Portland Yarn BridgePortland Sculpture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took a break recently to go to Portland, Oregon for my husband’s niece’s wedding and wanted to share some inspiration from the trip.

The first day we took a long walk around Portland’s different neighborhoods and walked across the Broadway Bridge on the upper left and were surprised to see it decorated with colorful knitted and crocheted banners. Known as “yarn bombing,” this temporary art event was prompted by the 100 year anniversary of the bridge on August 10. I found some more information about it here, if you’re interested. The colors were wonderful and such a pleasant surprise along the way!

The image on the right just spoke to me with the interesting textures of the stone and wood sculpture–seemed like it would make an interesting quilt design.

Building texture in Portland

Building texture in Portland

It’s always inspirational to go to a new city in another part of the country, or the world, and see a different aesthetic in your surroundings. I was intrigued with the linear design on the lower half of the building on the left–lots of possibilities there!

And of course it was fun to visit with my husband’s family, meet new friends, and welcome someone new into the family with the wedding.

This week I’m back on a plane to Oregon for the Art in the High Desert show in Bend, taking place August 23-25. It’s a bit of a logistical challenge to do a show all the way across the country, but the tent is reserved, the panels are shipped and have arrived in plenty of time, the small canvas works are shipped and should get there Wednesday. I have the larger wall hangings to pack in my carry on suitcase, and a list of things not to forget! I’m looking forward to it, and if you’re in the Bend area next weekend, I’ll be in Booth 27C.

My next two shows are local, the McLean Project for the Arts Artfest on October 6 in McLean, VA and the Great Falls Studios 10th Anniversary Studio Tour October 19-20 in Great Falls, VA. Mark your calendars!