Curly Maple Frame
One of Wayne's recently finished frames, 27" x 41 x 1" overall, opening size of 18.75" x 30". Wood is highly figured Curly Maple with linseed oil and beeswax giving it a smooth hand rubbed satin finish. The frame is now handed off to Pam. Already she has some ideas for a piece that will compliment the frame. Wayne sees the frame's Japanese influence calling for a subdued moon with wind blown long grasses. What will Pam see? Watch this space....
American Basswood Hollow Log
A unique one of a kind American Basswood Hollow Log is now displayed in our home gallery. Basswood is known as a bee tree for it's very early season nectar source, and for it's commonly found hollow structure utilized by wild bees for hives. The four shelves are raw edged White Pine. The attached base is Hemlock. All locally sourced wood. Dimensions: 6' 2 1/2" high X 34" wide X 18" deep; base is 40" wide X 21 1/2" deep. Email Wayne for more information.
Making the Cut, Invitational Exhibit: Bonifas Arts Center, Escanaba, MI
Selected works by Wayne Walma, Mass City, MI; Marjorie Tucker, Boston, MA; Kristin Shields, Bend, OR; Judy Rantz, Northport, MI; Gwen Marston, Beaver Island, MI; Karen Duling, Laingsburg, MI; Cindy Bowker, Bozeman, MT; Pam Beal, Mass City, MI.
Gallery Reception: Bonifas Arts Center
Making the Cut: Exhibit Opens Today
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| A collection of "appliqued" trees, Wayne Walma |
| Formations: Sans Marching Band, in process, Pam J. Beal |
Pam J. Beal in American Quilter
The November 2013 issue of American Quilter is out and the award winning quilt, "Suddenly..." is in. Thank you American Quilter's Society. www.americanquilter.com
American Quilter's Society, Grand Rapids
"Suddenly..." 35" x 45" by Pam J. Beal was awarded 2nd. place in the Wall Quilts-Hand Quilted category. Three-quarter inch squares in a large composition was the starting point. What if? Persistence. The hand quilting was done in a floor frame. Suddenly, it is a quilt.
Birdseye Table/Artistree
The unique birdseye maple table, 75" long x 27" deep x 40" high, is now on display at Artistree Gallery Cooperative. This hollow log design is a variation on a turn of the century upholsterer's table. Designed and handcrafted by Wayne Walma.
Overheard: "There will never be another one like it." www.facebook.com/ArtistreeGallery
American Quilter's Society
PRESS RELEASE: Paducah, Kentucky- Pam J. Beal has been chosen to display the quilt, "Suddenly....", along with 328 others in the second year of the AQS QuiltWeek-Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 14-17, 2013 at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Three quilting authorities will judge this elite group in Grand Rapids, awarding First, Second, and Third place prizes in five categories, along with five overall awards. Quilts were entered in this international contest from 42 U. S. states and 6 other countries. The quilt artists employ a wide variety of techniques and design methods ranging from traditional designs, such as the Log Cabin and Lone Star, to original painted and embellished motifs. AQS Founder and President Meredith Schroeder says, "Whether you enjoy the tried and true traditional quilt patterns, or enjoy the creativity being used in today's art quilts, there will be quilts of every size, color, and technique to enjoy." For more information, please go to www.americanquilter.com.
Bonifas Arts Center, Escanaba, MI
A proposal was presented to the Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba, MI. Transitions: Making the Cut opens January 9, 2014.
Show Statement: A group show of multiple transitions; of style, of scale, of material. The cut sets the tone. From traditional quilting techniques of piecing and applique to freeform, improvisational manipulation of cloth, to the unexpected material- the use of wood. Wood will be presented interacting with cloth, a complimentary expression of fiber. Design transitions from traditional to the abstract presenting an exciting visual mix of color, texture, and size. A fresh display of cutting edge artwork.
Composition of Group: This is a group of emerging and established artists, including award winning artists and authors. Collectively they have presented solo and group exhibits nationally and internationally. All are rooted in the classic tradition of art and fine craft and celebrate improvisation on this heritage.
Wayne Walma, Mass City, MI; Marjorie Tucker, Calgary, Alberta Canada; Kristin Shields, Bend, OR; Judy Rantz, Northport, MI; Gwen Marston, Beaver Island, MI; Pat Isaman, Harrodsburg, KY; Pat Haas, Annapolis, MD; Karen Duling, Laingsburg, MI; Cindy Bowker, Bozeman, MT; Pam J. Beal, Mass City, MI.
