06 January 2013

LOOKING BACK ON 2012

It’s been another busy, busy year…

Studio Classes, The FELTernative Exhibition, Victorian Feltmakers Incorporated (VFI), Meetings and Workshops, Weddings, catching-up with family and friends, from here and overseas, spending time with the grand-children, and…so much more.

We said goodbye to Peg and Kathy (from our Studio Family) at the start of the year. We are often reminded of their generosity of spirit, their positive outlook, and their determination to live Life to the fullest. I know many have experienced loss of family and friends in the past year.

Our Studio Family is such an enriching part of my life, and, I want to I say a huge ‘Thank you’ to you all. I am grateful to know and be part of such wonderful groups . I continue to be inspired by them and the people around me.

Highlight! The FELTERNATIVE 2012 EXHIBITION a huge success! As Sarah Louise Ricketts reported in the VFI’s FELTLINES Magazine ‘Each outing of the VFI, as an exhibiting community, has met with high praise and often amazement at the variety of techniques possible in our humble, old medium.' The venue, CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL Gallery in Prahran, Victoria, was a wonderful showcase for a diverse array of Felted items. Jan Everett and I have been at the forefront of the VFI Exhibitions for the past three years, and we have now passed the reins onto other members. At a personal level, being involved was hugely satisfying, the rewards, intrinsic, and invaluable.

Highlight! What a thrill! FELTLINES Winter 2012, the VFI magazine , carried an article ‘Rita Caspersz Creates…’. I was so overcome when I saw the image of my work on the cover, I had to pass it over to my husband, Tony, to digest it . The images came from Brittany Chard, who came for Studio sessions as a Student and now has her own ‘Brittany Chard Photography’ business.

Highlight! Awe-inspiring! Lithuanian artist, VILTE KAZLAUSKASTE, held a week of workshops for VFI. I was lucky to score a one-day workshop with Vilte which was totally awe-inspiring. Her philosophy of being one with the medium from the dream to the finished product, resonated completely with me.

Highlight! In October just passed I tutored for the VFI taking a full-day workshop for a ‘Versatile Tunic’ that was embellished with felt. Eight Fabulous Felters created some gorgeous works of Wearable Art which they tell me receives complements at each outing. Demand for more of the same will see a repeat of the workshop in June 2013.

In Term One 2013 Fundraiser Workshops (raising funds for a Cancer Hospital in Sri Lanka) are planned.  Participants, select their kits, and  make nine eighteen-inch blocks in the day. A day of food, fun and fabulous music, and for some a quilt-top to take away. Cost $60- a bargain! A truly worthwhile cause.

No comments: