All presentations are available as live virtual programs via Zoom:
- 45 minute digital slide show + Q&A
- Up to 100 participants
- whirlwood Serendipity Studio tour optional!
I am open to tailoring a program that suits your needs.
Driven to Abstraction
Brenda creates textile works made from a rich palette of her hand-dyed fabrics complemented by intensive stitching. Much of her work is inspired by the colour and patterns of the natural world with a focus on her surroundings at the “other” Copacabana in Australia and her New Zealand homeland. Using a process of abstraction, Brenda strives to capture the essence of her subjects in simplified form. Working improvisationally, she refines line, shape, colour and texture to evoke a sense of place, express an idea, highlight an issue or elicit an emotional response. Learn more about Brenda’s inspiration and process in this colourful lecture.
The Art of Finishing
Finishing and sharing work is a valuable way of maintaining creative momentum. Brenda shares tips and tricks to enhance the presentation of YOUR quilts and textile art including a review of artful finishing techniques and a fresh look at hanging sleeves and label-making.
The Art of Curating
The art of curating brings three distinct imperatives: to select; to organise; and to look after items in an exhibition. Drawing upon more than 15 years’ experience in exhibition administration, including several popular international touring exhibits, independent curator Brenda Gael Smith reflects on the highlights and challenges of these imperatives providing insights and takeaway tips for both artists and exhibition organisers.
Quilts & Composition
Any quilt you make is an act of design. Whether it is traditional, contemporary, modern or an art quilt, you are creating a set of marks, shapes and colours that have a connection to each other. Drawing upon an inspiring collection of works from across the quilting spectrum, Brenda Gael Smith examines the elements and principles of design in action and highlights recurring types of quilt composition. Understanding composition provides a vocabulary for describing and evaluating quilt design and provides a foundation for developing your creative practice, whatever style of quilts you make.
Jurying & Judging Art Quilts: Original Design
When it comes to jurying and judging art quilts, the focus should be on evaluating the works as art. Drawing upon 15+ years in exhibition administration, Brenda’s presentation provides a framework for approaching jurying and judging assignments with thought-provoking case studies on the issue of original design. This presentation is primarily designed for exhibition organisers and judging education programs but can be tailored for art quilting groups.
Technology & Your Creative Practice
Sometimes artists and technology seem like oil and water – they just don’t mix – but it doesn’t need to be that way! In this presentation, Brenda reviews useful tools, skills and resources to complement your creative practice. From digital photography to setting up an online presence; time management to exhibition planning; and more!
Copyright & Textile Creatives in the 21st Century
This introductory lecture covers copyright fundamentals for the 21st century creative in Australia. What is copyright? what does it apply to? how long does it last? what are the exceptions? enforcement and so on. The lecture also addresses some frequently asked questions and common issues such as:
- Quilt Show Photography & Online Sharing Guidelines
- incorporating copyrighted materials such as images and quotes into your work
- exhibiting quilts made from patterns or “inspired by” other people’s designs
- proper use of patterns
- patterns and templates found on the internet
- proper use of workshop handouts
- teaching from other people’s patterns or work
