumn--quilt--Ann Brauer 2018 |
And you--what is the power of art in your life? How do you cope with the external world and maintain your own sense of self? Do your quilts ever just fall into place?
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
sometimes it is the small decisions
Finally the quilt is pieced. Whew!!! But still I must quilt it. Which means I must choose which color thread to use. It should be easy, right? Well, not always. Now I like to use the same color throughout. I find that this gives a cohesion to the piece that I want. But this is where the issues begin. Sometimes I like adding just the bit of yellow or gold to brighten the piece but I am not sure it is the right decision for this quilt which has so much dark in it.
Instead I test colors. For me the easiest way is to hold up the spools of thread and imagine what the color will look like against the quilt. I love the thought of this magenta. After all the quilt is shades of plum and purple. Lavender and mauve. And this would accentuate all those wonderful rich hues.
Then I realize that the bottom of the quilt is teal. The magenta will stand out significantly against the teal. Mmmm. Maybe this is not the right color after all.
I try again with this bright rose. Again it has the warmth I am seeking but still it may be too bright for the mystery of this quilt.
As they say. Third time is the charm. What about the brick red. Not the color I had been initially imagining but it does add just a bit of the warmth and it won't stand out quite as strongly with the teal.
Not too bright against the teal either is it?
Yes, this will work. And so I begin. Simple rows of stitches done free hand using my 1965 Singer 281-3. A machine I love so much I design my quilts around it.
But a seemingly endless process. I just sit there and sew and sew and sew. When will I finish? I can get a bit of coffee or maybe some water when I reach a set goal. When I need to change bobbins I can check my e-mail. Oh the games I play to get it done. It goes on and one and on. Like my father, the farmer, when he plowed fields. Up one side and down the next yet gradually there is progress and this is after all part of the process.
How do you do it? What keeps you going during those endless rows? And how do you choose the color of thread to use?
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| process--quilt--ann brauer--2018 |
Instead I test colors. For me the easiest way is to hold up the spools of thread and imagine what the color will look like against the quilt. I love the thought of this magenta. After all the quilt is shades of plum and purple. Lavender and mauve. And this would accentuate all those wonderful rich hues.
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| process--ann brauer--quilt 2018 |
Then I realize that the bottom of the quilt is teal. The magenta will stand out significantly against the teal. Mmmm. Maybe this is not the right color after all.
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| process--ann brauer--quilt--2018 |
I try again with this bright rose. Again it has the warmth I am seeking but still it may be too bright for the mystery of this quilt.
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| process--quilt--ann brauer 2018 |
As they say. Third time is the charm. What about the brick red. Not the color I had been initially imagining but it does add just a bit of the warmth and it won't stand out quite as strongly with the teal.
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| process--quilt--ann brauer 2018 |
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| process--quilt--ann brauer 2018 |
Yes, this will work. And so I begin. Simple rows of stitches done free hand using my 1965 Singer 281-3. A machine I love so much I design my quilts around it.
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| process--quilt--ann brauer 2018 |
How do you do it? What keeps you going during those endless rows? And how do you choose the color of thread to use?
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
tales of sunrise--the courage of designing
Have you noticed that sometimes quilts just have a mind of their own? This time it was a quilt I was making to test colors for a custom order. I knew what the customer wanted. I knew where it was going to hang but I wasn't sure about how could I get them to work just right. After all, these customers seem like really special people and I wanted to do my best.
The quilt was to be based loosely on "gentle morning" but with a golden sun and slightly warmer colors that are more alive. The bottom perhaps a glowing tan to echo the sky.
Sometimes the best thing to do is just start. I knew I could make a wonderful happy quilt for them but I wanted to learn about the colors and the design.
Yes, I am loving this quilt. I have learned so much. Which colors work. How to get a wonderful progression. I can't wait to start on the next one with a slightly larger sun. This quilt though deserves to be finished.
I keep coming back to my recent quilt "view from my window."
This requires so much nerve and steadiness. I don't think about it but just cut slowly and steadily. Courage yes. But design takes courage, doesn't it? Then I sewed it back together. I still have to add the bindings which will finish it off and give the quilt a nice polished look. Don't you love how it tells a story. Don't you love the dreaminess of the golden tans at the bottom. Then I get to start on the next one with the larger sun and slower progression of the colors.
