Workshop Two: 11th – 13th Nov, 2011
Mary Pal
Painting with Cheesecloth
This workshop covers a method of manipulating fabric
that incorporates sculpture, painting and transparency, and how to use this technique to create effective portraits with cheesecloth. We will explore portraiture to learn how to depict the qualities of the human face that elicit emotional responses in viewers. We will examine a variety of ways in which photographs may be adjusted to create useful patterns, and discuss many finishing and mounting options. Working first from a simple photo to master the various methods of designing with this technique, students then may choose to begin a piece from a photo of their own or to relax with a whimsical piece on which they can practise
their new skills while adding personal touches.
Mary Pal is an Ottawa-based fibre artist known for her cheesecloth portraits. Her work
has been exhibited and collected throughout North America and has been featured in
Quilting Arts Magazine and on Quilting Arts TV. She has also produced large works for
public buildings, most notably a colourful triptych of playful quilted houses spanning 50 feet in the Glebe Community Centre’s main hall. A teacher for over 35 years, she loves to share her knowledge and skills with her students and derives great satisfaction from making a difficult technique or concept easy to learn. Currently sitting on the Board of Studio Art Quilt Associates, Mary is an enthusiastic promoter of the growing fibre art movement in Canada.
