I was lucky to participate in a class with Kaffe Fassett and his partner Brandon Mabley last week. He is an amazing artist that brings creativity and color to pretty much everything he touches. He has just recently released his autobiography “Dreaming in Color” which is a fabulous story of a creative life.
Kaffe Fassett – Dreaming in Color
This class was everything I imagined (and feared) plus more. It pushed me right out of my “matchy matchy” box into another world. Frankly, it would have been much easier to climb out of that box with a glass of wine in hand. Maybe a good suggestion for a future class! :-)
Kaffe Fabrics…Getting Ready for the Class
The class focused on his quilt Bordered Diamonds out of the book Simple Shapes Spectacular Shapes inspired by a tile mosaic outside of his front door. This seems like such a simple task, but don’t be fooled. Here is a photo of the original quilt by Kaffe.
Kaffe Fassett Bordered Diamonds Quilt
The goal here was to make the colors vibrate and sing and make your eye wander curiously to discover the quilt, the colors and patterns.
This was NOT a quilt class, but rather a study in color. And, it was simply amazing.
My brain has been forever stretched! There are really no words to fully explain everything that occurred in this class so I will simply show some photos of my work at the class and over the weekend as I tried to channel my new found energy on color. Here are some of my blocks….
Bordered Diamonds Blocks
Bordered Diamonds Blocks
Bordered Diamonds Blocks
Bordered Diamonds Blocks
One thing I found particularly interesting was his description of color and texture. It was amazing how they described in words the colors that they saw and how they resonated with them. It seems that I might need to expand my descriptive vocabulary. Here is a photo of my design wall at the class…
Design Wall at Class
And, here’s a photo of my design wall at home…I spent 5 hours on Friday night playing with color and pushing my brain to another place (no alcohol was involved I promise).
Wendy’s Bordered Diamonds – Playing with Layout
I took many photos during the class, but the photos were corrupted on my memory card. I would highly recommend a class taught by both of them if you have the chance. You can visit their website, sign up for their newsletter and look at their upcoming calendar where you might be able to catch them.
Kaffe Fassett – Dreaming in Color
HI , I AM ALSO A BIG ,BIG FAN OF KAFFE FASSETT TOO AND LOOK ON DEAR BRANDONS PAGE ON FB NEARLY EVERY DAY , I M A KNITTER ,AND HAVE ALL HIS BOOKS ,THEY ARE SO VERY SPECIAL AS KAFFE AND BRANDON AS FRIENDS ON FB
GLAD YOU’RE LOVING COLOUR FANTASTIC
I HAVE BEEN KNITTING FOR 25YEARS BUT ,BECAUSE OF EYESIGHT SADLY I CAN’T QUILT BUT ,THAT NEVER STOPS ME LOVING ALL YOU GUYS FOR LOVING COLOUR SEND ALL MY LOVE FROM HOLYHEAD , ANGLESEY U,K
WOULD YOU LIKE ANOTHER FB FRIEND CAZ X
Caz…sounds like kaffe has inspired you for years! I have just recently considered taking up knitting as well…sounds fun. I love all the color as well. Yes, friend me on FB!
I took a Kaffe class this weekend and had much the same experience as you did. He definitely pushed me OUT of my box – face first kicking and screaming! But the overall experience was fabulous!
Irelle…so glad I was not the only one with this experience. Now, the challenge is to continue pushing outside my box! Have a great day.
I really like the close ups of the diamond blocks you’ve posted here – they are very instructive, and luscious to look at. Kaffe is my uncle – I’ve co-taught painting, quilts, etc., with him several times – and I admire your attitude!
Thanks Erin…this entire project has bent my brain a bit and it has been a fun process for me. You are blessed to have come from such a creative family. I started my creative journey a bit late but am enjoying it! Thanks for stopping by!
By the way, your paintings are beautiful and inspiring.