The Artist’s Way

The author of The Artist’s Way recommends two techniques to aid artists in their creative process: writing three longhand journal pages first thing every morning and going on “artist’s dates.” Well, I’ll admit right now, I am not a morning person and never have been. As a therapist, I can attest to the power of journaling, but let’s get real. First thing in the morning? I believe poking my eye with a sharpened stick might be less painful! I have my routine, which includes turning on the snooze alarm every ten minutes for exactly one half hour, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the news before I can even contemplate getting a shower and dressing for work. I used to watch Alex Anderson on Simply Quilts, but since HGTV, in their wisdom, took it off the air, I settle for the latest violence and sex scandals, anything, as long as I don’t have to function until my coffee kicks in. But artist’s dates? Now there is a concept I can go for.

SAQA Artist – Terry Ann Hartzell

This past Saturday I had the great pleasure to have an artist date with talented textile artist and SAQA member, Terry Ann Hartzell and her charming husband Brian, who serves up the world’s best quiche. Terry Ann and Brian are native Ohians who recently returned to the state, building their dream home in the woods near canoer’s paradise, Loudenville, Ohio. Terry Ann is a very talented artist. She shared a tour of her new studio, currently under construction, as well as giving this writer a peek at her many quilts, including her latest work pictured above. I think you will agree it is stunning! Terry uses acrylic paint mixed with textile medium, as well as fabric dyes to paint her subject matter on fabric. She is also passionate about rusting fabric. She has a piece traveling with the Rust-Tex Show and two works featured in the SAQA, A Sense of Humor show. In addition to her many artistic endeavors, Terry Ann is landscaping her yard, planting a garden and going to school full time to get a degree in graphic design!

Mohican State Park – Loudenville, Ohio

After lunch Terry Ann lead me on a hike along the river in beautiful Mohican State Park. With a dusting of snow on the ground, it was a very peaceful. We took a few photos and hiked back to Lyon Falls. After our hike, Terry Ann gave me some pointers on how to make better hanging sleeves, demonstrated her textile dye technique and shared a tip: only use Viva paper towells. She says they are the best and perform just like fabric. So, I encourage every artist to get out of the studio once in a while. Visit another artist, a gallery or a museum and your creativity is certain to flow like a river. Or you could just get up really early… and just write…three pages…longhand.