So just what IS "Modern Quilting?"

Note: I have started and stopped on this post several times since late April. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get it finished, but I think the fact that many of my saved links were on the iPad had something to do with it.  (I don't like posting from the app!)  Anyway, even though it's maybe a bit outdated, I hope you will enjoy my ramblings.  (Assuming you ever do? :-)

Members of the Western New York Modern Quilters came to the Museum Quilt Guild's April meeting.  It was a great  meeting, with lots of inspiring quilts and the ladies themselves are just a fun group!!!

Oddly enough, this neutral quilt was one of my favorites!

The use of solids and graphic prints is part of modern quilting

This one is what is called "modern traditionalism"

I think this one uses what is called "Alternate grid work"

So at the next meeting of the ArtCGirlz, we continued the discussion- to learn more about what exactly makes a quilt modern.  I did quite a bit of reading in the few books I have, and on blogs.  Do a search for "What is Modern Quilting?". Many of the results contain this statement, from the Modern Quilt Guild:
Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. "Modern traditionalism" or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.

 (They have a nice gallery, by the way, so click on the link to read and see more!)

This post was very interesting to me as well.  I loved that she seemed just as confused as I was/am.
And there are several opinions over at Generation Q, from an essay contest. 
And this one seems to think there really isn't anything new under the sun.
Oh, and more eye candy here! (Jacquie Gering is one of the pioneers of Modern Quilting, I think)
So, whatever.

I saved a few pictures in my travels, but didn't save the maker's names or websites.  (I'd feel worse about that if many of the pictures I found weren't uncredited at pinterest) 
I like off center log cabins.  And I like when they kind of make the whole quilt one big block.  I think I'd like to play with the alternate grid work thing, too. 

One thing I could not find anywhere was information on the way "modern" quilts are quilted.  They all seem to be heavily quilted; with lots of straight lines and textured patterns. 

One thing I love about the modern quilting movement is that they are making what seem to be functional art quilts.  I like making art quilts, but how many of them can I hang in my house?  (My family also has limited wall space).  So making art quilts that go on a bed appeals to me!  However if I have to use solids and "modern" prints, my stash is completely inadequate.  sigh

I recently ranted on Facebook about the phonebooks tossed along the roads by me like someone's empty McDonald's bag. I'm appalled by the lack of concern for the environment shown by Frontier Communications.  I posted such on their Facebook page and got a polite "thank you for your feedback."  When I specifically asked if there was a way to not get the phonebook, I was given this link: https://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/
Seems great until I realized I had already opted out- most likely the last time they tossed one in the vicinity of the mailbox.  At this site, they proudly extol their efforts in reducing waste and sustainability.  And yet, they still dropped TWO of their unwanted books on me.   I'm sure the people who pay for ads want to make sure they are getting their money's worth. So, once again the wishes of the people are overlooked in favor of the corporate machine.

I am grateful for:
So far our heat waves have been relatively short.
We got some rain the other day.  (I went out in it to make sure every bucket I could lay my hands on was filled before it stopped!)
Keeping in touch.
Lucas is picking up the slack.
A lap full of happy kittens.