Homage

It's my turn to host the Bee Sewcial improv bee this month and I'm kinda excited about the prompt I've settled on. Over the last three plus years, we've been inspired by a shape, by minimalism with meaning, by a season, and even by a food item. And so much more. But as far as I can remember, we have yet to focus on a person. Well that changes now.

photo by Kathy French, courtesy of John French

Enter (I wish!) Gwen Marston. Retired now from teaching, I sadly never had the opportunity to take a class with her, but she's influenced my work a great deal. I 'met' Gwen late in her career - too late to do much other than enjoy a lecture and start collecting her books. And of course be inspired by her and her work.



So I'm asking my bee-mates to create a "sketch" focusing on Gwen's techniques and designs. Gwen is known for her "painterly" use of solids in bold colors and combinations. Rather I'd like us to focus more on shape and composition while minimizing the color. Basically, think red and white. But by red, I mean redS - a variety of them such as the Konas shown below. No orangey-reds or pink.



If you're familiar with Gwen's liberated patchwork style, you'll know exactly the aesthetic I'm after. If inspiration is needed, consider listening to this Crafty Planner podcast, peruse this pin board, or devour a few of Gwen's books: A Common Thread: A Collection of Quilts by Gwen Marston, Minimal Quiltmaking, or if you're lucky enough to have nabbed a copy before the price became exorbitant, 37 Sketches. Make one block, either minimalist or maximalist, but pieced blocks only please.



To those of you who aren't in Bee Sewcial, feel free to explore with us using the hashtag #inspiredbybeesewcial, or if nothing else, listen to the aforementioned podcast and get to know Gwen just a bit. Chance is, you'll be as inspired by her as I have been.