Show Statement: A group show of multiple transitions; of style, of scale, of material. The cut sets the tone. From traditional quilting techniques of piecing and applique to freeform, improvisational manipulation of cloth, to the unexpected material- the use of wood. Wood will be presented interacting with cloth, a complimentary expression of fiber. Design transitions from traditional to the abstract presenting an exciting visual mix of color, texture, and size. A fresh display of cutting edge artwork.
Composition of Group: This is a group of emerging and established artists, including award winning artists and authors. Collectively they have presented solo and group exhibits nationally and internationally. All are rooted in the classic tradition of art and fine craft and celebrate improvisation on this heritage.
Wayne Walma, Mass City, MI; Marjorie Tucker, Calgary, Alberta Canada; Kristin Shields, Bend, OR; Judy Rantz, Northport, MI; Gwen Marston, Beaver Island, MI; Pat Isaman, Harrodsburg, KY; Pat Haas, Annapolis, MD; Karen Duling, Laingsburg, MI; Cindy Bowker, Bozeman, MT; Pam J. Beal, Mass City, MI.
Blue Heron Gallery, Elk Rapids, MI
We are pleased to continue our relationship with the Blue Heron Gallery, established in 2000 and located in the serene bay town of Elk Rapids, Michigan. The Blue Heron Gallery brings to Northern Michigan artistic creations by Michigan artists. We were featured artists at Art Beat 10/2012. Art Beat 2013 is scheduled on June 1st., and October 5th. www.blueherongallery-er.com
Artistree Gallery, Land O' Lakes, WI
We are very pleased to have been given the opportunity to become owner/members of Artistree Gallery, an artist owned and operated cooperative located in Land O' Lakes, WI. Inspired by the Land O' Lakes Area Artisans, Inc. (LOLA) initiative as a venue to promote the arts in Northern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Artistree Gallery was formed by a group of artists in 2009. The beautiful log building in the heart of downtown Land O' Lakes, is a space shared by Artistree Gallery and the LOLA Center for the Arts. Artists show their original works in a variety of media including painting, fiber arts, jewelry, pottery, photography, glass and sculpture. The gallery is tended by the artists and generous volunteers.
www.facebook.com/ArtistreeGallery
www.facebook.com/ArtistreeGallery
About Art
Our work is a celebration of the complimentary relationship of wood and soft fiber. We celebrate the challenge and excitement that we experience creating these pieces. We have taken turns with design lead, whether the "quilt" or the frame-stand-sculpture came first. An appreciation of nature is a strong influence in our work, and the manipulation of fiber is accomplished hand in hand with what nature provided. There is interplay of grain and texture. Color adds punch. Our work uses found or re purposed items as primary design materials or as embellishments, and results from respect of a philosophy of using it up and wearing it out.
The woodwork exhibits the range of fine furniture in the arts and crafts tradition to rustic work. The soft fiber includes cotton, silk, mohair and wool. The pieced foundation is enhanced by applique and the quilted line.
Creating art involves many animated conversations and brainstorming sessions over dinner. Completion of each piece is marked with a small party.
Our pieces are contained in private collections internationally.
The woodwork exhibits the range of fine furniture in the arts and crafts tradition to rustic work. The soft fiber includes cotton, silk, mohair and wool. The pieced foundation is enhanced by applique and the quilted line.
Creating art involves many animated conversations and brainstorming sessions over dinner. Completion of each piece is marked with a small party.
Our pieces are contained in private collections internationally.
About Wayne
Wayne Walma, Woodworker: Wood is constantly in motion. Over the course of its existence it seems to invite various ways of blending with human wants and needs. I approach all my woodwork from a traditional cabinetmaker point of view. Joints are tight and strong and at times, the method of construction becomes a design element. I prefer finishing with nontoxic material such as milk paint and polymerized linseed oil. In my commission work I attend to what the commissioner wishes the piece to say, function or just for pretty, perhaps both. My shop is a contemporary woodworking shop with modern power tools and a good selection of hand tools.

My work has seen a progression to more independent work as woodworker/artist. This progression is related to collaborative work with my partner, Pam Beal, and her movement from traditional quilting to an increasingly recognized art quilter. I have become intrigued with piecing and applique of wood fiber looking at it as a quilter would look at cloth fiber. Taking into account the movement of the wood fiber in design is the struggle.
A notion suggested to me by an artist friend/mentor moves me to consider Wabi-Sabi: the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete; the beauty of things modest and humble; the beauty of things unconventional.
I reflect on materials I use:
Hand planed white pine floor boards from Pennala log home
Yellow birch log from neighbor Robert’s wood that “doesn’t look like a normal Birch.” It was Flame Yellow Birch.