What do you think? Do you ever have to cut apart a quilt to get the right detail?
The quilt was to be based loosely on "gentle morning" but with a golden sun and slightly warmer colors that are more alive. The bottom perhaps a glowing tan to echo the sky.
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| gentle morning--40x40 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer 2017--image by John Polak |
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| tales of sunrise--work in progress--ann brauer 2018 |
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| tales of sunrise--work in progress--ann brauer 201 |
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| tales of sunrise--work in progress--ann brauer 2018 |
I keep coming back to my recent quilt "view from my window."
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| view from my window--99x99 inches--ann brauer 2018 |
This requires so much nerve and steadiness. I don't think about it but just cut slowly and steadily. Courage yes. But design takes courage, doesn't it? Then I sewed it back together. I still have to add the bindings which will finish it off and give the quilt a nice polished look. Don't you love how it tells a story. Don't you love the dreaminess of the golden tans at the bottom. Then I get to start on the next one with the larger sun and slower progression of the colors.
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| view of sunrise--30x55 inches--work in progress--ann brauer 2018 |
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
only 13 more days--tra la
OK--only 13 more days until spring. Repeat after me. Thirteen more days. Yes, I am trying to ignore the snow falling around me. We could get 18 inches!!! Maybe we should be celebrating this snow. Thinking of winters past where it snowed into April or even May. After all it will help preserve water for the summer. There are no mosquitoes. I can't weed the garden. And it is beautiful.
Regardless it is time for the Count Down to Spring quilt. This is the other river quilt that I have left. Don't you love the colors in this one? Wouldn't it look great in a country home--maybe with lots of wood and views to the forest outside. Just saying.
The river flows through the center of the quilt with the green outlining it. Have you ever seen rivers in dry areas? This is actually what happens with the water creating a wonderful respite from the drier land.
The browns are a wonderful rich color in long even rows.
Of course it is signed. Hanging is simple since I have attached looped tape on the top and bottom. I provide the customer with the matching hooked tape and thin strips of faux wood that can be attached to your wall.
I do like the simple colors in this quilt. However, I have had it for several years and it needs a new home. So I have reduced the price in my Count Down to Spring sale from $675 to $375. You can see more about the quilt on my Etsy shop HERE.
Regardless it is time for the Count Down to Spring quilt. This is the other river quilt that I have left. Don't you love the colors in this one? Wouldn't it look great in a country home--maybe with lots of wood and views to the forest outside. Just saying.
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| autumn river--38x38"--quilt--Ann Brauer 2018 |
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| autumn river--detail--ann brauer 2014 |
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| autumn river--detail--ann brauer 2014 |
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| autumn river--detail--quilt--ann brauer 2014 |
Monday, March 5, 2018
between the storms--day 16
Don't you love how--if you commit to a goal--and tell others you are going to do it, you actually get it done. Now posting clearance items for 20 days is a lot of work. I have to go through the work I have and find the quilts that have been here too long. Then I have to admit they need a new home even if I don't get the price that I feel they deserve.
Still the word "clearance" does have the word "clear" in it and there is something liberating about creating new space in the studio.
This is the case with my quilt "river of gentle autumn." I made a number of quilts in this series when I was building the new studio. The object was to create works that would sell to help me pay for the building and I made a number of them. What wonderful studies in color and place they were.
Now I only have two of them left. This one I call "river of gentle autumn." Don't you love the peaceful colors? At 38x38 inches it occupies space while fitting in many locations. This is one of the last I made of this series and also one of the last quilts I made that relied on quilt as you go to provide the texture and substance. Therefore I have reduced the price from $675 to $375.
Don't you love the subtle contrast between the free flowing river and the geometry of the banks of the river?
Of course it is signed.
To see more images of this quilt, please check out my Etsy shop here.
Still the word "clearance" does have the word "clear" in it and there is something liberating about creating new space in the studio.
This is the case with my quilt "river of gentle autumn." I made a number of quilts in this series when I was building the new studio. The object was to create works that would sell to help me pay for the building and I made a number of them. What wonderful studies in color and place they were.
Now I only have two of them left. This one I call "river of gentle autumn." Don't you love the peaceful colors? At 38x38 inches it occupies space while fitting in many locations. This is one of the last I made of this series and also one of the last quilts I made that relied on quilt as you go to provide the texture and substance. Therefore I have reduced the price from $675 to $375.
