Beth Emmott | artist

Back to Sketching

March 18th, 2018

Spent Friday afternoon at The Wagner Free Institute of Science drawing from their extensive collection of birds. This museum is one of the lesser known gems of Philadelphia and my friend Jane and I had the place nearly to ourselves—Snowy Owls, Turkey Buzzards, Sparrows—you name it—they seem to have it—all set in natural poses.
Jane is taking a course at PAFA with live birds as models and wanted to brush up on her bird anatomy with some that held still. I tagged along. A wonderful afternoon—and humbling. With all my work trying to meet a deadline for a tapestry project, I haven’t been sketching … bit rusty …
But these make me think of spring.

Beaks are hard—each has it’s own personality.

Love how they displayed the spread wings.

Reminds me of summer—down the shore.

We’ll be back!

Time Takes its Toll

March 6th, 2018

Imperfect Gallery had a exhibition “An All Women Show” and I wasn’t going to enter as I have a problem with being labeled a “Woman Artist” I am a woman and I am an artist but while each influences the other, I don’t feel they define each other. But as it got closer I decided to get over my self and enter as I really like supporting this small wonderful gallery that is doing so much for my neighborhood.

I had dyed this camisole previously and had been thinking how to display it. It developed from my rusty dyeing for stitches project but while I really liked it it did not stand on its own. I liked the references to time and decay that the dyeing with metal gears gave and wanted to develop that theme. After applying it to a distressed canvas with bits from old linen formal napkins that had belonged to my grandmother, I added the clock gears and hands – they had belonged to my grandfather. These references to family history, for me, added to the sense of time and things lost.

I got it just in the nick of time and was glad I entered.

“Time Takes its Toll”

I’m pleased with how it turned out and would eventually like to show it along side pieces from my “Stitches, not Words” project.

Valentine Hearts

February 21st, 2018

Rebecca Mezoff has had a Valentine challenge for the past two years. And for the past two years I have been late but did get them done in February…

They were fun to do – used my Hokett loom and realized each time I incorporated my handspun. (Not the red and purple.) I still am working on curves and still have a long ways to go… but when I cut a warp off this little loom I put a new one on so it’s there waiting for me.

Bark Park

February 15th, 2018

Working on a tapestry design of tree branches and spent the morning at Morris Arboretum sketching trees. Came across an area I didn’t know about called a Bark Park.

Had to take time from my sketching and shoot these wonderful textures.

New Loom

February 7th, 2018

Thought I’d end up getting a Mirrix loom but not for a year or so – then when I joined ATA I saw that I’d get 10% off if I got one within three months – so I figured I needed to see how it went sooner but then I saw they were having a 20% off on the one I wanted…so my cheap little heart spent money to save money… and guess what came today!!!

In the mean time I thought I’d review basics as I know more in my brain than in my fingers and while I’d like to experiment with my 6 epi loom at 12 epi, I was still waiting for 20/6 warp which has not been available for several months – so I warped up my 8 epi and experimented with different wefts etc.

Been experimenting with Harrisville Highlands yarn and planning to place an order as I’m weak on spring colors – yellows, greens etc.

About 30 min after the Mirrix came I got an email from The Woolery that my 20/6 warp has been shipped. Opps – with this warp I want finer Weavers Bazaar yarn….. What’s a girl to do???

American Tapestry Alliance

January 31st, 2018

ATA ( American Tapestry Alliance) had an interesting event last week. A Blog Tour! Over a period of days we were invited to visit a selection of artist blogs (and one Instagram video) where posts were posted for the event. It was very fun, informative and inspirational! If you left a comment, posted an image and/or entered their small tapestry exhibition you were eligible to win a prize.

I commented, posted and entered and won a prize!!! A goodie bag from Halycon Yarn in Maine. I have purchased yarn from them in the past and visited them this summer with Holly. Can’t wait to see what’s in it. Not only that, my post (an image of my sketchbook with designs for my “She Howled at the Moon” tapestry) was used in the final days to promote the event. I’m taking both of these events as signs from the universe that I may be on a right tract…. Always looking for signs—don’t know if that good or bad but I do it! So, I’m currently a happy camper.

With all this said, now I have to get my act together and design and weave a small tapestry. Would like to use my 6 dent Hokett at 12 epi, but waiting for warp, so… I might use my 8epi or… and here’s the big OR… Years ago (years and years) Bob made me a beautiful tapestry loom and I have never even warped it as my life took different twists and turns. It’s time for it to stop being Decorative.

So, I’m researching how to warp this loom, checking my warps, and thinking how much I can accomplish before March. Might also warp up the 8 epi Hokett just in case! Then working on my designs.