“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Herman Cain quotes (American business man, author and speaker

Life must be good as I have been so busy working I have not had time to write in my blog.

Since my last entry I have been invited to create my line of clothing for Buffalo State College Runway #3 as an alumna. This so exciting since last year when I received the invitation I was swimming in the deep end of the pool at Savannah College of Art & Design, Graduate Fiber Program.

Erin Habes, BSC alumna, adjunct instructor and former boutique owner of Sweet & Dirty in Buffalo is the driving force behind the Runway Fashion shows in Buffalo. The Runway, first held in April 2008, was based on the collaboration of students from Erin’s fashion show production class and David Brinson’s senior project class. Held at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, it was featured as a Gusto at the Gallery event. http://bscrunway.wordpress.com/tag/romance-of-upban-decay/


Exciting update, my one of a kind Devore scarves are going to be available at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts shop in time for the Holiday Season. http://www.pittsburgharts.org/shop_index.php

Each item is painstakingly crafted in velvet burnout with a unique hand applied pattern, then in dyed in multiple layers of hues to achieve my finish product. I see each piece as wearable art rather than a simple item of clothing. Although I am frequently asked, I always fail to give an account for the hours put into any individual item, as with any work of art I stay with it until it is complete. Obviously, the time and love I put into each item is reflected in the price. Devore is a simple technique yet not an easy technique. Even after five years of building skills in this medium I still have burnout that goes too far rendering the item useless. When I ask myself why I keep working in Devore, I always come back to my love of the rich hues playing in reflective light of the rich silk/ rayon velvet cloth. I can feel textiles with my eyes; the color makes my eyes dance. I love what I do, therefore, I will call it success ;~)

In addition to the Pittsburgh Center for the Art Shop, and ShopSCAD, my Devore is available at the Burchfield Penny Art Musem Store http://www.yournewburchfieldpenney.com/?select=about&data=historya as well as our Etsy shoppe designed by my daughter Kara Rice Raffertyhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8045224


Last weekend I made another prolific use of my time by meeting with the cheerful and friendly gallery director, Brigette Martin, to install my work for the Paper or Plastic ? show opening at the Luke & Eloy Gallery November 14th. 11-5:00 pm http://lukeandeloy.ning.com/events/paper-or-plastic

Last yet surely not least, I was the guest of art critic Kurt Shaw to the opening night of, Shephard Fairey at the Andy Warhol Museum last Saturday evening. http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/museums/s_649175.html

So exciting to be the guest of Kurt, who is so respected as an artist, art critic and owner of Shaw Gallery in downtown Pittsburgh.
http://www.artnet.com/Galleries/Home.asp?G=&gid=424332808&which=&rta=http://www.artnet.com


Now I have to get back to work with renewed enthusiasm after such a prolific weekend. Keep doing what you love and success will follow, in the mean time you are enjoying your life. Sounds like a win/win to me ;~)