Whisper Project Group D

 Project Description is here

This was our original inspiration photo

First Participant - Linda Strowbridge

Suburban Escape

Artist Statement: The trail begins down the road, a little beyond the edge of my suburban neighborhood and just before the cluster of big box stores. It winds through stretches of trees and meadows, then turns into a boardwalk across a marsh until it reaches the rocky edge of my glorious, odd little lake. Bird song and frog song, breaching fish at dusk, too many mosquitoes, windblown trees, and gently lapping water drown out the sound of highway traffic and ease the stress of the just-completed workday.

Second Participant - Patricia Smith 

Python Tree Pirouette

Artist Statement: Trees have always fascinated me and hence I was really excited to receive a beautiful fabric rendition of a tree clearly thriving in a harsh environment. Trees take so many forms, heights and shapes reflective of the wonders and variety of nature. The fact that their lifespans often outnumber ours, and that they can grow in the most arduous of environments, makes you appreciate their grandeur and majesty even more. Inspired by the tree in the quilt I received, I searched my photos to find the perfect tree to honor the next step in the whisper chain. This python tree, photographed in Namibia, spoke to me. It is a tree that wraps itself around another tree for support, in the harsh rocky environment of the desert-like conditions of Namibia. Although one can see where the tree got its name, Its majestic thick curls also reminded me of a twirling dancer ending their performance with a deep bow. An honor to the surrounding landscape. 

Techniques: Commercial cotton fabric, fusible and raw edge appliqué.

Third Participant - Kathy Prairie

Promise of Spring

Artist Statement: This is a glimpse of St. John’s Virginia River as it weaves over and past the rocks beneath the braided birch trees that line the trailside shore. Small flowers peek out from the rocks, a sure sign that spring is on its way. 

Materials: Hand-dyed cotton and linen with botanical prints

Techniques: hand and machine stitched 

Fourth Participant - Lee McLean

Port Au Port

Artist Statement: Receiving my inspiration photo soon after we had visited Gros Morne National Park, I immediately knew I had to create a tuckamore. This word is unique to Newfoundland, one that means the resilient, sideways-growing evergreen that amazingly clings to life and thrives in the harsh coastal conditions of the province. I also wanted to capture the fog bank that moved in and out, seemingly at will, obscuring or revealing the rugged coast and mountains throughout the day.

The Whisper Project Group C

 Project Description is here

This was our original photo inspiration

First Participant - Kathy Tidswell

The Garden Shed

Artist Statement: When I received my inspiration photo, the thing I was most drawn to was the moss on the roof of the garden shed. I knew I had to include moss. I decided to make a garden shed with fabric that mimicked the blocks of the original photo. Finding the main wall too bare, I created a climbing rose to grace its walls. I enjoyed creating the moss texture using free motion embroidery and rayon threads. Inspired by the pots of petunias on the steps, I decided to make hanging baskets hanging from a ladder propped against a picket fence. 

Media: Inktense pencils for the petunia flowers and leaves, raw edge applique, water soluble stabilizer and net to create the climbing rose using free motion embroidery, commercial fabric, rayon embroidery threads, free motion embroidery for the moss on the roof, free motion machine quilting.

Second Participant - Elsa Flack

The Sky over the Garden

Artist Statement: The image which inspired this work included a stone cottage and garden pathway. The large sky and the potted red flowers in the original piece became my focus. Technique: The background was created by layering strips of blue ombre fabric on a yellow background. This I photographed and then embellished with Procreate. 

Material: quilter’s cotton, cotton batting

Third Participant - Deb Plestid

An Exuberance of Leaves 

Artist Statement: Imagine the intelligence in the leaf of a plant, reaching for light, seeking nutrients, growing with an aim to seek and offer joy in the world. 

Media: Hand dyed cotton, commercial cotton; 

Techniques: raw edge appliqué, free motion machine stitching.

Fourth Participant - Cathy Drummond

October Sunset

Artist Statement: The picture I received reminded me of a magnificent sunset last year that I was lucky enough to be on the water to see. The increasing turbulence of our weather can bring both terror and awe in equal measure. 

Media: hand- dyed cloth and wool. 

The Whisper Project Group B

 The project description is here

This was our original photo inspiration

First Participant - Kathleen P. Decker
Bridges

Artist Statement: As the first to translate from photo to quilt in this project, I felt it was important to stay fairly close to the original, so I tried to incorporate almost all the elements of the original photo. However, I rebelled at the end, and omitted a couple of small garden bits with cheerful flowers. I had worked very hard on several bridges, walls, and the background scenery, and footprints. When it came to producing the tiny flowers in the left-hand garden beds, I left them out. I did pay tribute to the flowers under the bridge, but didn’t worry about catching the red blooms. It was fun deciding how to make footprints.