Hollow logs diverted from use as culverts
Recovered 100 year submerged hemlock log from Flintsteel River
Apple wood from trees that have succumbed from too many years being climbed and broken by bear and raccoon
Roofing tin; ubiquitous in the U. P.
My work has seen a progression to more independent work as woodworker/artist. This progression is related to collaborative work with my partner, Pam Beal, and her movement from traditional quilting to an increasingly recognized art quilter. I have become intrigued with piecing and applique of wood fiber looking at it as a quilter would look at cloth fiber. Taking into account the movement of the wood fiber in design is the struggle.
A notion suggested to me by an artist friend/mentor moves me to consider Wabi-Sabi: the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete; the beauty of things modest and humble; the beauty of things unconventional.
I reflect on materials I use:
Hand planed white pine floor boards from Pennala log home
Yellow birch log from neighbor Robert’s wood that “doesn’t look like a normal Birch.” It was Flame Yellow Birch.
Hollow logs diverted from use as culverts
Recovered 100 year submerged hemlock log from Flintsteel River
Apple wood from trees that have succumbed from too many years being climbed and broken by bear and raccoon
Roofing tin; ubiquitous in the U. P.
About Pam
Pam J. Beal, Quilter:
Playing the French Horn was my path to art. The ability to develop original pieces and improvise on tradition is a freedom that arose with needle art. I learned to be adventurous with art quilts.
My approach to making art is borrowed from the large textile tradition. Abstract Design in American Quilts, the 1971 exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City served as a new chapter in the evolution of the quilt. Quilts were selected for a visual aesthetic and displayed on the wall. Abstract design excites my imagination.
Using needle and thread to piece cloth and hold layers of fiber together has been practiced through the ages. I’m proud to contribute to the preservation of an ancient skill. I find pleasure in quilting by hand using an old fashioned floor frame. The hand quilting develops design and texture on the surface of the work, and directly reveals the hand of the artist in the art.
Inspiration comes from music, nature, study, life experiences and concerns. Collaboration with my husband Wayne Walma, Woodworker, expands creativity. The imaginative wood frames embellish and interact with the art quilts. Making and sharing art enhances our simple lifestyle.
Playing the French Horn was my path to art. The ability to develop original pieces and improvise on tradition is a freedom that arose with needle art. I learned to be adventurous with art quilts.
My approach to making art is borrowed from the large textile tradition. Abstract Design in American Quilts, the 1971 exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City served as a new chapter in the evolution of the quilt. Quilts were selected for a visual aesthetic and displayed on the wall. Abstract design excites my imagination.
Using needle and thread to piece cloth and hold layers of fiber together has been practiced through the ages. I’m proud to contribute to the preservation of an ancient skill. I find pleasure in quilting by hand using an old fashioned floor frame. The hand quilting develops design and texture on the surface of the work, and directly reveals the hand of the artist in the art.
Inspiration comes from music, nature, study, life experiences and concerns. Collaboration with my husband Wayne Walma, Woodworker, expands creativity. The imaginative wood frames embellish and interact with the art quilts. Making and sharing art enhances our simple lifestyle.
1st. Place Award, Fabrications III: Art Quilts of the U.P., Bonifas Fine Arts Center
Woodland Equinox, 14" x 10" Awarded First Place in Fabrications III. This abstract impression of a stand of birch trees with cotton, silk, hand quilting and oak hanger is now contained in a private collection in Houghton, MI. http://www.bonifasarts.org
Porcupine Aplenty-Published!
It was an exciting day when Liberated Medallion Quilts by Gwen Marston arrived, complete with autograph by Gwen. The Porcupine Aplenty quilt is published on page 85 with a detail on page 84. The photography by Charles R. Lynch clearly shows the hand quilting. Additionally, the American Quilter's Society at it's Grand Rapids, MI show August 22-25, 2012: De Vos Place Convention Center, will feature a special exhibit of many of the medallion quilts pictured in Gwen's book. Porcupine Aplenty will be there! I could not be more pleased. http://www.gwenmarston.com/ http://www.americanquilter.com/
Great Lakes Trading Company
The Great Lakes Trading Company of the Porcupine Mountains is located in Silver City, MI on beautiful Lake Superior. Formerly an abandoned house, transformed into an artisans gallery featuring artists from the great lakes region. Our work is available in the gallery, and Pam will be greeting & assisting visitors again in the 2013 season. http://www.greatlakestradingcompany.com
Compositions in Wood and Cloth
The Sweet Water is named for the sap from the Maple tree that is boiled down to make delicious local maple syrup. "Compositions in Wood and Cloth" is a series of small pieces displayed to surprise and entertain. This is our second show at the Sweet Water and the first formal display of our small compositions.
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