Fredrick Law Olmsted, Designing the American Landscape by Charles E. Beverage and Paul Rocheleau, edited & designed by David Larkin
I love reading books about designers, architects and artists: the life and experiences of creatives who have gone before. There is much to learn from them. I am currently learning from Fredrick Law Olmsted. He is one of the forces responsible for the profession known as ‘Landscape Architect’ and the building of such verdant green spaces as Central Park and Biltmore. A quote that is particularly thought provoking;
“A park is a work of art, designed to produce certain effects upon the mind of men. There should be nothing in it, absolutely nothing — not a foot of surface nor a spear of grass — which does not represent study, design, a sagacious* consideration and application of known laws of cause and effect that reference to that end.” Nothing that does not fit.
How many times do I include something in a piece of work, or a room because of some consideration other than supporting the end goal? Embellishing something a quilt because I am in the mood for sparkly that day, or keeping a piece of furniture because I have it, not because it still retains a function or elicits love and wonder.
Don’t misunderstand that I am a minimalist and want everything distilled to it’s essential elements. Not in the least! Yet a strict questioning of something’s place in the larger scheme could possibly lead to stronger work. At least if I can implement the idea into working practice!
*Sagacious— having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment: shrewd
Composition created in a class with Nancy Crow, Quilting inspired by Diane Gaudynski
Join me at Houston International Quilt Festival’s Open Studio to see how I free-motion quilt and how easily you can do it too! See the methods shown in my DVD, Adventures In Free-Motion Quilting: A Fundamental Guide. See them in person & ask questions!
Friday, November 4th from 10:00am to noon
See you there!