Something to Say About the Digital Age

New inventions have always been both delightful and frightening. An autonomous car is no different than a telephone, except for the century in which it is imbedded into human lives.

By Design, 22 X 22, $300

By Design, 22 X 22, $300

 My Voice (the artistic voice of Joan Sowada) is exemplified by using images of people and animals, usually in relationship with each other and the out doors. My medium and color palette have closely aligned with nature and nurturing ideas. Most of my contemporary art quilts also have a strong use of light and shadow.

My latest artwork has something to say about the digital age. So a change in fabric was necessary to push the messages. I am using black and white, wild patterns and pops of artificial color. I am using images that have more than one meaning, and I am still able to use my voice. These pieces are my Technology Series. It started with Sunday Afternoon, which shows how people now experience their day by recording it. A few other characteristics of the new digital age are: addiction, lack of privacy, built in obsolescence, no down time,  computer interface with the youngest most plastic minds, instant expectations, obsession, too much information.

A Minute of Clarity,15.5 X 28, 2016 , $375

A Minute of Clarity,15.5 X 28, 2016 , $375

More positive consequences of the digital age are: global network (easier to find other fabric artists!), shared intelligence (science, expertise on anything, political views, recipes, etc.), amazing programs that can render 3D images of an architects plans or make it possible to help a surgeon on another continent), and shared entertainment (art, music, movies, uplifting stories, cute animals, etc.).

What will be the next evolution of Humans? Check my Gallery page for more artwork in the Technology Series.

Followers, 28 X 51.5, $950

Followers, 28 X 51.5, $950

New Order and Taking Stock

After reading “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, I have given myself permission to devote several months to the task of going through everything in my house that is mine. It is simple enough to ask the clarifying question of “Does this thing bring me joy?”, but after that it is… Read more »

Inspiration from Photos

I am often inspired to create art quilts based on my own candid photos. Here are some examples of pieces that started out this way. I am drawn to photos that have good composition and strong contrast of light and dark. I sometimes combine multiple images of a subject to add impact. (Magic Wall also has… Read more »

Is it Good Artwork?

I was recently asked to judge an art show. The art was created by adults, in all media (including photography), from all over the state of Wyoming. The previous time I did this task was children’s art and County Fair. Thankfully in both instances there was a second person judging, making the decisions easier. It… Read more »

If the Power Goes Out

After a week of enjoying 2 hours a day of Spring garden cleanup, Winter has returned for a bit. The power is not likely to fail, but what if it did? Some artists work without power tools of any kind – colored pencil, paint, markers, etc. to render an image, as long as there is day light…. Read more »

Entering the Studio

This week it will be easy to descend into my basement studio, because I am enjoying hand stitching on a large abstract piece. It covers about 1/3 of a ping pong tale and I am exited about the process and the results. I can already see the piece complete, so I am excited to finish… Read more »

Repeating Myself – in a good way

I have recently chosen to create two art quilts comprised of multiple images of wonderful exciting shadows! How many times have I already been drawn to this subject matter? Cosmic Bicycle, Magic Wall, Purple Stroller. Only three times? It seems like way more than this. So… after reviewing my inventory list back to 2003 I… Read more »

Seasonal Artist and Late Bloomer

When are you most productive? I love to work in the garden, specializing in Xeric landscaping, but also growing food crops and tending public places that receive water. Each season has it’s own challenges and delights, that I find enormously and creatively entertaining. Thank goodness I live in Wyoming – a place that really does… Read more »

Creating Abstract Art

For several years now, I have been pushing my art in the abstract direction, even when the image is about a person (and possibly a dog). It is a challenge to retain just enough detail and definition in a snap shot story to give the viewer something to hang on to, and not give them… Read more »