Techniques: photo printed on fabric, thread painting, machine appliqué, free-motion quilting on a domestic machine.

Second Participant - Andrea Tsang Jackson

Float

Artist Statement: “Float” picks up on the "bridge" shape in the previous work, using echoing bias scraps to form a multi-toned sky. Its looseness is ordered through small rectangular sections -- orienting the freeform piecing towards the ground.

Third Participant - Sonja Boon

Mirror

 

Artist Statement: Sometimes, when the light is just right and the air is still, you can see the whole sky reflected in a single puddle. Water reflecting light reflecting water, each mirrors the other and in these moments, it seems almost as if you can look into the heart of the universe itself. This piece considers the point where sky and water meet, where light encounters the depths, and the depths respond. 

Media: cotton, recycled linen, and cyanotype and mono-printed recycled fabric. 

Techniques: machine pieced and stitched

Fourth Participant - Laureen van Lierop

Broken Moonbeams

Artist Statement: The very strong diagonals and the cream colours in the image I received inspired this piece. 

Materials: linen dresser-top runner, lace, handmade lace, water colours, cotton threads, button, found wires, cotton scraps, painted tissue paper. 

The Whisper Project Group A

Project Description is here 

This was our original photo inspiration:

First Participant - Barb Kulka

Walk in the Park

Artist Statement: “When I saw the picture, I was immediately reminded of Shubie Park, one of my favourite places. Dartmouth is lucky to have this beautiful wilderness in the city. My family and I have spent many happy hours there. It is also very historic and has been used as long as people have been on this land.” 

Techniques: Made of quilting cotton, cotton batting and cotton thread. Quilted on a domestic Singer. 

Second Participant - Gillian Noonan

Cattails

 Artist Statement: “Cattails was my immediate reaction to the quilt photo I received. The contours in the photo were suggestive of a shoreline landscape which I associate in Nova Scotia with seeing cattails. These were an uncommon sight in Newfoundland where I grew up but I was familiar with them from the books we had at home. I dearly loved them as a child and always wanted to touch them. Now I delight in seeing them often. How could I not make them?”

 

Media: velvet, handdyed cottons, batik and thread 

Third Participant - Regina Marzlin

Stormy Weather

 Artist Statement: I took my inspiration from the plants depicted in the previous piece in our Whisper project. Introducing diagonal movement, I wanted to show how the plants sway in the wind. The sky is dark and menacing but the stalks are resilient, they bend but they don't break.

Techniques: I used monotype printing with acrylic paint on a gelatin plate as my technique. 

Fourth Participant - Darcy Hunter

Cat Tails in the Garden, Hour #2

 Artist Statement: “I was inspired by the fleeting beauty of light as it transforms an ordinary marsh into something extraordinary. I often visit a marsh on my daily walks, and it has become a place of quiet reflection and creative inspiration. Using layered textiles, stitching, and surface textures, I wanted to capture the shimmer of water, the warmth of dusk on the hills, and the quiet presence of cattails in the foreground. This piece reflects my ongoing exploration of landscapes in fabric—where thread becomes brushstroke, and textiles become light, movement, and memory."

The Whisper Project

 

The idea for our Whisper Project comes from the presentation about the work of the SAQA Central Canada Fergus-Guelph pod. It is based on the childhood game of telephone, in which a whispered message becomes changed as it is passed from person to person. In this case, the artwork changes. 

Participating members were assigned into groups, each with several members. The expectation was to complete a 12 x 12-inch piece within six weeks. 

Here is how it works:

Artist 1 receives an original photograph and creates a 12 x 12-inch art quilt inspired by that photograph. They then send in a photo of their artwork to be used by Artist 2. Artist 2 uses the photo of Artist 1's artwork as inspiration to create a 12 x 12-inch art quilt and then sends a photo of their artwork in for Artist 3, and so on.

Once all the artworks are completed, they will be revealed to the group along with their artist statements.

Our Whisper Project started January 15 and ended August 13, 2025. We ended up with 4 groups. Stay tuned to see the results of our project.

       Group A                    Group B                        Group C                  Group D        

Quilt Canada

 I happened upon the SAQA Regional Exhibition Renewal at Quilt Canada in late June 2025.

I was happy to see our Atlantic Region pieces exhibited there!

Threads and Needles

                      

Kathy Tidswell shared some thread and needle tips she has discovered over time!