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| river of gentle autumn--38x38"--quilt--ann brauer 2015 |
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| detail--river of gentle autumn--quilt--ann brauer 2015 |
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| detail--river of gentle autumn--quilt--ann brauer 2015 |
Friday, March 2, 2018
only 19 more days--nor'easter riley
As the snow swirls around my window (doesn't that sound dramatic--or is it just cliched) there are believe it or not only 19 more days until the Vernal Equinox. And today's entry into the spring cleaning is my wonderful quilt "study in stripes".
Don't you love the geometry of this quilt? Aren't the colors perfect for spring? Yes, it is based on the traditional log cabin pattern although I have played with the design. I made it by piecing and quilting the many strips of cotton fabric going through the cotton batting onto the back. Yes, I had to tie off threads at every seam. Argh!!!
At 12 x 48 inches wouldn't this be a dramatic table runner for the spring? Wouldn't this look great in either a modern home or a country cottage.
Of course you could also hang it as an accent piece in that nook that needs a bit of color and design. I have attached looped tape on the top and bottom and provide you with the matching hooked tape and faux wood to attach to the wall.
For some reason, this quilt needs a good home so I have decided to reduce it from $400 to $225--at least until spring comes. Of course I signed it. The quilt is listed here https://www.etsy.com/listing/176420147 on my Etsy shop. If you want to hang it horizontally let me know and I can attach the looped tape for an additional $20 fee.
Don't you love the geometry of this quilt? Aren't the colors perfect for spring? Yes, it is based on the traditional log cabin pattern although I have played with the design. I made it by piecing and quilting the many strips of cotton fabric going through the cotton batting onto the back. Yes, I had to tie off threads at every seam. Argh!!!
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| study in stripes--detail--ann brauer |
At 12 x 48 inches wouldn't this be a dramatic table runner for the spring? Wouldn't this look great in either a modern home or a country cottage.
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| study in stripes--quilt--12x48"--ann brauer 2013 |
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| study in stripes--detail--ann brauer 2013 |
For some reason, this quilt needs a good home so I have decided to reduce it from $400 to $225--at least until spring comes. Of course I signed it. The quilt is listed here https://www.etsy.com/listing/176420147 on my Etsy shop. If you want to hang it horizontally let me know and I can attach the looped tape for an additional $20 fee.
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| study in stripes--detail--ann brauer |
Monday, February 26, 2018
thinking big
Sometimes a new year forces me to take stock and reconsider the quilts I am making. Now of course I love the intricate piecing with the suns and moons, the mountains and sky. The soothing landscapes with complex colors and patterned fabrics that tell countless stories. Oh I do enjoy all the possibilities that these present.
And yet I wanted more. I missed the scale of my large quilts. The ones that would take over a space and make a statement of strength and power. How big could I go? I was glad to take a break from large quilts--they take over the studio and most importantly my mental energy--but there is a power there that I wanted to rediscover if I dared.
Well, there was only one way to find out. Start. So one morning at the beginning of January--or maybe it was the end of December--the days do become a blur--I did a couple of experiments. After all a new quilt would have to include all the knowledge and skill I have gained with the smaller curved pieces. Then without too much thought I made the first sample blocks and pinned them to the design board.
That didn't seem like a lot although maybe it gives you an idea of the scale and size. One of the samples is on the bottom left.
I had to keep moving forward. This took forever. Or should I say forever! But I knew that I wanted the color progression on the bottom to highlight the over all design. Keeping track of designs that will come is one of the hardest parts about going big--especially when it will be weeks before I see the whole. I need to keep faith in my work and my vision even though others told me to make more potholders and placemats for the Baltimore Show.
Still it gradually progressed. Of course I had to test my methods to make sure that my idea would work. Was I really crazy. What would the finished quilt look like? Those are my first tests of joining the blocks on the bottom left.
Slowly I join the rows. Yes, I am making this quilt one block at a time. After piecing I quilt the blocks individually and join them together. I know there will be so much hand sewing so I try to break it up a bit.
And also test colors for the bottom of the quilt. I have an idea. But will it work. Again I pin fabric to the design board to contemplate as I sew. It is hard to see the progress isn't it? Days of work and I have added one row. What was I thinking?
