Elaine Luther
Artist, Writer
Welcome, I’m Elaine.
I make art, write about art and teach people how to teach art. I also give speeches, such as Studio Rules!Find out more about me.
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New Work: Words and Textiles/Care Work Makes All Work Possible & ERA NOW
Here's an idea that's been bouncing around for a long time that I finally made. I was planning to cut out the letters on my Silhouette electronic cutter, but darn if an operating system (iOS) update didn't break the Silhouette software. Silhouette does not seem to be...
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New Work: Collaboration with Unknown Quilters
In this quilt top, I've combined found quilt blocks from two different and unknown quilters, into one. My creative constraints for this type of project are: No new quilt blocks (well, okay, I had to make just one block in order to make this work, using squares pre-cut...
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Ruth Asawa and the Mythical Basketmaker of Mexico
On the origins of Ruth Asawa’s method for creating her suspended wire sculptures. The Myth There is a myth about Ruth Asawa, the Japanese-American sculptor known for her suspended wire forms. The myth says that she went to Mexico in 1947 (or ‘48) and “a local...
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Creative Reuse Stores and Events in Chicago and the Midwest
What's a creative reuse store? It's a place that keeps good stuff out of landfills. They're often not-for-profits and may specialize in selling home improvement supplies or art and craft supplies that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Many stores offer hands-on...
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KALLAX + Container Store = See Through Storage
After writing about IKEA hacks for your craft room or studio for the Craft Industry Alliance, I thought I should share my own studio storage solutions. The large KALLAX is tucked into a little alcove in the wall, maybe there used to be a built-in unit of some kind...
read moreNew Blog Post for CIA: Beyond the RASKOG: 10 IKEA Hacks for Your Craft Studio
I have a new guest blog post up for the Craft Industry Alliance on IKEA hacks for your craft room or studio! You can read it here: Beyond the RASKOG: 10 IKEA Hacks for Your Craft Studio
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How to be an Excellent Teacher of Your Art or Craft
Elaine Luther demonstrating a T-shirt printing method in a class. I have taught since 1992, starting when I was a college student myself. I consistently get really high reviews for my teaching and I want to share with you what I’ve learned over the years so that you...
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The Sneakiest of Sneak Peeks at What’s in my Studio
I'm a big believer in not talking too much about art while it's being made. One should save that energy for the work. But after talking so much about being in a not-very-productive phase, of giving up even, in previous posts, I wanted to show you that I'm doing...
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How to Finally Focus and Write Your Blog Posts!
If you ever struggle with getting your blog posts written for your artist website, I'm here to help with actionable steps that really work! Idea capture The first step is the idea. You need a system to capture ideas as they come to you. This can be as simple as a...
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Artists Collaborate on Being Bold: Women Inventors Placemat!
Time for me to fill you in on my collaboration with my artist friend, Betsy Zacsek, who illustrated the lovely Women Inventor's Placemat! Here's what happened, about a year ago, my daughter was having breakfast, using one of our many educational placemats. She looked...
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