• the higher the number the finer the thread
• different machines have preferences for different thread - what works for one machine may not work for another. Use trial and error

Favorite thread

• for decorative work- Sulky rayon 40 wt.
• use a machine embroidery needle which has an oval eye and prevents shredding while making a smaller hole. Start off with 75/11 and, if shredding, switch to 90/14
• rayon threads are not good for quilts which will be washed because the colour can fade.
• Sulky metallics actually have metallic fibres. They can be used also with an embroidery needle and a drop of sewers aid on the spool. Run your finger along the thread to disperse it.
• you can use metallica needles but these can be costly and Kathy has had good luck with the sewers aid.

• Guttermann makes a polyester metallic. It does not require a special needle and doesn't feel rough.

• Aurifil 50 wt is good for piecing, quilting and free motion embroidery. If you want the thread to be more visible use 40 wt. Use an 80/12 needle in microtex, sharp, quilting or denim.

• DecoBob 80 - Wonderfil (TM) - is a cottonized polyester thread that Kathy uses for thread painting. It can also be used as bobbin thread for quilting, piecing, and a top and bottom thread for quilting.

• Invisifil (TM) is a 100wt cottonized soft polyester thread that makes the quilting disappear. Use DecoBob or Invisafil in the bobbin.
• it can also be used in the top and bottom for couching and for lace designs.
• it is recommended to turn off the stitch regulator as it may fail to detect ultra fine thread. You may have to adjust top tension. Low bobbin sensors won't be accurate and avoid using automatic thread cutters.
• use 60/8, 70/10 or 80/12 mictotex needles.

• Razzle (TM) and Dazzle (TM) are very heavy weight threads intended for bobbin work, hand work, serging or couching. They are comparable in weight to No. 8 perle cotton.

Happy Sewing!!

Kathy Tidswell - Shades of Spring II

SAQA Atlantic artist Kathy Tidswell (www.kathytidswell.com) generously donated this piece to SAQA's annual Benefit Auction. This is SAQA's premier fundraising event! All proceeds help support SAQA's exhibition programs, publications, and education outreach.

 

Shades of Spring II.

Section 2 #419.

Each year after the prolonged winter of white and black , I yearn for the renewal of spring. When it finally arrives, the hills are transformed with the full range of greens. Armed only with my camera, I venture out to capture some of the highlights of nature’s wonder. Join me on my hills as spring performs its magic.

Navigating

SAQA Atlantic Region exhibit - Navigating officially opened on July 5th at the Museum of Industry. Several of the Artists, as well as other members and the public attended the opening ceremony at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton.

 

The exhibit is being held in conjunction with quilts from the Nova Scotia Museum.

Darcy Hunter, SAQA Regional Co-Representative

SAQA Atlantic Region - Navigating

This juried quilt exhibition features 14 art quilts created by 12 members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates, Atlantic Canada. This showcase offers a unique perspective on how we explore our paths through life – whether it’s in nature, through travel, or in personal journeys.

The quilts invite viewers to embark on their own visual voyage, led by the intricate stitches and vibrant colours. Each piece becomes a compass, guiding us as the North Star guides sailors across vast oceans. These textile masterpieces celebrate the artistry of their creators, while also reminding us to navigate with intention and curiosity.

Navigating was juried by Brigette Clavette, Head of Jewellery/Metal Arts and instructor at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design from 1985-2017. Brigette Clavette currently teaches part-time and devotes herself to her artistic practice.

The exhibit premiered on July 1, 2024, at the Samson Gallery at the Museum of Industry, Nova Scotia and will travel through June 2026.

 

Trying Something New

Naturally the first step is to get everything ready and then do everything except start!

During the pandemic I started doodling. Its a great way to start the day. Life gets in the way sometimes, changes happen, my focus gets pulled in too many directions.

A couple of weeks ago I woke up on a Saturday morning and it was the only thing I could think about. Coffee was made, CBC morning with Bill Roache was on my mind and my journal called.

I always start with a micon PN black fine tip pen to draw the outline of what I'm going to colour in. Then I use my Staedtler fine tip markers to colour. Just to challenge myself I decided to put the markers on a table beside me and I made a rule. I wasn't allowed to choose the next colour. I couldn't look when I went to pick it up. I wanted to see how my doodle would turn out. Especially with colours that might not match being used beside each other.

When I looked at the end piece and considered what I set out to achieve, it made me think of quilts (I know)!

Sometimes the parts that can make up the whole when viewed only on their own, can look ugly, not appeal to us, and we wouldn't normally think to add them into whatever we're working on.

Here's what I saw though. Even the colours I wouldn't normally use, when included in the whole piece, enhanced the overall impact.

Here comes the metaphor ...