Slowly though the quilt grows. As you can tell it is taking over the design board. If you note, I did finish the top row and joined it together since I know that when I finally sew the long rows together the quilt will be BIG and hard to maneuver.
Then comes the time of silence. The quilt is simply too big for the design board. Pins will not hold it up and so I have to rely on memory and faith. This part is so hard. After the weeks of work and struggle I just have to trust that my concept for the art is good. The colors will work. The blocks will add to the quilt and the statement. Day after day I go into the studio and do the hand sewing until I have to find a different task. Now is the time for potholders and placemats. Something simple I can finish when I can't face another long seam. (Did I forget to mention that I hand finish all the bindings. Well of course I hope you realize.)
Then finally. I can't wait any longer. Sure I have some threads to clean. Perfection is there but it can wait. I haven't named it yet although I know it's name. I simply must hang it up and learn from it. I need to absorb this quilt and wish I had time to make another one. Later as they say. 'Tomorrow is another day."
And yes, each block is quilted individually. I didn't want the quilting to lessen the impact of the black outlines. This is among other things a quilt about quilting.
And for those of you who have made it to the end and are wondering, the name of the quilt is "view from my window." It is about 95x95". I can't wait until I have my wonderful photographer take even better images of it. But in the meanwhile, please let me know what you think. Thanks.
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| Quilts--Ann Brauer--2017 |
And yet I wanted more. I missed the scale of my large quilts. The ones that would take over a space and make a statement of strength and power. How big could I go? I was glad to take a break from large quilts--they take over the studio and most importantly my mental energy--but there is a power there that I wanted to rediscover if I dared.
Well, there was only one way to find out. Start. So one morning at the beginning of January--or maybe it was the end of December--the days do become a blur--I did a couple of experiments. After all a new quilt would have to include all the knowledge and skill I have gained with the smaller curved pieces. Then without too much thought I made the first sample blocks and pinned them to the design board.
 |
| View from my window--work in progress--Ann Brauer--2018 |
That didn't seem like a lot although maybe it gives you an idea of the scale and size. One of the samples is on the bottom left.
 |
| View from my window--work in progress--Ann Brauer 2018 |
I had to keep moving forward. This took forever. Or should I say forever! But I knew that I wanted the color progression on the bottom to highlight the over all design. Keeping track of designs that will come is one of the hardest parts about going big--especially when it will be weeks before I see the whole. I need to keep faith in my work and my vision even though others told me to make more potholders and placemats for the Baltimore Show.
 |
| View from my window--work in progress--Ann Brauer--2018 |
Still it gradually progressed. Of course I had to test my methods to make sure that my idea would work. Was I really crazy. What would the finished quilt look like? Those are my first tests of joining the blocks on the bottom left.
 |
| View from my window--work in progress--Ann Brauer 2018 |
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| View from my window--work in progress--Ann Brauer 2018 |
And also test colors for the bottom of the quilt. I have an idea. But will it work. Again I pin fabric to the design board to contemplate as I sew. It is hard to see the progress isn't it? Days of work and I have added one row. What was I thinking?
 |
| View from my window--work in progress--Ann Brauer 2018 |
Then comes the time of silence. The quilt is simply too big for the design board. Pins will not hold it up and so I have to rely on memory and faith. This part is so hard. After the weeks of work and struggle I just have to trust that my concept for the art is good. The colors will work. The blocks will add to the quilt and the statement. Day after day I go into the studio and do the hand sewing until I have to find a different task. Now is the time for potholders and placemats. Something simple I can finish when I can't face another long seam. (Did I forget to mention that I hand finish all the bindings. Well of course I hope you realize.)
Then finally. I can't wait any longer. Sure I have some threads to clean. Perfection is there but it can wait. I haven't named it yet although I know it's name. I simply must hang it up and learn from it. I need to absorb this quilt and wish I had time to make another one. Later as they say. 'Tomorrow is another day."
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| View from my window--95x95"--Ann Brauer--2018 |
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| view from my window--detail--Ann Brauer 2018 |
And for those of you who have made it to the end and are wondering, the name of the quilt is "view from my window." It is about 95x95". I can't wait until I have my wonderful photographer take even better images of it. But in the meanwhile, please let me know what you think. Thanks.
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