Getting Cozy with Grids

Let's talk about grids. They're just so satisfying, aren't they? What is it about them that's so captivating? In a world full of chaos and randomness, grids are like a little slice of order. Or maybe it's the nostalgia factor kicking in. I mean, grids totally remind me of the farm fields and cozy quilts from my childhood. There's just something about them that feels like a warm hug.

So let me share some of the grids in my world this week.

I've been absolutely immersed in crafting my latest project—the Hue Shift Afghan—for the past few months, and let me tell you, I just love it! This isn't my first rodeo with this pattern—it's actually my second go-around, and I'm enjoying it even more than the first time. I snagged the kit from Knit Picks. The pattern itself is deceptively easy, but don't let that fool you—the chevron grid design and the dynamic color changes have me completely hooked and I find myself eagerly anticipating the next color shift with every row. The kit includes the pattern and enough skeins of acrylic yarn to complete the project. I don’t normally knit with acrylic, but this yarn is much nicer than I expected. It doesn’t have that telltale sheen that used to be a dead giveaway of acrylic fibers. If you're on the hunt for a new project that's both soothing and stimulating, give the Hue Shift Afghan a try. Trust me, you won't be able to put those needles down! You can find the kit here.

This small mixed media piece is part of a series I recently completed called Woven Stories, where each piece unfolds a narrative through a unique blend of mixed media. At the heart of each piece lies a grid I crafted from interwoven strips of clay, laying the foundation for an exploration of themes like home, shelter, relationships, and the passage of time. These intimate works invite viewers to delve into a world where iconic imagery serves as a doorway to emotions and experiences.

With every color and shape, I aim to evoke a sense of familiarity, drawing viewers into the composition to uncover the layers of meaning woven within. While the structured nature of a grid often serves as my starting point, there's something equally captivating about the organic, irregular lines that emerge in this piece, reminding us that beauty can be found in both order and chaos.

You can find this piece on display at the Var Gallery in Milwaukee through June 6th, and also in their online shop here.

Here is the installation of my entire Woven Stories series, debuting at the 30x30x30 Exhibition at the Var Gallery in Milwaukee, WI. This captivating showcase brings together the works of thirty artists, each piece meticulously arranged in thirty different stunning grid layouts. What sets my collection apart is its unique and delightful interplay of grids within a larger grid.

If you're unable to visit the gallery in person, don’t worry! The entire exhibition is available for viewing online through June 6th, offering a virtual feast for the eyes. Take a look here.

Speaking of grids, I'd love to hear how you've been incorporating them into your own creative endeavors. Do you use grids as part of your design process, or perhaps you've curated art displays in your home using a grid format? Share your ideas and experiences—I'm all ears!