When looking at certain events, memories of things that happen in life, maybe not wanting to include them, we might be robbing ourselves of the very things that helped create the beautiful beings we became.

Anyhow, its Sunday now, the sun is shining, windows are opening and my curiosity is calling. I have no idea how this is going to turn out. I want to take my doodle and use fabric to reproduce something I love, just because of how it makes me feel.

Beth Mckay is a fibre artist currently residing in Dartmouth, NS. She can be found at bethmckay.com or on IG @thecraftedpath

Invasive

Passionate About a Topic Results in Curation

SAQA Atlantic member, Steph Kincade, is curating an exhibit titled "Invasive" that will run May 1-25, 2024 at ARTSPLACE in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Following up to learn more about what inspired the theme for the exhibit, they explained:

"This past summer there was a surge in the Japanese Beetle population in Nova Scotia and while examining leaves for future embroidery inspiration, I noticed that there seemed to be an abundance of Japanese Beetles on some very specific plants. One such plant was, interestingly, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), another invasive organism. This sparked the idea of exploring both invasive species and the larger themes around what it is to be invasive, and what different things or experiences are thought of as invasive. I became curious about how other artists would approach these ideas, and thus the concept for the show was born."

Steph is a Halifax NS based fibre and embroidery artist. The call for entry is available at https://www.arcac.ca/invasive-deadline.html.

SAQA Spotlight Auction Piece

 Lee McLean

Imaginary Cedar Pods, 6" x 8", 2023

This is my response to a lovely piece of fabric I created. I often incorporate thrums, the off-cuts from my friends' weaving, into my work. It feels like I'm extending their energy and weaving it along with my own as I sew. Sun printed fabric, machine and hand stitching, mixed fibres.

SAQA Spotlight Auction Piece

 Kathy Tidswell generously donated one of her pieces to the SAQA Spotlight Auction.

Using one of her jelly prints as background, she created the swallowtail using inktense pencils. She wanted it to rest on a weed that complemented the background so used she rayon threads and free motion embroidery to create the weed. For the finishing touch she quilted it with invisifil thread.

Congratulations Lee McLean

 Lee McLean’s textile art, “Lifeblood”, has been invited to Art Quilt Elements 2024 in Wayne, Pennsylvania. This 16^th biennial exhibit presents contemporary fine art quilts, drawing entrants from around the world. Three jurors reviewed over 800 images, by applicants from 40 US states and 10 countries, choosing 50 artists. The jurors feel the exhibit serves “as an accurate survey of what fiber artists are currently producing in this field.”

Working in her studio in New Maryland, New Brunswick, this is Lee’s first international exhibit. She feels humbled, excited, validated, and intimidated all at once. Information about the show, which runs from March 24 to April 27, 2024, can be found at artquiltelements.org.

Lifeblood, 34" x 41", 2023

Invasive - Call for Entry

 Invasive

What is it to be invasive? What comes to mind? For some it may be invasive species, for others it may be invasive illness or medical procedures, and for still others it may be intrusion on personal space (be it another person in our physical space or unwanted thoughts in our own head). Whatever comes to mind, something invasive tends to be aggressive and takes over where they are not welcome or cause harm. Invasive seeks to explore the meaning behind the concept; how do we come to terms with something invasive; can we transform something invasive? If so, how?

This exhibit will be a group show with an open call to artists of any visual medium. Artist will be responsible for getting the artwork to me in Halifax by April 24th

Call for entry closes April 6th at midnight. Questions and submission of artwork or proposals may be submitted through stephaniekincade@gmail.com 

The show will take place in the Chapel Gallery at ARTSPLACE Gallery, Annapolis Royal, NS from May 1-25

A second larger show is in the works for fall 2025, artists selected for this show will have the option to participate in next year's show.

Alison Dean Cowitz – One Stray Pin

 Alison was happy to share her process for her latest prints.

First she took some pictures and copied them into Procreate. She sketched the leaf prints over top of the pics, moved the sketch around until she liked it and created a series.

Then she executed those ideas on the fabric. She used a photocopier to print the images onto fabric. She traced leaf prints and transferred and placed them onto the fabric. She stabilized the fabric (no batting) and stitched with free-motion the outline shape in her design. Then she stitched another leaf shape over top of the shear fabric and cut away the excess. She also added hand embroidery.

 

 

In order for the finished to work to sit inside the frame she cut a window size out of paper and laid it over the stitched pieces to find the best layout, cut and secured the edges with a thin zig zag stitch. Embroidered initials were added.

 

 

Squares were attached to illustration board with acrylic matt medium and foam core strips lifted the work. A business card was attached on the back and autographed. Hooks and wire were added so the work would hang flat on a wall.